The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia

I purchased this book because it is recommeneded in The Well Trained Mind. We will be using it in our home school next year. I love that it is laid out by subject area. It seems to be the perfect amount of information for elementary education. Lots of full color pictures and drawings.

This is our science centerpiece book for our homeschooled grammar stage kids. The plan is: we read a couple of pages appropriate to grade level (first is biol; second is earth sci/planetary sci; third is chemistry; fourth is physical science/computer science). The kids make a timeline of major events in science history (invention of microscope; "discovery" of gravity, etc.). We then head to the library for more books on the subject (ooh, dinosaur books...). Later, it's reports or dictation (again, based on grade level) and, after a couple of weeks, on to the next topic. This is a great science book to use as the basis of your curriculum because it's all there in one book. Rather than purchasing a different curriculum (with worksheets, etc.) for each grade, this book is used for all four years. Greatly reduces your costs! Good book, well put-together. See Well Trained Mind for more info on homeschooling your kid. If you're not homeschooling, this book is a great way to cement the cracks in the education your kids may be receiving. Quite frankly, it's a great way to learn stuff YOU might have missed.

Our family really enjoys the format of this book. The 10 thematic chapters seem more coherent than the old books alphabetic style. Concepts are tied together rather than merely a list of factoids. There are plenty of ways to look up information alphabetically. I have to say we much prefer this verion. Great illustrations throughout. I wish the 10 volume set was available here.