I jumped at the chance to review Exploring the World of Physics by Tiner for several reasons. One, it is a physics book from a Creationist perspective. That’s good. Two, it is for middle school students. I have one middle school students right now, and at least five more coming up through the ranks soon. Three, I never took physics in school and I have always regretted that.
I have read the first four chapters, and I can tell you it is keeping my attention. Each chapter is short — about ten pages. Each chapter contains sidebars with fascinating extra bits of information, activities, scientist biographies, and historical information. Each chapter starts with a problem set and ends with a solution set. Each chapter has a set of questions at the end designed for the student to test themselves on their understanding of the material.
At the beginning, the book states that a middle school student should be able to take this book and work through it on their own. I am curious about this claim, because I have had algebra and I am still having a little trouble following all the formulas. However, the formulas only make up a small portion of each chapter. Most of each chapter is describing the history of the law of physics being discussed and the arrival at solutions for the problem set. I can skim over the formulas and still get the main ideas from each chapter. The introduction also states that a mother can work through the book with her elementary students and they can get a basic grasp of many of the concepts. I would agree with this statement. The book also states that high school students can use the book as a review, and complete the sections titled “For Extra Study” to bring the book more up to their level. I think this is absolutely true.
I think the only caviat I would say about this book is that if you want your middle school student to work through it independently make sure they are already familiar with a basic understanding of what a formula is and how a formula works.
My bottom line is this. I like this book a lot, and plan on finishing it for myself. I am planning to require the book for my middle school students once they have been exposed to basic algebra and I expect it to be a highly effective introduction to physics.
Disclaimer: I was provided this book for free from New Leaf Publishing group in exchange for posting a thoughtful review on this blog. I am always honest and all opinions expressed on this blog are my own.
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