Customer Reviews

Exploring the World of Biology

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Everyone should have an informed understanding of the basic principals of biology. "Exploring The World Of Biology: From Mushrooms To Complex Life Forms" by John Hudson Tiner is a combination text book and work book that is ideal for introducing students and non-specialist general readers to those basic concepts that compose the science of biology. Readers will learn how biological classification provide each different type of plant and animal with a unique nomenclature (name), the variety of means by which plant seeds are spread around the world; the body utilizes foods for energy and how that energy is stored; the processes by which a stomach digests food to create that energy, and how biologists have drawn from their science to create useful products such as velcro. Of special note is how biologists began in the 1990s to utilize DNA and RNA extracted from cell structures to further define plant and animal nomenclatures. Nicely illustrated throughout and with a thoroughly 'reader friendly' text, "Exploring The World Of Biology" is a highly recommended introduction to the subject and especially useful as a curriculum supplement for Home Schooling families.

Are you looking for a Christian Biology book which can be used with all age groups? Exploring the World of Biology, while designed for junior high students, can be easily adapted to work with elementary students or used as a review with high school students.
The chapters are short, easy to comprehend, and contain review questions to maximize learning. Answers for the questions are provided in the back of the book.
An "Explore More" section is included at the end of each chapter to whet the student's apetite to 'dig deeper' into each subject. Many illustrations are included throughout the book to explain the concepts. Boxes containing interesting information are included on almost every page.
I found it was easy to develop supplemental activities to enhance understanding with the information provided. I believe this would be an excellent addition to a homeschool curriculum.

I started reading this biology text yesterday in the car, and I could not put it down! My ten year old has been using it as a Science text now in our homeschool for about six weeks, and he tells me he really likes this book and loves biology. I can see why after reading four chapters straight through. Mr. Tiner makes the subject of biology come alive and shares so much fascinating information that you just don't want to stop reading.

I took Biology and Advanced Biology in High School, and I must have forgotten so much in the last 20 years because I have (re)learned a great deal in the past 24 hours reading this book. Oftentimes, I would find myself thinking "Oh, I know this -- I had just forgotten..." but that didn't make the reading any less fascinating.

The World o f Biology by John Hudson Tiner is written for the Middle School or Junior High Student to work through independantly or for the Elementary student to work through with some guidance. It can also be used by the High School Student (or adult!) as a refresher course. Each chapter contains biographical information for Scientists, extra sidebars of information about something introduced in the main text and also each chapter starts with three questions that help you read the chapter smartly to grasp the main points. Each chapter closes with review questions to quickly test how much information you can recall.

My Bottom Line: I really enjoy this series of books by John Hudson Tiner and would like to own all of them for my 10-14 year olds to read before they approach High School Science. This book is just about perfect for my 10 year old.

Once again I was given the chance to review a homeschooling book from New Leaf Publishing Group. The book is written by John Hudson Tiner, and is called Exploring The World of Biology. We have several other books in this series that we use in the children's schooling, and we really enjoy them. I even enjoy reading through them just for fun! This book was no exception, and E has been working his way through. It is very clear and easy-to-understand; perfect for young teenagers, yet interesting enough for all ages. It is set up with a clipboard section that lists a few questions the reader will learn the answers to, and then at the end of each chapter the discoveries are notated. This ensures the child will remember the most important parts of each lesson. And, of course, there are questions for each chapter.
This biology book covers topics from the different kingdoms (animal, plant, fungi, etc.) to biological names, digestion, animal and plant life, and more. And, as always, it is done from a Creationist perspective. You don't have to worry about your child getting any evolutionary ideas from this book! It correctly gives God the glory for the wonders of Creation.

Biology can be a complex subject filled with confusing terminology, but John Hudson Tiner takes the subject, breaks it down, and makes it fun and enjoyable. Readers not only learn about biology, but they also dive into history through stories woven into the lessons. The material captures the student's attention with fun facts and cool illustrations.

Each chapter contains explore questions which spark interest in the subject and are answered throughout the reading. The review questions help students recall the information they just read. The explore more activities can help students cement the presented ideas.

We enjoyed using this book while we were on vacation. I read the material to my daughter, and then we did activities to go with the reading. My daughter looks forward to completing the book as time allows.

I received a copy of this book from Master Books/New Leaf Publishing to help facilitate the writing of a frank and honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed. No compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Here are some various observations I made about this book:

--There are 14 chapters that are approximately 10 pages each, ranging from microscopic organisms to mammals.

--Although it is listed as a middle school text, it can be used and adapted for different ages and skill levels.

--Each chapter contains an 'Explore More' section, which includes questions, discussion ideas, and research options.

--All of the pictures and illustrations are in black and white. This was a concern initially, since my boys really seem to be drawn in to the colorful pictures that generally accompany science texts. However, this seemed to be less important as I read the material, and the illustrations were still well done. I also realized that having black and while illustrations was probably the primary the cost of the book was so low.

--The material was evolution free and had an underlying scriptural focus. The NIV translation was used for all of the Bible references.

I think what I liked most about Exploring the World of Biology was that it covered the basics in a thorough manner scientifically, but it also focused on the stories of the people and the discoveries involved. History was included in a very natural manner, and not simply as an add on piece of information. It is the first science book that I have reviewed that I can realistically see myself being able to use and adapt with each of my boys, ranging from 1st to 9th grades. It is very well written and user-friendly. I'm pretty sure at this point that this is the direction we will go in for the next school year.

Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy of this book from New Leaf Publishers for review purposes. No other compensation was received.

We bought this book for our grandson. He showed it to his Biology teacher, who was very well impressed. He said it is better than their present text. I expect he may change that quite soon. Thanks!

T. Steven Brown
Author and faithful customer of Amazon.