If you are looking for twaddle-free earth science material for elementary students, take a close look at God's Design for Heaven and Earth (GDFHE). Authors Debbie and Richard Lawrence have written a second set of science books (their first is God's Design for Life) that present earth science to children in an enjoyable, educational, and structured way. Use the three books together as a one-year science program, or teach each book separately. They work together, but do not depend upon the other to work. Each book contains 34-35 lessons.

What I like best about GDFHE is that it is EASY for a busy parent to teach. The directions are clear, there are no outlandish experiments, and the games and facts are fun. Each book contains a master supply list with items most families will have at home. Therefore, no late night trips to the store to buy necessary science experiment supplies. Each lesson is divided into several sections beginning with a supply list. At our home, a typical lesson and experiment takes 30-40 minutes, including set up, teaching, and clean up. Lessons end with a section titled, "What did we learn?" that has questions you ask to determine how much your child learned. A section titled "Taking it further" offers resources for more in-depth study of the lesson. Many lessons include fun facts. Unit quizzes, a final test, word games, and special features are included in each book.

GDFHE is a rock solid science program for elementary students. It appeals to a wide age range (I have a four-year-old, second grader, and sixth grader with whom I use it). This program will please classical, traditional, and relaxed educators (and most anyone else). I highly recommend GDFHE.