Earth Science Textbook

Apologia’s award-winning Earth Science textbook and curriculum is written for elementary students and has no prerequisites. Because young students learn best when they are interested in a topic, the Young Explorer Series was designed so that each course can be used in any order.

Using hands-on activities to help your young scientist retain what they learn, Apologia’s elementary science curriculum uses the Charlotte Mason methodology to introduce the wonders of our life-sustaining planet. In this course, your student will explore and learn about the observable universe, life in the habitable zone, spheres of the Earth, mapping our planet, the forces that make and shape the land and sea, climate and weather, cycles of life, and unique places on Earth as they reveal the marvel and might of our loving Creator. 

Curriculum Overview

We believe that your child’s education is at its best when their learning begins with a spark of curiosity. Through practical concepts and things in their world students will learn and experience that science isn’t just a class–it’s a means for them to discover their world and its Creator!

Your young explorer will begin by learning about the universe, the Earth, and what makes Earth special and capable of sustaining life. Their awareness of the world and its Creator will expand as they learn about the land, locations, atmospheres, and climates of our planet. 

Topics Covered

There are 14 lessons in this elementary Earth Science curriculum.  

This course covers the following 14 lessons:

• Lesson 1: The Observable Universe
• Lesson 2: Life in the Habitable Zone
• Lesson 3: Spheres of the Earth
• Lesson 4: Mapping Your World
• Lesson 5: The Geosphere
• Lesson 6: Making and Shaping the Land
• Lesson 7: The Hydrosphere
• Lesson 8: The Atmosphere
• Lesson 9: Climate and Weather
• Lesson 10: Weather Forecasting
• Lesson 11: The Biosphere
• Lesson 12: Cycles of Life
• Lesson 13: Unique Places on Earth
• Lesson 14: God in Creation

Detailed lesson plans, as well as a suggested daily schedule, are included in the Notebooking Journal (sold separately).

Experiments & Hands-On Activities

Packed with vivid photos and graphics that bring Earth Science to life, the textbook provides experiments and engaging, hands-on activities to help make learning stick. 

Students will create a galaxy mobile, a Goldilocks Zone, a globe, maps, and crystals. They’ll also do hands-on activities to learn about invisible forces, tectonic plate movements, landforms, sunlight, and seasons, as well as weather and climates.

Meet the Author

Rachael Yunis