Exploring Planet Earth

Exploring

by John Hudson Tiner

A wonderful supplement to any homeschool curriculum, this book emphasizes the history of civilization from a biblical perspective with terms, definitions, and chapter tests. Students receive an excellent knowledge of people and places in this middle school level book.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, History

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

About the author

John Hudson Tiner is a lifelong educator, and has acquired a reputation for writing clearly about science. He has wide-ranging interests, and has also written about American history and several of the sciences. He and his wife, Jeanene, live in Missouri.

Reviews

[Becky Filipek]

Unfortunately this book had some typos, which is surprising for a book that has been printed multiple times. However, it is engagingly written and very interesting, so I learned a lot and enjoyed it at the same time.

[Michelle]

Well done. Recommend. One of my favorite Tiner’s. Such an interesting combination of study.

Sidenote: The typos are out of control. And my seven year old even laughed at how simplistic the questions were. 😂
But amazing content nonetheless.

[RH]

Say goodbye to the stuffy textbook style as you explore this refreshing change of learning presented by John Hudson Tiner. Looking back at my own schooling experience, I remember enjoying the information gleaned from learning, but I also remember getting burnt out with long modules featuring page after page of tiny typed text and strings of questions that, frankly, made my head ache. This book is sectioned off into easily manageable chapters (averaging about three to six pages of a little larger than average print size) followed by an equally manageable list of about eight to ten mostly fill-in-the-blank questions. Let your child enjoy large pictures of the explorers, detailed maps of the areas being taught, and extra fun facts in addition to the main text. In addition to these advantages, this book is packed with fascinating historical accounts and details which, even I, as an adult had failed to hear of.

The writer “zooms up” if you will, on the individual lives of explorers, giving concise overviews of whole lifetimes from the lives of ancient Greeks to more modern- day people. Tiner seamlessly links biblical worldview in the teaching of history and science. Along the way, he gives the references to Scripture passages that tie into the historical lessons that he is teaching.

I found it interesting to read about the many Christian scientists he touches on (such as Galileo, Newton, and Boyle) that were tremendously blessed in their scientific efforts and made great headway in the history of science. These men and others were passionate about exploring God’s creation so as to bring glory to their Maker. As in the words of Wernher von Braun, a German-American engineer:

“Through a closer look at creation, we ought to gain a knowledge of the Creator, and a greater sense of Man’s responsibilities to God will come into focus.”

While going through this textbook, I honestly kept looking for a thing or two that I didn't like about it so as to give it a fair but honest trial. About three-fourths of the way through, I finally gave up and gave in to the thrilling fact that, in my opinion, this schoolbook is “too good to be true.” Without a doubt, a breath of fresh air.

*Thanks to Master Books for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Leichty Library]

Copies: 1

[Tammy]

Really enjoyed this. Full of information.

[Garner Library]

I love this book. Interesting choices of explorers and topics - best description of tidal movement for children that I've encountered.

[Ruth]

Great book. An easy read with short chapters. It's full of interesting information on the earth, tides, currents, magnetic fields, etc.

[Bryan Spahr]

read for school in 5th grade