“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?”
—Job 38:4
The Foundations of Science introduces children to the wonders of the natural world in light of God’s providential care over creation.
Too often we hear messages that science is in conflict with faith, but Pope St. John Paul II wrote that faith and science “each can draw the other into a wider world, a world in which both can flourish.” Foundations seeks to spawn this flourishing in the hearts and minds of young readers, guiding them into a world that will delight their imaginations and inspire awe in the awesome power of God.
This eight-part series covers an extensive scope of scientific studies, from animals and plants, to the galaxies of outer space and the depths of the ocean, to cells and organisms, to the curiosities of chemistry and the marvels of our planet. Still more, it reveals the intricate order found beneath the surface of creation and chronicles many of the Church’s contributions to science throughout history.
In Chemistry and Physics: Elements and Forces of the World, Adolfo Ayala explores a hidden world that lives right in our very midst. His study begins with a look at physical matter and how we apply the Scientific Method to it, before moving into Newton’s laws of motion, sound and light waves, the Atomic Theory, chemical reactions, and more. Children will discover the intricate balance and order that God has written into His creation.
Did you know . . .
- the earliest study of motion began with attempts to understand the movement of the planets in the night sky?
- the reason it is more difficult to walk through a pool than on dry land is because of a force known as hydrodynamic drag?
- we can see lightning before we hear the clap of thunder because light moves at an astonishing 300,000,000 m/s, while sound only travels at 340 m/s?
- echoes work better when they bounce off a hard surface instead of a soft one?
- a white-colored object is one that is reflecting the entire spectrum of light, while a black-colored surface is absorbing the whole spectrum of light?
- the word “electricity” is named after the Greek word for amber (electron)?
In addition, children will also learn about the Church’s teaching on Transubstantiation and the importance of sacred music in our liturgy, as well as come to understand the destructive entropy that sin brings to our lives and why we need God’s grace to overcome it.
In the companion workbook, upper elementary school children will have an additional resource to help them engage with the content, and help them retain it.
Includes:
- Coloring pages
- Crossword puzzles
- Word searches
- Journaling
- Matching and Multiple Choice
- Fill in the Blank and True/False
- Short answers and Essays
In addition, each workbook contains activities and arts and crafts bearing both scientific and faith-based themes.
Accompanying the text book and workbook, this video series seeks to challenge students to think more deeply about the world around them, setting them off on a search to discover God in the hidden corners of His creation. Hosted by Foundations editor Brian Kennelly, each video uses a short review of the chapter’s content as a platform to discuss a host of spiritual topics that reveal the truths of the Catholic Faith.
In Chemistry and Physics: Elements and Forces of the World, such talks will explore . . .
- How the steps of the Scientific Method could be compared to the steps of the practice of Lectio Divina.
- The dangers of our sinful attachments to worldly things, and how they act like drag and friction upon our souls.
- The “electrical charge” the sacraments bring to our lives.
- Why the Blessed Sacrament should serve as the nucleus of everything we do.
- How a daily prayer routine can keep spiritual rust from forming on our souls.
- . . . and more!
The Foundations of Science video series seeks to reward those who are willing to explore and investigate the wonder and beauty of God’s world, so that we can discover that all things, both big and small, point back to Him.
- Author:
- Adolfo Ayala, PhD
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- Format:
- MP3 Audio Download
