Giveaway + Review: Young Scientists magazines!

The kid and I love Science, no doubt about it. That's one of the things that we really benefited from homeschooling. With Science, the beauty of it is that it is evident in our daily lives where we can often find a topic to discuss and talk about even during walks.

Some of our more interest experiments include dissecting owl pellets, making water disappear as well as learning more about Mr Seahorse. With each topic that we go into (and it is often child-led), the kiddo would ask more about the topic and it would often lead to our many trips to the library to hunt for suitable resources.

Even now that we are in formal schooling, I still try to make time for her to explore Science at the home front. It was some time last year when we chanced upon some Science magazines - Young Scientists, at Popular bookstore which the kiddo stood for a long while flipping through the sample copies.

:: What is it?
The Young Scientists is a magazine for children presented in a comic format. The magazines come in 4 levels - 1 through to 4 where 1 is for Primary 1 & 2 (introduction to Science) and level 4 covers lower Secondary Science topics.

Past issues (e.g. for the year 2015) are sold as a box set of 10 issues.

:: Contents Page
Importantly, The Young Scientists magazine is based on the latest Singapore MOE syllabus. Hence the content and concepts covered map back to the Lower / Upper blocks in the local primary school's syllabus.

Organization of information
The information presented each month are in a consistent manner where it is placed in sections such as "Main Course", "YS Detective", "Do You Know", "My Body", etc.

:: What I really like
Based on my understanding, the topics in the Lower Block are Diversity & Systems, and Cycles, Energy & Interactions. A quick look shows that in each issue, these lower block topics are covered.

The information and concept are introduced via a comics format and with this style, the expressions of the characters are often exaggerated. I have often seen the kiddo, after reading the content, flipped back to the earlier pages to look at the illustration again.

Here some things which we really like:

A) The various sections
1) "Everyday Science"

The topics are very much current issues which I feel are really useful for children to be aware of. From the building up of the awareness of guide dogs

To educating the readers on dengue being a major concern in Singapore, this section (very much like the others) is presented in a very engaging manner.

The pages also come with "interesting information" and "vocabulary" blurbs at the bottom.

2) Do You Know?

Being naturally curious, this is one of the sections which I often flip to for all the issues. There are often interesting and cool facts shared about animals (e.g. marine animals, pets, etc).

Just check out the cool Thaumoctopus Mimicus below!

It can impersonate up to 15 animals including a sea snake and a lion fish! That's a major talent! *gasp*

 
3) YS Detective Agency

Science is good for making inferences and the YS Detective Agency section does just that. In each issue, YS Detective Agency is presented with a case to solve. From food poisoning to murder to "mysterious" accident, Froggie and his team solved them all.

What I like about the stories / cases are the questions Froggie and his team asks where they can then draw hypothesis and conclusions. I feel that through the stories shared, it helps to hone the reader's critical thinking and problem solving skills.

I feel that the series is really informative and engaging and is a perfect way to introduce your children to Science concepts.

B) Practice Papers
To test understanding of concepts, 10 sets of practice papers are included in each box set. These are useful checkpoints on the child's understanding if parents wish to extend the activities / discussions as it also maps back to the same Science topics:  Diversity & Systems, and Cycles, Energy & Interactions.

For older children, I feel that they can also be left to do the papers on their own and then check against the answer key. My kid tried it out on her own interest too. 

All in all, the kiddo and I highly recommended this series as it is truly engaging and informative!  

Excited much? I am pleased to share that I have 3 box sets of 2015's The Young Scientists magazines to give away! 

1 x 2015 Level 1 Collection Set (For Pri 1&2)

1 x 2015 Level 2 Collection Set (For Pri 3&4)

1 x 2015 Level 3 Collection Set (For Pri 5&6)!

Just participate in the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

:: Terms and conditions:

1) As the sponsor is based in SG, this contest is open to Singaporeans with a local address only. 

2) The prizes are not transferable and they cannot be exchanged for cash.

3) Only entries via Rafflecopter are valid. 

4) Answers to the question via rafflecopter MUST be listed in the comment box below to qualify. Please remember to leave your name and your email address. 

Please also indicate which level (1, 2 or 3) you wish to win! 

5) Closing Date of Giveaway: 22 May 2016, 2359 hrs.
6) Winners must respond to my email within 48 hours otherwise, they will be given to another winner. 

7) The giveaway is not endorsed, associated with administrated by Facebook. 

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored giveaway. We are not compensated for the post. All opinions expressed are entirely ours. 

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