What You Need for This Course

1. Textbook: The Heavens and the Earth

This textbook provides the primary reading for the course. You can use either the 2nd or 3rd edition of the book.

It is available in two formats:

• Paperback 3rd Edition available at Compass Classroom. Buy here.
• Digital 3rd Edition rental available at Kendall Hunt. (Available soon)

There are also used versions of the book available at various resellers online.

2. Lab Kit: Cornerstone Earth and Space Science Geology Kit

If you choose to do the labs associated with the class, you will also need a geology lab kit from Cornerstone Supply.

Available at Compass Classroom. Buy here.

3. Additional Book: Faith, Reason, & Earth History

In a few of the lessons, Dr. Whitmore recommends you read chapters from the science textbook Faith, Reason, & Earth History by Dr. Leonard Brand. You have a few ways of accessing this book:

• Purchase a hardback from Is Genesis History? or Amazon.
• Download a free digital version (EPUB).
• Download it free on Amazon Kindle.

This is an excellent resource for those wanting to learn more about the creationist views of biology and geology.

4. Lab Journal & Notebook

You will need to take notes during the video lectures. You will also need to write down notes and answers for your labs. Finally, you will need to write down vocabulary words and definitions, as well as write down Review Questions for each lesson.

We would encourage you to write these down by hand instead of using a computer to type it out (although it you must use a computer, you can—we just know that the process of physically writing something down is much better for your comprehension).

Although you are welcome to use a bound notebook or spiral bound notebook, often a 3-ring binder with loose-leaf 3-hole punched paper is more practical. Loose-leaf paper enables you to pull out the sheets you are using for a lecture or lab, then pop them into place when finished. You can also change sheet, move them around, and generally have more control over your notes.

If you’ve taken hand-written notes before, then you may not need any pointers. But if you haven’t, here are a few:

• Don’t try to write everything down. Instead, listen for key words and concepts. Since you will be reading the chapters before each lesson, you will notice new vocabulary and ideas; when Dr. Whitmore speaks about them, write these down, then summarize what he is saying.
• Write in an outline format as much as possible. This means you can put the main topics without indenting, then indent (and number or bullet) the related points he his making below that.
• Use pencil if you find you’d like to erase things and change; pen makes this difficult (unless it is erasable).
• The more you practice note taking, the better you will be at it.
• Once you finish the lecture, go back and review your notes. You will find you will remember more of what he taught.

There are lots of good videos on YouTube showing different methods of note taking. See what works for you.