Looking for Answers about Apologia Educational Ministries Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day: Exploring Creation with Zoology 1?

No, it doesn't matter. We actually started with Zoology 3: Land Animals and worked backwards. Our following years we have worked on Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures, then Astronomy and we are currently on Zoology 1: Flying Creatures. I've let my children help with the decision making process on these books. It has worked out well for us, and our children are more enthused about learning because of their interest at the time.

My personal experience with both courses leads me to recommend that you at least have a copy of Zoology 1 available as a reference because it covers some important things about taxonomy, etc. I taught them in order. I taught Zoology 1 last school year and this year I am teaching Zoology 2. I can tell as I teach Zoology 2 that my previous experience with Zoology 1 was an asset. Yet, it is not ABSOLUTELY necessary to have taught the Zoology 1, but do keep it on hand and perhaps teach the section on Taxonomy before moving onto Zoology 2. I agree with you that the sea animals are much more fun to study - my kids loved Zoology 1, but they love Zoology 2 even more!

All of the Apologia books are written to stand alone, so it does not matter what order you do them in. Some of the content in the different texts repeats itself (i.e. classification is discussed in Botany and Zoology), but it does not build from one book to the other.

You can start with any of them--they're very thorough and stand on their own.

No, I have not purchased the lab kits with any of the books. The books have an itemized list of what you will need for each lesson. Many items you may already have around your house, or can purchase cheaply at a dollar store. The kits are nice if you don't have the time to gather the supplies yourself. Apologia has set up their curriculum to meet the needs of all levels of income, and in this economy that is very helpful.

Last year, we did our first Apologia book. I did not buy the lab kit. Though many of the items for the experiments are things from your home or kitchen, I made quite a few trips looking for balloons or 1 inch washers, etc. This year, I vowed to get the lab kit and I think it is certainly worth the money! It makes it much easier to get through the book because you don't have to skip labs and try to make them up once you have the items.

I used this curriculum last school year. I did NOT need the notebooking journal - the textbook stands on its own.

I did this curriculum last school year. LOVED it! I did not need anything but the textbook - it really stands on its own.