Review: God's Wondrous Machine - The Electrifying Nervous System by Lainna Callentine

Special thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

The Electrifying Nervous System (affiliate link) is the first book in a new series called God’s Wondrous Machines. It’s geared towards 3rd to 6th graders, but it would be a good resource for older kids as well. It is presented from the viewpoint that the Lord created the world and everything in it. It does not, however, take a stance on old-earth vs young-earth creationism as Lainna Callentine M.Ed., M.D. felt that was beyond the scope of the book.

The book features 3 levels of vocabulary which are given at the beginning of the book. Each level has its own color code making it easy to find that particular level in the following dictionary. The dictionary states the vocabulary word as well as its pronunciation followed by the definition. I like the fact that the pronunciation guide is available as I know some medical terminology is rather difficult to pronounce.

The book has little “Know It All” facts sprinkled throughout the learning materials which are quite interesting. Additional terminology is highlighted in “Word Wise!” boxes. “Modern Marvels” give information about different things that have made modern medicine a bit better for everyone. The “I Am Wonderfully Made” sections tie the reading materials to the Bible while “Medi Moment” highlights some medical information.

Before digging into the specific parts of the nervous system, Dr. Callentine goes into a little historical background. The timeline allows readers to see the highlights at a glance. An overview of the brain and various medical procedures is given before getting into the basics of the nervous system. Once a basic understanding is gained, readers will start to dig deeper into the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, the brain, and the backbone. Finally, readers will look at how all of this information ties directly to their health.

Of course, Munchkin’s favorite part of the book is the final section – Facts: The Wacky, the Weird, and Wow. Any time you can throw in some crazy scientific facts and happenings, it’s a plus in this household.

The book is filled with full color images, facts, charts, and graphs. It’s laid out in a logical manner which makes learning the information easier. There is an additional Elementary Anatomy: Parent Lesson Planner (affiliate link) available for this book starting in April which, if it’s anything like the ones that we’ve used, I would recommend getting if you want to use this as part of a homeschool study.

Book Description:

Discover Your Design!

Developed by a homeschooling pediatrician, this book focuses on the amazing design and functionality of the human body’s nervous system. You will discover:

The main areas and structures of the brain and what important role each plays in making your body work
Awesome examples of God’s creativity in both the design and precision of human anatomy showing you are wonderfully made.

Important historical discoveries and modern medical techniques used for diagnosis and repair of the brain!
Learn interesting and important facts about why you sleep, the function of the central nervous system, what foods can superpower your brain functions, and much more in a wonderful exploration of the brain and how it controls the wondrous machine known as your body!

About the Author:

Dr. Lainna Callentine, MEd, MD, is a physician, instructor, writer, speaker, and creator at Sciexperience, as well as pediatrician at Bolingbrook Christian Health Center. She left formal medicine in the E.R. to homeschool her three children.

Book Details: