E.O. Wilson's Life on Earth

About a year and a half ago, I stumbled across an iBook that restored my faith in books. E. O. Wilson's Life on Earth is more than just a textbook, its an interactive experience unlike anything I had seen before.  Chapter 17 sold me...it contained an interactive diagram of the heart that explained how blood flows. Seems pretty simple actually, but to take the typical flat diagram of the heart and make it clickable...it really made the traditional textbook seem beyond outdated.

The E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation has finished the book that covers all concepts taught in biology.

1.  Its free. Yes, the entire 7 book collection - FREE.  A textbook better than anything currently being published and for no charge.  The bar has been set high for textbook publishers.

2. They are building an iTunes U course in connection with the book - also for free.  This course provides teachers with innovative lesson plans and activities.  This course is encouraging the sharing of student products and incorporates citizen science lessons.  Free, interactive, and contributing...what else could you ask for?

3. The books are in 7 different units that can be downloaded separately.  This will prevent too much space from being used on the iPad -- only download what you need when you need it.

From http://eowilsonfoundation.org/blog/ 

I am so appreciative of the Foundation for all their work on these outstanding resources.