Wendi Posted July 17, 2010 Share Posted July 17, 2010 I'm trying to plan high school science for ds. He's weak in math at this point (going into 8th grade). I was planning this: 9th Physical Science 10th Biology 11th Chemistry Then I checked the websites of a couple of the state universities. One requires science to consist of three of the following: biology, chemistry, earth science, physics. The other says three of the following: biology, chemistry, earth science or physics, but integrated science may be substituted for one of them. What exactly is integrated science? So if physical science isn't going to count, that leaves us: 9th Biology 10th Chemistry 11th Physics There's a chance ds will decide to go into zoology or a related field, so in that case, he'll take advanced biology in 12th. Also, will schools want to see 4 years of science, even though it's not a requirement? We use an excellent co-op for lab sciences. But I'm worried about the math in chemistry and physics. Will he be ready? If he can keep up, he'll take Pre-Algebra in 8th, Algebra in 9th, Geometry in 10th, Algebra II in 11th, and Trig in 12th. Any suggestions? Wendi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyce Posted July 17, 2010 Share Posted July 17, 2010 I would do earth science. It meets the requirements of the schools you've looked at and will be easier for him to complete. My children did not have 4 years of science but neither one wanted to be a science major and the schools did not require 4 years, so we only went with the three. Made no difference on their acceptance. Since your son might want zoology he might want to do the physics but I'd opt more for adv biology which doesn't require the depth of math that physics does and would be more appropriate for his desire for zoology.. If you have complete Alg 2 he should do okay with physics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIch elle Posted July 17, 2010 Share Posted July 17, 2010 (edited) If dc's heading for a science degree then 4 years of science is best (as well as 4 yrs of math). Edited July 18, 2010 by MIch elle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saille Posted July 17, 2010 Share Posted July 17, 2010 Some of the more competitive schools are now requiring SAT II subject area tests for admission to certain programs, so I suppose I'd be trying to hardwire in some prep for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtotkbb Posted July 17, 2010 Share Posted July 17, 2010 Our schools want 3 sciences w/ at least 2 labs and physical sci doesn't count as a lab science--the typical schedule here is: 8th grade Alg I 9th grade Geometry/Physical Sci or honor Phy Sci 10th grade Alg II/Bio or honors Bio 11th grade - Pre Calc/Chem or honors Chem 12th grade - Cal/Physics or an AP Bio or Chem Most College bound students will take the above courses - it is very unheard of for any to take only the three scis . Then if your child is into science they also take sci electives which are Marine Bio, Environ Sci, Earth science, etc ---most of these are honors and require teacher rec'd. My oldest went through public and had honors Bio, and honors Chem and AP Bio and then two Sci Electives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted July 17, 2010 Share Posted July 17, 2010 I would keep to your schedule with including the physical science. That's considered integrated science and it's a great introduction to physics and chemistry too. :) He's got a lot of years to get up to speed on the math. I'd consider adding physics, or another science, for 12th. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom22ns Posted July 17, 2010 Share Posted July 17, 2010 Integrated science, from my understanding is an introduction to physics and chemistry. Some physical science classes are this exactly. Some also include earth science and some (Apologia) substitute Earth Science for one of the others (chemistry?). If you choose a 9th grade Physical Science course like BJU or PH you should be able to call it Integrated Science if the college your dc is interested prefers that name. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ouzel Posted July 17, 2010 Share Posted July 17, 2010 The plans for my sons (who are interested in ornithology/biology): 9th Biology 10th Chemistry 11th Physics 12th AP Biology or Physics We did an Earth Sciences course with The Teaching Company this year for eldest son's 8th grade science. They also engage in real world field ornithological work on a regular basis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendi Posted July 17, 2010 Author Share Posted July 17, 2010 Integrated science, from my understanding is an introduction to physics and chemistry. Some physical science classes are this exactly. Some also include earth science and some (Apologia) substitute Earth Science for one of the others (chemistry?). If you choose a 9th grade Physical Science course like BJU or PH you should be able to call it Integrated Science if the college your dc is interested prefers that name. :001_smile: It would be Apologia Physical Science. I plan to have him take all his lab sciences at our co-op, where they have very qualified teachers and all the equipment. That way I don't have to buy a microscope or fetal pig! So do you think Apologia Phys. Sci. counts as integrated science? If I call the admissions office, are they likely to recognize the name of the curriculum, and be able to tell me if it's acceptable? Wendi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter's Moon Posted July 18, 2010 Share Posted July 18, 2010 My PS science sequence was: 9th- Physics First (which I would never recommend to a 9th grader) 10th- Biology 11th- Chemistry 12th- Physics, Botany, Advanced Chem., Anatomy and Phys., etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendi Posted July 20, 2010 Author Share Posted July 20, 2010 I talked to one of the founders of our co-op. She said Apologia Physical Science counts as "earth science", which is one of the acceptable options for the local universities (physics, biology, earth science, chemistry, integrated science). So that helps my scheduling quandary. I'll have ds take physical science (earth science) in 9th, then biology and chemistry in 10th and 11th. Depending on his career goals later in high school, he can take physics or advanced biology (if he still is interested in a career with animals) (or possibly something else at community college) in 12th grade, OR take no science in 12th and concentrate on his interests (possibly Asian studies or computer/film animation). Wendi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted July 21, 2010 Share Posted July 21, 2010 Integrated science, from my understanding is an introduction to physics and chemistry. Some physical science classes are this exactly. Some also include earth science and some (Apologia) substitute Earth Science for one of the others (chemistry?). If you choose a 9th grade Physical Science course like BJU or PH you should be able to call it Integrated Science if the college your dc is interested prefers that name. :001_smile: Debbie, we just finished Apologia physical science, and it includes earth science, astronomy, intro to chemistry and intro to physics. I think it would qualify as an integrated science course. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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