Singapore "My Pals are Here" Science

[Guest Raina]

I'm thinking about using Singapore's "My Pals are Here" Level 5/6 Cycles and Systems science program next year to homeschool my 2 daughters. I am trying to find out what equipment I will need to do the experiments, for example petri dishes, beakers, and any other supplies aside from the MPH books. Does anyone know of a list online or has anyone compiled their own list? Thank you in advance.

[momsuz123]

I'm thinking about using Singapore's "My Pals are Here" Level 5/6 Cycles and Systems science program next year to homeschool my 2 daughters. I am trying to find out what equipment I will need to do the experiments, for example petri dishes, beakers, and any other supplies aside from the MPH books. Does anyone know of a list online or has anyone compiled their own list? Thank you in advance.

 

Sorry, I never heard of it - just trying to give you a bump. Do you have a link? How old are your daughters?

[Guest Raina]

Thanks for bumping up my post:) Here's link to it

http://www.singaporemath.com/MPH_Science_Textbook_P5_6_Cycles_p/mphst5-fslash-6-cy.htm

My girls are 7 (twins) but the 3/4 level looked too basic compared to their current science knowledge. We were also thinking about Real Science 4 Kids, but it is very pricey and I've been told you have to do a lot of supplementing.

[Dana]

We've still got Energy to finish up from 3/4, but I also plan to do Systems & Cycles from 5/6 next year. I just wrote up what they want - and placed my order with Home Science Tools :)

 

Systems

1.1 - celery, red & blue food coloring, 2 1000ml beakers (size isn't essential)

1.2 - written only

2.1 - transparent plastic cup, straw, 2 balloons (one to fit over end of cup), clay, measuring tape

2.2 - 100 ml beaker, 1.5 L plastic bottle with cap, permanent marker, 50 cm long rubber tube

2.3 - fish (looking at gill structure...we'll go to aquarium or grocery store and look)

3.1 - written only

3.2 - clay, toothpick

3.3 - written only

4.1 - microscope, microorganism slides of pond water organisms (prepared slides)

4.2 - microscope, toothpick, blank slides, cover slip, iodine solution, elodea leaf, onion cell

4.3 - microscope, blank slide, cover slip, nail polish, leaf, forceps

4.4 - use food to make a cell model

5.1 - D battery, wire, bulb, magnifying glass

5.2 - D battery, 3 wires, 3 wires with alligator clips at end, bulb, cardboard, steel paper clips, masking tape

6.1 - 4 D batteries in battery holders, bulb in bulb holder, connecting wires, magnifying glass

6.2 - 3 D batteries in battery holders, 3 bulbs in bulb holder, wires

6.3 - D battery in battery holder, 2 bulbs in bulb holder, connecting wires

7.1 - 2 D batteries in battery holders, bulb in bulb holder, wires, class objects (stuff you find around your house)

[Dana]

FYI - if you just use the textbook and activity book, it is pretty basic.

The HOTS and Tests really are a stretch mentally and I think add a LOT to the program. I use the text, activity book, homework book, HOTS, Tests, and teacher's guide. 5/6 does expect you've used 3/4 and recall that material - it's a very brief review (2 pages) at start of each book that recalls material from 3/4.

 

The idea with MPH seems to be that the text/activity book is a springboard for further exploration. If you haven't used it before, you may want to read a bit more on the boards here doing a search for "singapore science", "MPH" or "MPAH". I tagged a number of threads last year with tags, so clicking at the bottom of one that's tagged should bring up additional discussions that may be helpful. (Cycles list to come...)

[Guest Raina]

Thanks so much! What a huge help:) I really appreciate it.

[Dana]

CYCLES

1.1 - written only

1.2 written only

2.1 - magnifying glass, tiger lily (idea is to dissect a flower)

2.2 - tomato seeds, garden soil, transparent plastic pots, 50 ml beaker (graduated cylinder or measuring cup should be fine)

2.3 - green bean seeds, cotton wool, 2 petri dishes

2.4 - magnifying glass, fern leaf with spores

3.1 - 3.3 - written only

4.1 - plastic wrap, hot water, cold water, magnifying glass, 2 clear plastic cups

4.2 (diagram of their setup on p22): retort stand, temperature sensor, crushed ice, glass funnel held in ring stand (so need clamp), 4 petri dishes that fit on top of 2 beakers [this one is more tricky to set up at home]

4.3 - (diagram on p24: also more tricky at home) ring stand (retort stand), tripod, lab thermometer held in ring stand (so need clamp), wire gauze, bunsen burner, beaker, tripod, glass funnel

4.4 - 3 identical handkerchiefs: hang on stand in corner of room, outside, and inside in front of a fan (idea to see length of drying time... so need way to attach them to dry in similar way)

5.1 - petri dish that fits over beaker (that holds over 200 ml... but shows no pour lip... idea for evaporation... I plan to use just a drinking cup but measure amount of water poured in)

6.1 - 3 100ml beakers, 300 ml pond water, liquid detergent, cooking oil, water plants (like duckweed or hydrilla)

6.2 & 6.3 - written only

 

 

There's also definitely more writing in the activity books in 5/6 than in 3/4. Hope you enjoy whatever you choose :)

[Guest Raina]

Thanks again Dana, you have helped so much! I write directly to Singapore Math last night to inquire about science materials. We love the math btw. I received a short response from them a little while ago saying they didn't have any sort of a list as you provided me with. You'd think they would;)

[Dana]

Thanks again Dana, you have helped so much! I write directly to Singapore Math last night to inquire about science materials. We love the math btw. I received a short response from them a little while ago saying they didn't have any sort of a list as you provided me with. You'd think they would;)

 

I know. I wish they had the lists.

They also don't do such a good job with errata for science and responses aren't as quick on their science boards as on their math boards.

 

I have been pleased with MPH overall - especially the HOTS & tests.

It isn't as open & go as I'd like (or not for me).

 

 

BTW - welcome to the boards :)