SA Homeschooler Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 I'm afraid that my son [14yo] is bored by the Derek Owens Physical Science that we are using. He likes math but he says this science is so mathy that it takes the fun out of science. Can you please give me some suggestions of a more engaging Science curriculum appropriate for 8th grade? I was thinking about checking out Dive in to Science. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Hewitt's Conceptual Physical Science. Probably multiple threads mention this book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom22ns Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 He will probably think the same of DIVE Physical Science. We used it and liked it, but I have had several people say that it is so math heavy it takes the joy out of science. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SA Homeschooler Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 Thank you so much for the replies. Hewitt's Conceptual series seems like it will be a good fit. Even though many say it will not be enough for a STEM kid, I think it will be a great introduction. Now I have to decide whether to use Physical Science or Physics--suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2jjka Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 My daughter used Pacworks Integrated Physics and Chemistry. It does a great job covering the concepts physical science but it is not math heavy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freesia Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 For eighth grade ds used Prentice Hall Science Explorer Physical Science. It was hardly mathy at all. We also did Ellen McHenry's Elements and Carbon Chemistry--at double pace. It was a good year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 Thank you so much for the replies. Hewitt's Conceptual series seems like it will be a good fit. Even though many say it will not be enough for a STEM kid, I think it will be a great introduction. Now I have to decide whether to use Physical Science or Physics--suggestions? I just can't break myself loose from the "old school" sequence: physical science -- biology -- chemistry -- physics. The arguments for going in the reverse order are compelling (which would eliminate physical science from being useful), but I did not prepare any of my children for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom22ns Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 I think the key is to remember it is still 8th grade. You have 4 years to do rigorous sciences. Two a year if you like, just look at my sig. Don't over-stress it now. Let him love science a little longer. What is his math level? Did he have a strong algebra class last year? If not, I'd definitely go with Hewitt. Physical Science is a good 8th grade choice, but whichever he is more interested in can work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 At that age ds watched this DVD http://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/science/physics-chemistry/great-ideas-of-classical-physics.html Our library had it on sale but it happens to be on sale now ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Thank you so much for the replies. Hewitt's Conceptual series seems like it will be a good fit. Even though many say it will not be enough for a STEM kid, I think it will be a great introduction. Now I have to decide whether to use Physical Science or Physics--suggestions? It's not enough for a STEM kid in *high school*. It would be just fine in 8th grade. As far as whether to use Physical Science or Physics, if you want an introduction to physics and chemistry, use Physical Science, and if you just want physics, use Physics. If you plan to have him do both physics and chemistry in high school, it would probably be good to do an overview of both now (hence, Physical Science). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SA Homeschooler Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 Uh-oh, I ordered the Conceptual Physics but didn't realize there were two level [college/high school]. I wonder how much more difficult the college level book will be. We used Real Science for Kids Physics and Chemistry last year so he has already had an introduction to both so he was not interested in Physical Science which would again cover both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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