Physics/Engineering Technology suggestions

[MistyMountain]

This year I am using REAL Science Oddysey Bio 2 for my older kids and Mr. Q life science for my youngest. I like what the topics cover in RSO but the questions take a lot of writing and depth and are hard. I have been really liking Mr Q and I have been finding it good for getting science narrations. My ds is really into engineering and I think he would enjoy learning physics and engineering next year but I think Mr Q would be a little simple. I do not mind simple worksheets like Mr Q's that do not need a lot of writing but nothing that requires a lot of writing because writing skills are lagging other skills. I want something that discusses things at a high level but does not require higher math skills so probably middle school level.

Edited December 16, 2017 by MistyMountain

[mlktwins]

Since no one else has responded, I'll recommend this http://www.bitesizephysics.com/ .  I purchased the PDF's here, printed, and spiral bound http://www.currclick.com/browse.php?keywords=bite+size+physics&x=0&y=0&author=&artist=&pfrom=&pto=&sdate_from=&sdate_to=&stime_from=&stime_to= 

 

These have been recommended on the boards.  Maybe do a search and see what you think.  There are sample pages on the Currclick site.  

[visitor]

My Pals Are Here Science and Real Science 4 kids cover Physics. For engineering my DS does lots of construction play. If he is into Electronic Engineering you can try Arduino, Little bits, Snap Circuit, Raspberry Pi.

 

For Robotic Engineering Mbot made by Makeblocks is also fun.

 

There are also a lot of Engineering books for kids I suppose.

[SoCal_Bear]

The engineering curricula at Engineering is Elementary is free. You would have to gather materials yourself. 

 

https://eie.org/

 

We've done the Edison Project classes at quick study labs which builds lessons around using Smart Circuits kits and enjoyed them. http://www.quickstudylabs.com/

 

 

Edited December 18, 2017 by calbear

[TheAttachedMama]

We've been loving exploration education physical science.  http://www.explorationeducation.com/

 

The science kit and the projects that it came with have been awesome.   My kids are doing really well with the lab book.  Plus, with the online videos of the labs, my children can do them nearly independently.   It has been their favorite subject this year.   

 

I did find that I needed to supplement with some extra reading.  (But I supplement everything!)   We read related topics from the Usborne science encyclopedia and watch related brain pop videos for fun.   I also made flashcards to drill vocabulary and important memory work (newton's laws, d=r*t, etc. etc.)   

 

Another option to consider is Rainbow Science.  

[serendipitous journey]

I think that Centripetal Press' Physical Science has fabulous content.  (the version I own is from Novare Press, the Christian version of this text, and the theology drives me batty but the science is superb; Centripetal Press is their non-religious imprint.  I hope to buy Centripetal's version soon, though may have to wait and use it with my younger child)

 

Pros: really great science.  Best middle school physics I've seen.  Do look at the sample text. 

 

Cons:

1. It does imply a good amount of writing, but you can just do review questions orally and have the child outline/summarize or skip the writing. 

2. There's not an open-and-go experiment kit.  I myself would be tempted to do projects/kits for the hands-on components; you've had several great suggestions above.