[AOPS Geometry -- need to prep for PSAT/NMSQT in October, questions]

The 2016 PSAT test had 1 Geometry problem on it.  Maybe one other that dealt with geometry but in the kind of problem you would see in an algebra book. If it were me I would just have my child continue on enjoying math and learning math deeply and not give another thought to the tests at this point. 

[Language arts for 2nd grader after Alphaphonics?]

What have you done after Alphaphonics and Explode the Code 1,2,3?

 

I'm past this stage(8 times) so you would think I would know what to advise. I, however, just wing it for awhile, but that isn't good advice to give to a newish homeschooler.  

 

What is out there that we should look at? 

 

Thanks,

Kendall 

 

[Talk to me about MEP Math, please]

I've used MEP starting with my 4th child.  My 8th child is in Year 3 this year. I will share  few quick things.

 

I love doing Miquon Orange in K and then MEP1 after that.  You get a few things in Miquon earlier than MEP will do them and I like that gentle exposure.  They are quite capable of the material and it makes a few things easier later on in MEP.

 

You can, and I have, gone from MEP 5(2/3 of the way through) to Algebra 1(this for an 8th grader) and moved from the end of MEP 5 to AoPS Pre-Algebra(for a mid 6th student).  I have a struggling math student who went from 1/3 of the way through MEP 6 to Algebra 1 in 9th.  I think my kids did miss multiplication and division of decimals this way, or they forgot it.  I haven't gone back to see which:).  I say all this to say that while MEP does take longer, but you don't have to finish the 6 years before the end of 6th grade.  There are 175 pages in each year and you can divide the pages for more than 6 years or only do 5 years of MEP.  I also began skipping some of the geometry work in 5th and 6th because all of it is covered in a high school geometry course and I knew we would be doing that.   My plan with the last 2 kids will be to figure out what we are missing by only going through MEP 5 and then teach that and then move to AoPS Pre-algebra because that has worked well with my current 7th grader.  

 

 

[Where to discuss math pedagogy and how to teach specific concepts]

I feel so encouraged!  Thank you! Daijobu, we thoroughly enjoyed the Baby Name Book of Variables and other posts on that site.  I'd never heard of it.  I passed it on to my Electrical engineer son and he enjoyed it, too. And thanks for the link to the AMC tests!  Those are going into the mix for at least 2 of my kids tomorrow. 

 

 I decided today to pause on test prep and spend some time on application problems with linear equations and graphing and also to extending the problems in various ways such as relabeling.

 

Ruth, thank you for the reminder that the goal is long term. It was encouraging to hear that you have worked with kids like this and to hear what has helped.  It makes so much sense to me that this kind of "memory work" leads to increased problem solving skills. I love the flashcard idea.  Do you put the problem on one side and the worked solution on the other? When you say orally, do they just tell you what they would do? Or do they go ahead and solve it all in their head? This would be a good way to do problems that require more space.  I've been using post-it notes for the review.  I will start building a stack of flashcards. Your explanation of how they help is what I vaguely had in my mind when I mentioned going over and over the practice test questions. 

 

 

[Where to discuss math pedagogy and how to teach specific concepts]

I don’t know if I can put the exact PSAT problem on a public forum, but this was Question 17 from the calculator portion of the Wednesday test 2016. 

 

I will change it some. The relationship between Q and T is modeled by  Q= 5-.8T  If the equation is graphed with T on the horizontal axes and Q on the vertical axis, what is the slope of the line?

 

Even though we have been reviewing(see below) semi-regularly how to graph an equation in point slope form and how to identify the slope and y intercept, she did not approach this problem correctly. Instead she plugged one of the slope answers from the multiple choice into y=mx+b in place of m.  Then she set that equal to 5-.8T instead of y.  Then she was (obviously!) stuck. She was planning on doing that with each slope to see which one worked. I was a little frustrated that she couldn’t see what to do.  I am trying to think positively and be happy that she remembered y=mx+b and knew that m was the slope.

 

I used to be pretty negative about standardized testing, but one nice thing about PSAT/SAT/ACT math tests is the mixed practice and being forced to apply what you know to something that looks different. But I am struggling with how to get her to be able to do that.  

 

Since December when I posted last on this thread we have worked through the chapter tests in the Lial Introductory algebra book. In addition each day I give her 4-5 review problems.  I choose the problems from whatever comes up that I have to stop and (re) teach her. Basic operations with decimals, fractions, percents, as well as algebra topics.  Every day we do this. I know this is what she needed all along, but better late than never I guess. I try to space the appearance of each type and also make sure the review questions are quite mixed. But If I space it too far she often needs some help again remembering.

 

Now I am alternating between test prep (we are moving to ACT math prep in a few days) and having her work through the cumulative reviews in the Lial book. I have AoPS prealgebra I could use as well and AoPS Introductory algebra.  And I am continuing the 5 problem review each day.

 

I don’t even know why I am writing. She still doesn’t mind doing math and we still like each otherJ and I think there is small progress being made. Just tell me to keep at it and to try not to show my  frustration.

 

I guess I do have one question.  Do you think there is value in her work through a mixed practice test like this PSAT regularly so that she will get faster at understanding what to do?  I mean doing the same test over and over again until she is fast and solid and can explain it. Maybe In a way this is kind of what was mentioned earlier about keeping a notebook of difficult problems. Maybe I should wait and do that with the ACT. 

 

Thanks for listening. I was just feeling discouraged after our last session. Math with the other 7 kids is going(or already went) really well.  

 

Kendall 

[Science program with Let's Read and found out type books or other living books?]

Is there a science curriculum out there that uses Let's Read and Find Out science books or other nice living picture books?  This would be for a friend who will have a 1st grader next year.  She feels like she needs a plan to keep her accountable.  The just-use-library-books plan didn't work for her this year.

 

Thanks

[Repeat pre Algebra or 2 years of Algebra?]

I would be inclined to go with Algebra I over two years. Many algebra 1 texts start with review of order of operations which also reviews basic arithmetic. You could also use chapter tests from a prealgebra book if you really thought you needed to review, or better yet make your own review as you go(If you are interested I will share what is working well this year for us).

 

I do not like the way many prealgebra books introduce equation solving, which may influence my thinking. Any work with variables is taught from scratch in Algebra 1 books, so a prealgebra is not necessary for teaching variables and equation solving. If you do Algebra 1 over two years you can either go slowly and supplement with more challenging math thinking throughout, or work through a text and then work more quickly through another Algebra 1 text the 2nd time, preferably one that is more challenging. 

 

Another option is to do Algebra 1 over 1.5 years and Geometry over 1.5 years and use the extra time in Geometry to review algebra. Or maybe better would be Algebra 1 over 1.5 years, Geometry for 1 and the last .5 year go quickly through an algebra 1 text.  

 

I use Foerster Algebra 1, but as a 2nd text for review I like Lial's because there is a cumulative review after each chapter. That would be a good way to review during or after Geometry. If your child zips through review of algebra then you could use the extra time to strengthen mathematical thinking/problem solving by using something like AoPS the 2nd time through.

 

Just my 2 cents :)

 

[Chemistry books/videos/course for me? Which of these MIT courses? Other?]

Two of my children will be ready for Chemistry next year. I used Apologia the last 3 times, but I plan to use Zumdahl Introductory Chemistry and do some of the teaching. I would like to listen to/view some lectures about Chemistry to give me a better conceptual understanding. I won't be teaching a calculus based chemistry, but I did refresh my calculus skills last year teaching AP Calc to my son, so a calc-based is fine if it will meet my goals.

 

Would either of these MIT courses work and if so which would you recommend that I watch first?

 

Principles of Chemical Science https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/chemistry/5-112-principles-of-chemical-science-fall-2005/

 

Introduction to Solid State Chemistry   https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/materials-science-and-engineering/3-091sc-introduction-to-solid-state-chemistry-fall-2010/structure-of-the-atom/1-introduction-to-solid-state-chemistry/

 

I would also be interested in book titles, not textbooks-though a particularly helpful second text idea for me to go to if I have questions would be welcome as well.

 

I have a Stop faking it chemistry book checked out that I may start with.

 

Any other helpful videos for conceptual understanding would be great, too. 

[Are there other educational lecture series?]

We are really enjoying the American Revolution Course on open Yale  courses by Joanne Freeman. You can watch the video, or you can download the audio. My kids like seeing her, but there are no visuals so I just download the audio files and listen. 

 

http://oyc.yale.edu/history/hist-116

 

 

[Cost of online classes and are there other providers than what I have listed?]

Thank you so much everyone! You have given me several options that I wasn't aware of and I am researching them and asking questions.  

 

I wish I needed math or science classes!  Those sound like great options.

 

I would love to find a college student or other individual teaching a year or semester course in writing.

[Cost of online classes and are there other providers than what I have listed?]

It has been several years since I had a child take an online class, and I just experienced some sticker shock. I used to be able to find a year long writing course for 550-600 but it seems to be closer to 700-750 (and even more with Bravewriter which might have been my first choice). 

 

Am I missing a provider that still is in the 550-600 range(plus books)?  I did see that The Potter's School is still in that range, but I don't care for the strict style requirements that they use. I may be stuck with that though.  Are there any other companies or individuals that offer year long writing courses?

 

WTMA - $749

Aim Academy  705

 

Blue Tent  695

Veritas – 649 (not sure if there is a fee in addition, so this one is closer; I hadn’t looked at these)

PA homeschoolers – not ready for AP classes

 

Thanks,

Kendall 

[Which Pre-Algebra to bridge SM6 to Foerster Algebra I? (Or, which prepares best for Foerster?)]

This is the first year I have used a prealgebra book.  This is my 6th child. The others have gone from MEP 5 or 6 or Singapore 6 right into Foerster Algebra.  Because I don't want to get farther than Calculus I in high school, I didn't want to start this 7th grader in Algebra I. I also wanted to deepen the mathematics instruction and mathematical thinking.  So I am using AoPS prealgebra.  I did move to the Foerster book before the equation solving chapter in AoPS.  We then did the 1st 3 or 4 chapters in Foerster and now we are back to the equation chapter in AoPS and will finish the book. Next year we will finish Foerster Algebra I.

 

Most of my other children did fine without this "deepening", but I want more :001_smile: .

 

 

[Which Pre-Algebra to bridge SM6 to Foerster Algebra I? (Or, which prepares best for Foerster?)]

What grade will your child be when he does the pre algebra?  

 

[Someone actually uses sentence diagramming on the job...]

Thank you so much for sharing this. My BIL is a VP at a major medical school/hospital.  He is not a lawyer, but he is involved in contracts. He told me that when he can't understand what a sentence is saying he will diagram it. He has gone back to the lawyers and said, "I don't see where this word or phrase or clause fits on the diagram." And they look at the sentence and say, "Hmmm, That's because it doesn't. We'll fix it."  

[What bios have you had your highschooler read?]

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

[More detailed physiology book?]

My sophomore is almost finished with her Biology book and we are going to finish out the year with some Anatomy and Physiology. Her Biology book had several chapters so she has had an overview. I own Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology by Scanlon. She would like to read more about a few major organs-kidneys at least. The information in the Scanlon text is not detailed enough for her. She has had her own experience with kidneys this year and wants to know more. Do you have any trade book or textbook suggestions? Or websites?

 

Thanks,

Kendall

 

 

[Is there a good older chemistry text without colored-box-disease? :)]

After reading the thread about physics texts I wondered if there is a good chemistry text without all of the modern "improvements".  Doesn't need to be AP level.

[Jurgenson Geometry Circle chapter question]

Thank you!  I had done the first two things, but hadn't gone back and drawn the diameter to the vertical chord. I knew I was close.  I wanted to try one more time, but these children need me to actually homeschool them all day and they keep wanting to eat everyday...  

 

I think I'll give the problem to my married son to work with his sister when he is here this weekend:).  

[Jurgenson Geometry Circle chapter question]

Jurgenson Geometry   My text is from 1985, but I know a lot of the problems are in the newer books as well.

 

Circle chapter

 

Section called : Circles and lengths of segments

 

This is the last B question in my book and says : A circle can be drawn through points X, Y, and Z       W is between X and Z  XW=8 WZ=12   YW is perpendicular to XZ at W  YW=6     There is a drawing of the segments that I have described.

 

What is the radius of the circle?

 

I’m stuck.  I don't have a solution book.  I do have the answer.  

 

I know I am just not seeing something. 

 

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

 

Kendall 

[Another Pre-Algebra/Algebra question]

Hehe. I've seen that before. They also have a US vs. UK maths differences thing:

https://mathwithbaddrawings.com/2015/05/20/us-vs-uk-mathematical-terminology/

 

The geometry was well integrated for sure. But honestly, we started skipping it. The debacle where I spent five days teaching the US concept of trapezoids only to realize that's why he was getting it wrong really led me to think of geometry as a bit of a farce. Like, we spent a week working on all these elaborate venn diagrams of what shape fits into what category only to realize that some of the categories had different names and some of them didn't even exist in the US. Like, didn't even have names. It felt deeply pointless.

 

I think the trapezium is the only issue that I remember. I started just skipping or altering the questions that classified the shapes. The rest of the geometry is in line with US texts if I remember correctly.

[Physics 101 DVDs....]

Conceptual Physics by Hewitt.  I think there are some videos somewhere online.  You could search the forums for Conceptual Physics

 

Stop Faking it books  one Title is Electricity and Magnetism by Robertson.  I think I read about them on the forum somewhere. If you are going to go the Physics 101 route they would be something to explore for supplemental reading. I think there are written for teachers, but I haven't looked at one yet.  You could also add the Teaching Company Joy of Physics (I think that is the title). 

 

 

[What book should I start with to teach myself writing?]

I would suggest reading through WWS1 since that is likely where your children will be doing at some point.  It looks long, but you could read through it fairly quickly to get an overview of what it is doing. I think the ideal is to try writing assignments yourself, but for years my reading time was while I was nursing babies and I didn't get to write.  But I learned a lot and everything I read contributed to my still growing understanding of writing.  So in some ways it doesn't matter where you start.  I enjoyed watching IEW though I didn't go that direction style wise. If you can listen to those while you work and save your reading time for the others, then add those.  

[Gothic Short Story to use to compare with Northanger Abbey]

I am looking for a gothic short story.  I plan to have my high school girls read Northanger Abbey.  I want them to compare the satiric elements of Northanger Abbey to the classic Gothic elements of Austen's contemporaries, pointing out how Austen is making fun of her pop culture. I don't have the time for them to read all of Udolpho:).   

 

Thanks

[Algebra after or instead of MEP 6]

 I moved one child from 2/3 of the way through MEP 5, one after finishing MEP 5 and one from mid way through MEP 6. The two that were older (entering 8th and entering 9th) did Foerster Algebra I. The one who was near the end of 6th grade went to AoPS prealgebra.  She is currently in 7th and doing AoPS prealgebra, except that when we hit the AoPS chapter that taught equation solving I moved her to the Foerster algebra I book for the first 3 chapters.  We are about to move back to the AOPS Prealgebra text.  For a younger student I would strongly consider deepening their math skills rather than moving right on to algebra.  AOPS Prealgebra seems to be an excellent way to do this, but I am sure there are other ways.  

[Options for online writing classes, not AP, not a course with strict style requirements]

Yikes, it sounds perfect, but it is so expensive.  I do one online course per high school student(not 1 a year, just 1).  A year course is around $550 most places, but this would only get 12 weeks for that.  Hmm.  I'll keep thinking about it. Thanks for the recommendation.