I certainly think that is the case in this situation, but I know that other algebra I/II books do not cover nearly the same amount of stuff, so it would be all new information! This Algebra I book covers material through much of the algebra II books I have seen here and the majority of algebra II books I have seen used at these public schools dont even try and think about trig. All I know is that after finishing the first book, dd took the ASSET test to get into the cc here and it placed her into college algebra/ trig (which I totally disagreed with just for the record). It doesn't just cover a topic, it thoroughly and completely covers a topic. In fact, dd was having a conversation about proofs (and how mean I am for demanding so many of them) the other week with a boy we know who is on the honors track at his HS and he told us that his teacher never required proofs or even went over any logical thinking in geometry. She glossed over reasoning skills and stuck to the basic geometric rules that would be on a standardized test. Of course it is Arizona, where we were, what, 48th in education last year?:rolleyes: I never even thought about what it would look like on a transcript, though. I just figured if I had to use them, I would put Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II since I have to have detailed course descriptions, and hope that admissions people were familiar with the texts!

OK, I am going to try this. I know other people use this same option, so they can support or refute me as needed! We use Option 1. We are midway through Geometry and so far it has been fantastic for dd. It meets requirement 1. If needed, there are little self-tests and mixed review exercises that are separate from the section's written exercises spattered throughout the chapters. At the end of every chapter there is a cumulative and an algebra review (in the geometry book). At the end of the book are extra practice problems or extra tests or additional, fun-type, mega-hard problems depending on the book. It meets requirement 2. At least as far as I am aware, there are solutions manuals. I have never actually looked at one, so I cannot comment on them other than that they exist. I have ordered directly from the publisher before and had no trouble, but we all know that means nothing. I have the TE for Algebra 2/trig, but it has little more than answers. Yeah... About number 3... I dont really see this requirement as being fulfilled. There are definitely examples and there are definitely examples that are worked out step by step, but they are not really accompanied by explanations about each step. This book really, really, really needs a good foundation. I cannot go so far as to say it needs a great pre-algebra program because dd did not use any pre-algebra book at all, but there were some areas that needed much input from me at some points. Also, as the problems get more difficult (B & C level), there is an assumption that you have some clue as to what you are doing, so there may not be specific examples of the more difficult problems. Did that make sense at all? As for number 4 there are color pictures, diagrams and mini-biographies. Keep in mind, though, that it is a somewhat serious book, and it maintains a to-the-point nature. DD loves the little facts and biographies, though. I am more than willing to take pictures or scan some sections so that you can see what they are like. I know that I really like to have something in my hands to go through at my leisure and examine completely, so any way I can help, just let me know! Also, in my totally worthless opinion, the Algebra 2/trig book IS precalc. I am planning on a separate semester of trig at this point because I think dd may need it (and it's fun!), but the topics covered are the same topics covered in the college algebra books I have laying around, and in more detail than the precalc book that our CC uses. I believe, though, at this point, that we will have to have something between that and calculus. I know there is something, but I cannot remember what it is called, and I have to run out the door! No time to edit!!:eek: HTH! PS, I have seen these books CHEAP!

I just want to chime in for a sec to let you know that some of the editions are identical. I have an older Algebra 2/trig TE and the newest student book and they are the same. I used the 1990 version in high school and remember it looking very similar, but I cant find the version to verify. I have also found no differences between the 1994 Algebra 1 book and the 2000, other than price, and I have seen the older editions very, very cheap!

When finding the area of any two dimensional object, you use (X units squared) to denote that it is measuring the area of a two dimensional object. So if you are finding volume, you would use (X units cubed) because it is a three dimensional object. If we knew 4 dimensions, similar suit would follow. Does that make sense? Is that kind of what you were asking?

I would love to know which reading test you mean...? Until then, Maybe it is an example of active vs passive vocabulary? I once noticed that my dd had no problem understanding most vocabulary when it was in context, but if I put a vocabulary test in front of her that was just words and definitions, she struggled because although she thinks she knows the word, she is just not sure. Even if I am certain that she should know the word, she was overwhelmed with uncertainty. Honestly, it has been better recently since she began French and Word Within the Word because she can now pick out word parts. Was it just the vocabulary that was your concern, or did it test comprehension, as well? Maybe she is OK reading for the gist of things, but when it comes to very minor details or inferring feelings, she misses them? We had a problem with that until I realized it was called "not reading every sentence, or sometimes even skipping multiple paragraphs, because I can still get the idea". epsbooks.com has a series called Reading Comprehension in Varied Subject Matter that is aimed towards high school students, if you are interested in something like that. HTH!

Hi, I dont think I have ever posted over here, but the topic caught my eye and I want to play! We somehow tend to finish things in December, then start again in January. Im not sure how, but it has been like this for the last few years. This year's 7th grade: AOPS Algebra/Jurgensen's Geometry World Cultures/American History Voyages in English 7/8 French 1/2 (outsourced at cc) Prentice Hall gr10 lit/ American lit plus 5 extra books over the year Wordly Wise 6/not quite 7 yet Traditional Logic 2/ Critical thinking book 1 Glencoe science Green/Blue/Physical Geography (outsourced cc) General 1xweek art class for first semester I feel like Im not doing nearly as much as some of you, I would have loved to add Artistic Pursuits! Maybe next year...

Im not helping much, but I do know that RMTS requires, without exception,the kids to stay the entire time because of the whole living and learning together thing.

I emailed you privately. Can anyone of any age answer? I can have dd do it in the morning:D

We were fortunate enough to be able to get the free version and it is really fun. We used it as a supplement but I really feel as though it would be a great, basic first year algebra program depending on what it is you are looking for with math. It is NOT Dolciani, but it even includes the word "Proof" here and there, which is unusual. It does cover more topics more thoroughly than the Larson book, and it is WAY, WAY better than Aleks. I cannot get away from the fun thing, but it was just plain fun. It has games, puzzles, challenge problems, movies and keeps track of answers. It actually teaches the material, and walks you through problems, not just shows it to you. I cannot imagine a high schooler using it without feeling a little silly at times, but at least they would learn the material. Giving it a second look just now, I am still impressed by the amount of material it covers and I cannot imagine anyone being worse for the wear afterwards, even using it as their main source. When the time comes, I will have to seriously consider their physics program. HTH!

NP! I find great solace in solving math problems. Sadly. 3. the square root radical of 2 + the square root radical of 2/49 sqrt2 + sqrt (2/49) ---> sqrt2 + (sqrt2/sqrt49) ---> sqrt 2 + (sqrt 2)/7 --->Now they need common denominators so multiply the first term by 7/7 ---> (7sqrt 2)/7 + (sqrt 2)/7 ---> (7sqrt2 + sqrt2)/7 ---> (8sqrt2)/7 Hope that made sense!

Forgive me, I may make this more difficult, but I am sitting here wasting time until dd gets out of class! First, I am assuming that when you say "square root radical" that you mean just plain old square root of whatever, i.e. x^(1/2). So... 1. m^(1/2) * (m^2)^(1/2) or sqrt m*sqrt m^2 would end up as m sqrt m or m(m^1/2) 2. Is this like sqrt (m^2/n^3)? I will assume so (Im difficult, sorry) If so, then the answer would be m/(n sqrt n) 3. (8 sqrt 2)/7 (Look! Im purple now!) Do you me to work it out for you? 4. (sqrt x-7)/8 = 2 ----> (sqrt x-7) = 16 ---> square both sides ---> x-7 = 256 ---> x=263

I remember reading this book in 8th grade and the teacher was good enough to time it with the release of the movie! Now that I just dated myself... Anyways, dd did it this year (7th) and it was fun. We used such a variety of material, from lots of places, but the best site I found was http://www.glc.k12.ga.us/BuilderV03/LPTools/LPShared/lpdisplay.asp?Session_Stamp=&LPID=31493 because it links to a bunch of other sites. Probably even the other ones I have! There is also http://www.bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us/lord.html http://www.gerenser.com/lotf/ http://www.novelguide.com/lordoftheflies/ http://www.homework-online.com/lotf/index.asp I tried to use this book as a study in symbolism, but we really seemed to focus on groupthink and personal responsibility for most of our discussions. Especially since this book followed Fahrenheit 451. Really, its such a popular book that it has been evaluated from every conceivable angle. HTH!

This was our 3rd year of talent search and I am so glad we have done it. Usually, kids qualify based on their IOWA or state test scores being above 98%ile. The out of level tests give them a higher ceiling and it is a great way to really get an idea about where your child stands in each subject area. Plus, they get exposure to higher level tests. We go through Rocky Mountain Talent Search, but I know that Duke has a great interpretive guide on their website somewhere that helps teachers decide how to keep these kids motivated. Like everyone else said, you can qualify to summer, weekend and distance programs all sorts of different places with like-minded children. We have yet to actually do this, but the option is there, at least! Also, there is a recognition ceremony at the end of the year for kids who score well. The downside is that we now occasionally receive mailings (one-time only) from schools or other summer programs. Its not exactly a downside for us because we find those fun, but it may be for some. You can definitely sign up your child on your own for out of level tests, you do NOT have to go through talent search to qualify for any of these programs. In addition, if qualified, you can sign up for classes everywhere, not just through Duke. HTH!

They should have sent a piece of paper with your paperwork (Duke, not ACT) that is filled out by you and identifies your child as a talent participant. If you dont see one, call the coordinator and ask them about it!

Hi I was gone all weekend and when I came back... BAM!! Different board! I mostly lurked on the last board because, well, I have no good reason, I just really love knowing other people have similar experiences!. I will try and participate a bit more in the future. I have a 12yo dd who used to be considered 2e when she was little, but not anymore, I think she's just a regular e now;) We have homeschooled since halfway through 3rd grade and she wants to continue through HS. She is considered accelerated by everyone but me (I think plenty of kids her age are capable of higher level work than are receiving higher level work, she is just lucky) and is also taking classes at the local CC for French and Physical Geography. She chose physical geography this semester because it had a lab and, "I thought every 7th grader took Earth science!" It has, fortunately, been a really great experience for her. Thank you all for sharing!