Oops! I meant Advanced Mathematics. (I'm teaching ds Algebra II right now, which is probably why I mistyped.)

(1) The second half of Saxon's Advanced Algebra seems a bit disjointed--one topic doesn't necessarily flow into the next. Is Saxon Calculus similarly disjointed or do the topics flow better? (2) I once read that the Saxon Advanced Algebra course was harder than the Saxon Calculus course? Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not? Thanks! :)

The answer key to Saxon Advanced Mathematics, edition 2 says that the answer to question 26 in lesson 17 is 2. However, the answer is both 2 and 6. I did not see this correction on Saxon's website and wanted to pass it along. **If you disagree, please let me know. I'm always interested in talking about math.** Here's our evidence: Proof: To solve, use the intersecting chord theorem: If two chords intersect inside a circle, the product of the lengths of the segments of one chord equals the product of the lengths of the segments of the other chord. 4 * 3 = x(8 - x) 12 = 8x - x^2 x^2 - 8x + 12 = 0 (x - 2)(x - 6) = 0 x = 2, 6 Check both answer choices: 4 * 3 = x(8 - x) 12 = 2(8 - 2) 12 = 2(6) 12 = 12 So x = 2 is a solution. 4 * 3 = x(8 - x) 12 = 6(8 - 6) 12 = 6(2) 12 = 12 So x = 6 is a solution.

Thanks so much for the responses. We were using water from a canal near our house. There's loads of life in it. In fact, we were watched by an otter while collecting the original water specimens! I'm really glad that others didn't find anything in the rice jar. Maybe because it was white rice instead of brown? Most of the nutrients were removed in the rice-polishing process.

Has your child done experiments 2.2 and 3.1 in Apologia biology? These are the pond life experiments. Specifically, did your child find any monera or any protista in the rice jar? Thanks

I use both a graphing and a "regular" calculator depending on the need at that moment. In fact, within a 1-hour period, I can switch between the 2 several times. The TI-84 Plus is absolutely amazing! I highly recommend it. It is great for doing linear (and other) regression analyses, permutations/combinations, and so much more. It is overkill, though, for many basic needs. For less demanding needs, we simply use a Texas Instruments solar-powered scientific calculator.

We've always used The Home Schooler's Journal and love it. It costs less than $10. It is very flexible. The listing on Rainbow Resource's website includes a few photos. http://www.rainbowresource.com/pictures/017347/1281385236-1693196 BTW--We do not like the high school journal. Hope this helps!

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Can anyone suggest a book to use when teaching music theory? This would be used in conjunction with piano lessons. Specifically, I'm looking for something available via Amazon.com, at Barnes and Noble, etc.--not something from a homeschool resource catalog. Thanks :-)

Have you looked at Wordsmith Craftsman, specifically part 3 (beginning on page 52)? It is all about writing essays: descriptive, narrative, expository, critical, and persuasive. If you go to http://www.commonsensepress.com you can look at samples of the book. Hope this helps! :-)

According to The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, paragraph 6.57, the "most common use [of the semicolon] is between two independent clauses not joined by a conjunction." The sentence you gave contains independent clauses. So technically and grammatically yes--you can leave the sentence as is. However, to make the sentence better, replace each of the semicolons with periods. When I say "better," I mean that 3 separate sentences will flow/sound better than one sentence containing 2 semicolons. Hope this helps! :-)

Hi-- When you multiplied the 6r + b = 38 by -2, you made a mistake. 38 * (-2) = -76, not -72 as you wrote. So now you have the following 2 equations: 3r + 2b = 22 -6r - 2b = -76 -3r = -54 r = 6 Alternatively, solving the second equation for b and then substituting into the first equation gives: 6r + b = 38 b = 38 - 6r 3r + 2b = 22 3r + 2(38 - 6r) = 22 3r + 76 - 12r = 22 -9r + 76 = 22 -9r + 76 - 76 = 22 - 76 -9r = -54 r = 6 No matter which method you use, you then substitute r = 6 into one of the original equations to find b = 2. Hope this helps! :-)

Sorry--but I don't understand the abbreviation. What is HAW? Do you have a link to their website? Thanks!

Hi Cinder, Thanks so much for the link and the info. I really appreciate it!

ds will be in grade 6 this year and will take the ITBS for the first time. (In previous years, he took other standardized tests.) (1) Is Level 12 taken in grade 6? If not, which level? (2) Have you used "Test Best on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills" as a test-prep book? Feedback please. Did you like? If so, why? If not, why? (3) Have you used "Scoring High Iowa Test of Basic Skills" as a test-prep book? Feedback please. Did you like? If so, why? If not, why? (4) dd will be in grade 9 this year. Does ITBS have a high school equivalent? If so, what is it called? Thanks so much!

We used Zaner-Bloser's G.U.M. (Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics) Complete Middle Level Program when our older child was in 6th grade. Now that our younger child is going to start 6th grade, I'd appreciate any recommendations to replace G.U.M. Suggestions please? Thanks :-)

Thanks so much!

(1) Does anyone have a link for the table of contents for Saxon Geometry? (2) If you've used this program, did you do it between Saxon Algebra I and II or after Algebra II? Thanks!

We're planning on using Wordsmith Craftsman for 9th grade next year. It is a writing course. http://www.commonsensepress.com We're planning to focus on the 3rd section of the book--essay writing (descriptive, narrative, expository, and persuasive essays). dd loved both Wordsmith Apprentice and Wordsmith. For literature, we're combining that with history.

You might try Wordsmith Craftsman. dc have used both Wordsmith Apprentice and Wordsmith. Both their writing abilities and joy of writing have increased. For info about the programs, including samples, go to http://www.commonsensepress.com

We use Rosetta Stone, specifically the Latin-American Spanish. You're right--it doesn't teach formal grammar. However, it really works for *spoken* Spanish. After using Rosetta Stone, dd is comfortable speaking Spanish to native speakers. So if your goal is for your children to be able to speak Spanish, then I recommend Rosetta Stone. Hope this helps!

Excellence in Literature was mentioned on this board, and it intrigues me. Is it secular or religious? Thanks!

Thanks for the link. Ultimately, though, I think this is just a poorly written question IMHO.