Thank you for this tip! Jennifer

Well, bummer. I was hoping you could give me some info. I'll check out the author's site.

We "could" put it on her transcript as a 9th grade lab science, but dd loves science and I'm pretty certain we WILL be doing 4 more sciences in HS. So, I'll probably just put those on her transcript. Thanks for your reply, Char.

Yes, I agree and again, this is great food for thought. I'll probably need to start another thread to take a look at the "conceptual courses". Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience. Though I'm still processing all the great replies in this thread, it is great to know that I have a place to discuss my concerns and receive honest, valid feedback. Blessings, Jennifer

Dd is not headed for the Ivies, but hopefully a small 4 yr college. Currently she is interested in physical therapy, which now requires a 4 yr degree + a 3yr doctorate program. She's already done some shadowing and interviewed some PT's. According to our research, the stakes to get accepted into a program don't come until the end of your 4 yr degree; the point where you are applying to PT programs. For the schools we've researched around here (GA, FL, TN, NC, SC, AL), some offer pre-PT programs & others offer an athletic training program that sets you up for the doctorate level. Most require bio, chem, physics, biochem, microbio, A&P, and kinesiology type courses and those related to athletic training. Now I realize that earth science is nowhere in the mix, but as far as we can tell, a student establishes himself in the first 2 yrs of college by doing well in all these required sciences, not from HS level courses. And the question I ask myself is this....Is it better for a student to just go ahead and take chem or physics anyway and get mediocre scores, (thus possibly deflating their confidence & abilities in even pursuing a science oriented career), or give them a year or two to develop more mature thinking for math and THEN take those classes at the expense of maybe not getting them all in before college? Earth science might not directly tie in with the PT major, but it is a practical science that opens up our world/universe to us. I guess I see that as an important aspect of being well rounded in the sciences. 8fill the heart, I hear you about the chemistry. Last summer, that was what I thought we'd do this year using Spectrum. Dd did very well in Algebra (solid A), but in translating the principles to physcial science, it was often with frustration and a lot of hand holding. Things did get better toward the end of the year, but this is why I put the brakes on doing it for fall. I'm not sure I'd really want to go with Friendly Chemistry; I don't see it worthy of HS credit. What makes Conceptual Chem different from Spectrum? At this point, IF we do earth science, I see dd's progression like this: 9th earth science using Tarbuck's college text, 10th chemistry using Spectrum & parts of Bettleheim & March college text, 11th biology using Campbell, 12th physics using Derek Owens or dual enrollment. Do you think that sounds weak? Believe it or not, I don't know that I really want to go the AP route for science. I actually want dd to take the undergraduate sciences from college professors that KNOW their topic. Now, I know many public uni's use TA's to teach those courses, but the colleges we're interested in have real Ph.D.'s doing the teaching. Am I crazy in my thinking? I look forward to more replies. Thanks, Jennifer

OLG, Thanks for your reply. Just to let you know, we did physical science using CPO text w/DIVE CD this year. We had a pretty good year, with some snags at times with the math. She was doing algebra concurrently. This is why I have reservations about going on to chemistry or physics. Jennifer

Glad I could ask the question for both of us! I think the discussion has been very enlightening. I feel the same way you do about this "transition" year. My dd is a hard worker, but as I've posted before, she doesn't have long stamina. So, if I overdo it for her, like you said, things don't go well. Thanks so much for responding. I hope the discussion will be helpful for you, too. Jennifer

Coffeegal, so your dad actually recommends geology. That is very interesting. Can you elaborate on that more? In my research, I found several articles written by college professors that gave a "wish list" for what they thought HS students should have some foundation. They listed earth science/astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics. Food for thought, huh. Doodler, after reading all your cool replies on delight directed learning in oh elizabeth's thread, you gave me inspiration! The practicality of earth science is part of what drew me to it. From a spiritual perspective, there's just so much to glean about God's creation. Thanks to both of you for your comments. And coffeegal, if you have a chance to share more of why your dad recommended earth science/geology, I would like to hear.... Jennifer

Char, thanks for responding. We've actually completed physical science using CPO Science combined with DIVE. It worked out pretty well. I think you and your dc will enjoy it! Thanks, Jennifer

Ok, since you all are proposing a possible earth science combo with another of the 3 major branches of science, let's talk about this a little more. I've gone back and looked at the Intro to Geography text by Getis that she'll be using. There are 3 chapters that are more earth science based: Physical Geography: Landforms (rocks, plate tectonics, volcanoes), Phys Geog: Weather & Climate (basic meterology, biomes/climates), & Natural Resources (fossil fuels, solar energy, pollution). So, there's a good bit of earth science already there, but not in depth. Probably the only thing missing that she's keenly interested in is the oceanography. I *think* this could be a doable option, but the other science has got to be something that's not super time intensive. Here are her other courses: Bible Grammar/Composition/Rhetoric: Finish R&S English 8; New Oxford Guide to Writing, Rulebook for Arguments a la WTM recs Literature: Finish Figuratively Speaking lit terms; TC lectures Art of Reading; Lit guides for books chosen to coordinate with geography/world cultures; some of WEM Logic: Traditional Logic Geometry: Derek Owens' online class using Jacob's text French: Potter's School online class World Geography, Missions, Cultures (prepping for AP human geography) PE Lifeskills Piano, Violin, Swim Team As you can see, her schedule is full. I think the only science course I can see that's not super time intensive is what 8fill the heart suggests: Spectrum Chemistry. I really did consider this as our 9th grade progression, but as we worked through algebra and physical science this year, I just wasn't sure the timing was right to start a heavier math oriented science yet. Dd did fine with algebra, but the application to science posed some challenges. When I look back at my own HS classes, I wasn't ready for math based science until 11th grade. In fact, I struggled through geometry, which is another reason I didn't want to combine too much too soon for math. To me, proofs in geometry are a new animal for kids and most of the time they take a while to master. OK, so that leaves biology, but geesh all the terms and molecular biology nowadays really warrants taking chemistry & possibly physics beforehand. The only biology course I know of that's more taxonomy and traditional biology is Apologia, but dd & I don't care for the writing style and editorial on evolution. If I consider Spectrum, I think I would have to do the bridge math to ease into the math. Gosh, I feel like I'm being argumentative to your suggestions, but please know I don't mean to sound that way. I'm just giving you my overall thought processes that brought me to earth science in the first place. I REALLY do appreciate your comments and value them. I haven't decided anything yet. So please if you have any comments to this additional info please let me know. Thanks, Jennifer

YES! I would have said the same thing in March! That's why I love this board so much! The empathy often is just what I need. Thanks Paula. Jennifer

I've read & researched all about this, too. While I think it "sounds great", I'm not sure dd is completely prepared for the math. Physics is not my forte either, so I would have to outsource yet another class. I've looked at Derek Owens for this option, but I'm still not convinced it's the right thing YET for dd. Her load is going to be pretty heavy already and even though his course is algebra based with some trig, I don't want her to get overwhelmed. Thanks for the reply--it's always great to hear from you. ;) Jennifer

Uh-oh, you really think so...hmmm. I've ALWAYS respected your insights and opinions on this board, so I will be relying on that as I make my decision. Thank you for valuable reply! Jennifer

Glad to know I'm not alone in the "doubting" department. Thanks for the feedback in favor of my original plan.

I HEAR YOU! This will be our 1st year for high school and 10th year of homeschooling. I'm in the same boat. In fact, I posted a thread on 9th grade science earlier today. Like you, I know I'm overthinking things, and probably putting too much pressure on myself. I just feel such a great responsibility now, more so than ever. Sorry I can't offer any real advice. Just letting you know you're not alone! Jennifer

Both of my dc wanted to take a year off from history and focus on geography/world missions/cultures. So my original thought was to do earth science/astronomy at the same time with both kids, just at different levels. I've bought the Tarbuck text (have HS & college level) for dd and she is already enjoying reading and looking at the beautiful pictures/illustrations/graphs. So, why do I keep hearing this little voice in my head saying...."You're wasting your time studying earth science; she'll never use it. She should be moving on with biology, chemistry, & physics." I have already been making plans for earth science and I've come up with some fun stuff to do. Plus, dd will be prepping for the AP Human Geography exam AND taking 2 online courses (geometry & french), which will be new for her. I really wanted to build other skill areas this year (writing/researching/math) before moving on to heavier science. So far, she's interested in a health science profession, but in 9th grade, I'm not sure how much weight that has in the whole situation. So please, help me either calm my nerves and go with my original plan OR tell me that I REALLY SHOULD listen to that voice. OH, how I wish I could be as confident as you guys! Desperately seeking advice and prayers! Jennifer

Nadia, Check out this thread. Posters gave this mom a lot of world lit titles that might give you some ideas. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=366758 I'm taking some ideas from this thread. A couple others we'll read are KIte Runner by Khaled Houssini (Afghanistan), Persepolis 1 & 2 (Iran), & a bio on Mother Teresa (India). HTH, Jennifer

Yes, indeed, I'm planning for a few subjects and still researching/trying to decide what to do for a couple others. And I'll be farming out geometry & French. Last night I started putting together my cart for Amazon & Rainbow and when I saw how much I was spending I freaked out. :ack2: So did dh! But we keep telling ourselves even though this is more money than we're accumstomed to spending for school it's still better & cheaper than private school! Hats off to everyone and I'm glad to know I'm not alone!!! Jennifer

Elizabeth, thanks for starting this thread. I look forward to MtnTeaching's response. Doodler, I just wanted to tell you how encouraging your post has been to me. I'm in the throws of planning our first year of high school, and I'll admit I'm nervous, but excited at the same time. Thanks ladies, Jennifer

Looking forward to it--the road looks less daunting with kind, supportive folks like you!

Glad you've gleaned some helpful tips for your situation, too. I UNDERSTAND what you mean about the planning part. I have to be careful and not get overwhelmed myself. Planning logic/rhetoric are so foreign to me because I have never been exposed to them. But oh how I want my dc to learn these skills because *I* know it will help their writing/speaking skills for both college and future professions. Just curious, did you use WTM methods with your 2 oldest? Jennifer

Yes, we own the handbook and have found it VERY useful! As always, thanks for you insight! Jennifer

Colleen, Thanks for your thoughtful reply and reference to other threads where you asked about grammar/proofreading skills taught in R&S 9/10. They've been very thought provoking for me. I feel the hardest thing to do thus far in planning for HS is how to maximize the time you have teaching the priorites. There is SO MUCH to cover in a SHORT amount of time. Plus my younger ds needs A LOT of my attention and trying to balance working w/both kids in the way I like is becoming increasingly difficult. So, here's what I'm considering: I really *want* grammar to take a back seat and focus on writing this year. (This also means I probably won't put as much emphasis on WEM & literary analysis. That I'll save for next year.) So, I'm just going to have dd work on reviewing her grammar/writing notebook that she has made from all her studies in R&S. I can't believe I'm saying this....but I think I've decided not to continue w/R&S 9/10. Instead, I think we'll focus on the Kane book in Semester I, and then turn our attention to the the Weston book & workbook for Semester II. We'll use the info from both Kane & Weston across our curriculum. As I plan out geography and science, I can see how this will extend into the kind of papers I want dd to begin writing in both of those subjects. In addition, dd will begin some SAT prep, and I think I'm just going to have to trust that this plan will suffice for our continued grammar review. Thinking out loud has really helped. Any ideas or thoughts??? Thanks, Jennifer

I've not seen any of the prep books. How do they approach the grammar component practice for the SAT?

Candid, Thanks for the tip. I didn't know that. Guess I better add that to "summer learning". Thanks, Jennifer