We enjoyed CAP's Art of Argument last year, but Discovery of Deduction seems dreadfully boring in comparison. We just finished 4.1 and are starting on the section of Propositions and Their Relationships. Does it get better or should we abandon ship? Any other suggestions, if so? The product page to see where 4.1 would be located. Thanks for any assistance!

Spectrum Chemistry vs. Jay Wile's Discovering Design with Chemistry: Which would you choose and why? Background info: My son currently desires to become a doctor (family physician or genetic counselor). He has completed Rainbow Science and will take Biology the following year with our co-op. He has completed Algebra I. Chemistry would be completed at home.

What is the genetics course? My son is thinking about becoming a genetic counselor.

For the play, I think Harvey would fit quite well and add some humor.

This is really helpful. My son is looking at becoming a doctor, so the human anatomy coverage is always a plus and I appreciate the explanation of the pros and cons for Total Health. Mental health is such a big issue and so the cohesive coverage of that is important. Thank you!

Has anyone used both of these curricula and can review them both for me?

I look at the activities as a buffet. I choose what works best for my family and move on after that. They learn plenty and it doesn't become a drudgery. I vote for moving on to the Medieval era!

From what I understand, you determine this as you will. I have seen various syllabi where homework (daily work, in this case) counts up to 80%. I think it is important to give a balance and not just teach to a test yet also not skew our grades so that homeschoolers across the board can not be trusted. If they know the material and are putting forth effort, you'll know that.

Ah, yes. I saw this one. We are using it now and I think the author simply explains more in their explanation, not that the student should be parroting that type of information.

What negative things did you hear about Rainbow Science? I can only find positive reviews so I'm curious. 🙂

Can anyone tell me more about either of these programs? I'm trying to compare and they both look hands-on and highly recommended but since they both cover Physical Science, I am trying to narrow it down for my oldest's 7th and 8th grade years. Thanks for the assistance!

I would love any help in this area. 🙂

Honestly, right now, I'm feeling it out. I am unsure if I could really teach a semester of each and want to talk to the parents to see if they want this to be a course that prepares them for CLEP or AP tests. Two of my favorite high school classes were psychology and sociology. They were so fascinating and quite fun. I would like to show some videos, have discussion, and give them an introduction to each.

I am thinking of teaching a course next year at our once-a-week co-op with half a year of psychology and half a year of sociology. Does anyone have any great resources for either class? Anyone have experience with a course?

Tanya, Did you happen to find anything for this? I am looking to teach a sociology class for a semester.

How would you recommend I treat the sciences? Wait to start biology until his official 9th grade?

Very good point. I'll have to make sure my dh, ds and I sit down to figure out a plan beforehand.

Yes, I would go deeper in those studies as I wouldn't want his skills to diminish or fade in that year. Thank you for that. I'm thinking of taking this year between 8th and high school so that it doesn't affect his credits and he doesn't have that looming over him.

My oldest son is very young for his grade (elsewhere he would be in a younger grade) but has always been accelerated in both reading and now math. However, I'm interested in having a type of gap year where he can pursue interests and maybe hone in on a future career option before we go diving into high school and requirements. Has anyone done this? Thoughts on this type of thing? We would continue to have him write papers on his experiences with due dates, etc.

I know this is an old feed, but I have a quick question. What equipment did you make sure they had? I was trying to figure out if this was possible in a co-op setting.

Has anyone used this or seen it being used? http://shpublishing.com/kims-lesson-planner-schoolhouse-publishing.html I would really like something that I don't have to pay for every year, but can enter my lesson plans once and then copy later for other kids. BUT I also want something that can easily adapt so if we miss a subject one day, I can adjust it.

We used P4/5 and while it was a little light for my already-reading son who loved sitting and listening to books, we sometimes doubled up on the material or just added in other books to read as a family and for him to read alone. You can keep both children at their correct LA level and math level and I don't feel that you would be holding the oldest back in any way. The books are good at stretching their ability to sit and listen, as well.

This. I was debating MFW/TOG/BP and will be going with MFW next year. I will add in Sonlight read-alouds. I requested every book I could get my hands on that BP had on their list for the year and did the same for TOG. Then I checked out their samples in-depth. TOG had an immense amount of stuff to do, but I don't feel like history is THE most important subject above all else. If I did, I would choose TOG. However, I think Bible, Math and LA are more important. I actually tended to like the BP books better for the grammar-aged students, but the Companion would have been over my kids heads, so what's the point? MFW looks like they have what I need. I'll try it for a year and check it out.

You also could just add in the RS games more or pull out the manipulatives with a new concept in MM.

Did you teach Latin, as well? If so, did you teach it first?