Just curious...but has anyone had a student participate in Greg Landry's classes? I am really needing to make a decision on science and I really feel like I need to outsource it for labs, and instruction. I don't think I am giving my boys enough as I am not that good at math/science. The look of his website appeals to me. I do not want to commit to an online class where we have to participate every day. His structure seems to work for the homeschool lifestyle and yet give me the substance I am looking for in a class. My younger son(8th) says he liked the feel of virtualhomeschoolacademy this morning but oldest(9th) wasn't as excited and I'm not sure why. I thought about maybe signing 8th grader up for it and then trying 9th with Mr. Landry's Pre-Physics fall class and pre-Chemistry in spring. I don't have a real 4 yr plan for science and I am wondering if that would work and do Biology, Chemistry in 10th and 11th. Not sure for 12th. Does anyone have any input to offer? thanks

I have 2 boys ages 13 1/2 and one that will be 15 in a month. They love to play golf. One is more like me and likes to talk but my oldest is quiet-much the introvert and so golf is a great game for him! My husband started them when they were quite young as he said it is a sport you can play for a lifetime and play with children/spouses/friends/parents. Teaches discipline, and patience for sure! Fishing...we live on a lake so this is a great thing for my boys. Rockclimbing...fun and once again, he doesn't have to talk to anyone...plus the indoor climbing places offer great training. Pottery/art classes at local art museum.

My two sons watched a class this morning(Biology) with VirtualHomeschool. They were doing a MysteryLab. One of my sons(8th grader) thinks he will like it but my 9th grader wasn't. I have also been looking at Greg Landry's classes however the only two options for us there would be the Pre-Chemistry or Pre-Physics class. Is there any way to view a sample class of his or how does his class differ from other online classes? I would like to keep them in same classes as we have always done Science together but not sure if that is best.

good luck...I'm nervous this year even though I have always homeschooled our 2 boys...my boys are going into 8th and 9th and I just worry if we do enough. We are also trying online classes(Jann's Algebra and http://www.virtualhomeschoolacademy.com this year for Biology or general science)

I wish there was more like those books...my boys loved them and asked for History. I only wish that the books went into more detail and covered more events throughout the books.

I bought World History-The Human Odyssey from Amazon...after getting it in, I have to admit it looks a little overwhelming to me. The ISBN# is0-314-20561-6. It doesn't look like the one shown in the previous post so I am wondering if I ordered the wrong one. I ordered this one after reading a post about Spielvogel history.

I'm considering using VirtualHomeschoolAcademy for general science so I'm curious as to how this works as well. I sent an email today but have not heard back from them.

I'm watching to see what pops up as well!! We are going to start with the Ancients this year and I really want something that requires very little prep but has review questions and a way to know if they are retaining the material.

Wow...you sound like you are all having so much fun!!! Keep it up...sometimes is hard to not let the books get to you especially when they get in upper grades! You have a great schedule and this is what I love about homeschooling! Your kids are very lucky!

We will be using Analytical Grammar this year...new to it but I have always wanted to try it. We are also using Vocabulary from Classical Roots. As far as reading, I usually have a read-a-loud that I do with my kids(yes, even at 8th and 9th grades, they love it) and then they each have books that they read independently. I'm afraid that our list of books are not what most read however as I try to find books that will peak their interest in reading(I have a hunter/fisherman who loves books with nature/animals and old-time feel.) He is currently reading a book written by an author that wrote for Outdoor Life etc for years. My other son reads books like Peter and the Starcatchers, The Anybodies series, etc.

thanks for the comments...I always get a little stressed this time of year when I read the posts on what lesson plans look like for your students! Plus, this year with oldest going into 9th...I'm a little more nervous as I don't want him to get behind should we consider ps/private school next year. I think I will do the virtual homeschool academy as it will covers more than the pre-chemistry or pre-physics from Greg Landry. One thought...has anyone heard any good comments about the site http://www.quickstudylabs.com? I saw someone the other day that said they were going to use it with the kids and I thought it might be fun for boys as an extra course...my husband says to not bite off too much. I did a search and didn't find any comments whether it was a good choice. Thanks again for input...

my problem is more which subject in science to lean towards with our background. would a general science be better than pre-physics or pre-chemistry or should I try to get them in a General science course first. It seems most 9th graders are in more advanced science courses than what we need to do.

Okay, so I don't do science very well. I have been on the search this week for an online class since I see that with oldest going into 9th grade. I used Apologia during elementary years, did Rainbow science last year but kids found it dry. We also have always done internet-linked science books and Robert Krampf but honestly even though we love science, the last couple of years, it has been more relaxed than probably I should have. Kids love science and know alot so I have always just gone with that and we study what interests us. Soooo...now I want to do on online class and because we haven't done much, I am not sure which we should do. I have looked today at Greg Landry's and spoke with him and he recommended Pre-physics or pre-chemistry. I also am looked at Virtual homeschool group but I am not sure which course to consider. I want something that will not overwhelm both but get them where they should be. any suggestions!!!!

thanks, Sue for the links...I'm seriously considering Greg Landry for Pre-Chemistry as I like what I see on his site.

So, approximately when will the class be doing unit 9? We usually begin our classes the second to third week of August.

following this thread as I have wondered the same....we do read-alouds and independent reading but as far as a structured literature class...we haven't.

I have an 8th and 9th grader so I am looking forward to reading posts. Just curious, what science curriculum is she using ? I am wanting to do online science this year but not sure which as I am terrible in the subject and my kids love science. Hope she enjoys her journey...good luck to her!

anyone????

I found a link to this site thru a previous post and I am wondering what those of you that have used it think about it. I am looking for an online science for 8-9th graders. I was thinking of using Apologia Biology. We used Rainbow science last year but my boys were not crazy about it and I need help teaching it. I am not sure if we should do General Science or Biology. They both love science and I am not good at teaching it. This site looks like a possible option that might work. Any comments?

Can any of you recommend a science program online that I might still be able to enroll my kids in at this point for fall? We had to drop our Geography class thru Potter's School so I want to add science for them. I am also looking at the http://www.quicksciencelabs.com Edison Trait for them but I am thinking that it will be more for a supplement for fun. Thanks for any suggestions...I want to try to deal with this in the next few days as I'm afraid most classes will fill up.

I can't comment on ease of refund but I have been trying to enroll my kids in a class and it is sooooo frustrating to not be able to speak with someone on the phone. I have emailed and emailed and can't seem to correct a problem with our scheduling!!! very frustrating!

My son is just going into 9th grade and so this past week or so, I have really been freaking out realizing it's the "big time" now and to make sure we are getting what we need. A friend of mine suggested making a 4 yr. plan which is totally overwhelming to me and I have no idea which direction to go with that idea. My comment for you is that these schedules look amazing and quite honestly, overwhelming to me. May I ask how you came up with these plans and did you base it on their individuals interests as far as upcoming careers? Looks like your kids are getting a wonderful education.

Have your kids taken one of these classes before? I was looking at the website and I am wondering which is the best...Edison project class or Electronics 1? I also was wondering if the amount of time each day for experiments is accurate. We don't normally do science experiments but about 2 times a week so I am curious if doing them daily is a strain on the rest of the day's schedule. any info on this? thanks

yeah, I have started thinking about it and it could be a good thing. Start the day off with class and then have a short break. I did email them back and request to put both boys on waiting list of later class but I think most of you are right...we'll deal with it and survive!

Holy cow, we are so not up for 7:15! I tried to go back and request the later class which already had a waiting list and I was able to put one student on wait but it would let me do both which really stinks. I really wish I could just talk to someone rather than emailing.