My plan for 9th grade is to do biology over the summer then a second science elective during the year. DS likes working with his hands. He does origami, grows plants, knits, build balsa wood towers and wind turbines. He is also the kid who doesn't get scared off by the physics events in Science Olympiad. What fun or interesting ideas so people have. Links to specific curriculum would be great. Eta: Even if you don't know a specific curriculum but have ideas of areas to study that would be great.

Ok, this is going to sound very ignorant, and kind of odd from someone who has actually done science in a couple of different fields during her professional life, but what the heck is a high school science lab supposed to be, anyway? I keep using that word, but I do not think it means what I think it means. ;) When I think about a lab, I think automatically about doing an experiment - coming up with a question, doing some research, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, analyzing the results, and writing up a lab report. But when I look at curricula, books, online description of labs, I see a lot of other things being done that I'd call something different - demonstrations, dissections, observations, collections, projects, investigations, analyzing data sets. Do those things all count as labs? How do you define labs for the different sciences? Can you give me examples of things that you've done for labs for the different sciences? And how many you've done in a year? I like the idea of doing experiments, but those suckers can take some time. I can't imagine doing one a week. One every two weeks if that's all you are doing, maybe. One a month sounds more civilized. But are there a bunch of things that count as labs that maybe I'm not thinking of that way? I'm kind of hoping so. I want to do a bunch of those things, too, and if they are also considered labs, I'm golden. :)

Can you share which Live Online Science courses you have loved? And hated? My son is a STEM kid but really likes engineering type things and computer science rather than traditional science classes...but I guess we have to satisfy the transcript requirements so I hope you all can point me in the right direction. I considered using SuperCharged Science because he would enjoy working with his hands but I don't think that the curriculum would go deep enough for STEM prep.

We live in Canada, and have a ds who is entering grade 9 via homeschooling. We have completed the TWTM sequence of science from grade 1-8. My ds will be doing Saxon Algebra 1 this coming year. We are interested in using the Apologia (Dr. Wile) science texts. My understanding is that in order for our universities to accept a student into sciences, they need to complete both the regular and AP texts of the Bio, Chem, and Physics courses of Apologia (If someone from Canada can confirm this or expound on this, I would appreciate this.) I am in need of some answers so I can better judge what to do for our science this year and to prepare him accordingly for sciences in university if he so chooses to go that route. If a student followed the 8 year sequence of science outlined in TWTM, does this student still need to complete one or both of Apologia's Physical Science and General Science courses? Is one more necessary than the other? Is there any reason this student should do one or both of these courses? If it is good to do both, can a student do both in one year? OR can this student skip these courses and start directly into Apologia's Physical and General Science courses and go straight into the regular Biology, Chemistry, or Physics course? For the regular Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses offered by Apologia, which course should a student do first, second, third? Can a student do two of these regular courses in one year? Can a student do the regular course and the advance course of either Bio, Chem, or Physics (of Apologia's) together in one year? I understand that the student needs to do certain maths before certain sciences, but I am unclear as to which. Could you please share which maths need to be with which sciences? Is there any other science program that would be better suited or any other advice or suggestions? Thank you

Dd wants to go to high school part-time. She is a very social person. We had been meeting her social needs by having several small co-ops with other families that we have known for years. However, we are finding that she has outgrown them academically. They are still very close friends, but none of them were ready to move on to Chemistry. They are doing Earth Science. We did high school Biology last year. I just don't think I have it in me to teach Chemistry to one kid next year. I need a group with due dates to keep us on track. I had hoped to form another co-op, but we really don't have any other high school aged kids in our area who would be open to a secular science class. Not doing Apologia here. So, we looked at the very well-regarded high school for science. Her options are Earth Science (that we have done to death) or Honors Chemistry. I figured Honors Chem would be challenging, but I felt that if she buckled down this summer to finish up Algebra and did the Teaching Company high school Chem course this summer, she would be ready. Well, her definition of buckling down and mine did not match. She is not done with Algebra. We had been doing Singapore Math (Discovering Mathematics), but I switched to Khan Academy this summer to make sure that she got everything in since Singapore does not follow a traditional scope and sequence. She is less than half-way through the Chemistry video course (which mainly focuses on the math needed for Chemistry - not a full course.) Our high school is filled with honors students - over 25% have a GPA above a 4 due to honors weighting. Most of the families I know say that the non-honors courses tend to be not very challenging and are filled with kids who don't care much about school - not the environment I want my daughter to be in. Hence, the Honors chem for freshman. The other science track doesn't have them taking Chem until junior year and they are unwilling to put her in that one. The organized coops in our area are filled with YEC and, from past experience, the classes are not very challenging, they are not taught well (read the book, reiterate what was in the book, fill in a worksheet) and they are boring. So, what do I do with dd? She does not really want to do an online class - she saw her brothers do that and doesn't think it is for her. Not opposed to online environment as she is taking Latin online and may take a Bravewriter class or two, but she does not want to do science online. We do have an option of a Science Olympiad group - they are a very successful group. But, I am hesitant because many of the families are evangelical Christians of the Young Earth Creationist flavor and I have had bad experiences with them in the past (shunning me and my kids in a vary obvious "you Catholics are evil heathens" way.) Plus, I am not sure how to put that on a transcript. If we do an online class, are there any that have synchronous meeting times and good lab portions that are not watered down "the math is too hard" types of classes? Sorry if this is rambling. I just feel under the gun as I am meeting with the high school counselor on Wednesday and know that many classes are filling up.

I've searched for these on the boards, but the main thing I keep coming across is that people don't like the self-teaching guides SWB recommends for high school science. I'm curious what people don't like about them? One person mentioned that the biology doesn't discuss genetics or evolution. Is there anything else that is missing or is poorly handled? BTW, I'm not trying to stir anything up (I've been reading all the rigor threads), I'm just trying to make an informed decision. Thank you!

I will try not to be too wordy here. My DD is dyslexic and probably dyscalculic. The reading issues we are effectively remediating and I have high hopes for writing, too. Math may never be a subject she functions well in (there has been progress but incredibly slow). I need to start planning her science schedule for High School. We want to start whatever she is doing early (maybe mid-8th grade) so she has plenty of time to get through all of the subjects. She wants to go to college and will work through summers to have the extra time to cover subjects. We are currently doing an Elementary level chemistry with her younger brother which I am beefing up to make more like Middle school for her and she will be doing some general labs through Landry Academy this year (7th grade) so she will have had some exposure to real labs, but nothing close to High School level. We have spent the past 2 years on remediation of reading so she is a bit behind in science for middle school but had an excellent science background from her brick and mortar elementary (great science teacher). She has trouble pulling all the strands together into a cohesive whole, though. I remember virtually nothing about High School sciences. I know that Chemistry is math intense. I assume Physics is too? The University she is interested in doesn't seem to have standards that would be out of her reach, but maybe I don't know what I am talking about. They require a minimum of Biology, Chemistry, Physics plus either Astronomy, Aquatic Sciences (she has a special interest here so maybe we could pursue this but I have no idea how), Earth and Space Science, Environmental Systems or an AP course in any of the above. Math minimum requirements are Algebra 1, Algebra II and Geometry along with Precalculus or higher (or Mathematical Models with Applications prior to Algebra II, but not sure what that is...). If we can get an official diagnosis of dyscalculia I am hoping we can get the Algebra II/Pre-Calculusrequirement waved since she is not intending to go into a STEM subject. I just don't think we will ever get to that level of math. I don't anticipate her starting on Pre-Algebra until 9th grade at the earliest. What schedule would you recommend?

Putting together a self-study botany course for an eleventh grader who has a great biology and entomology background, but needs a lower key lab science this year due to time constraints. Thoughts about supplementing an online Master Gardener course?

I do not need to reinvent the wheel. Does a lesson plan for College Physics already exist? What labs did you do? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I'm looking ahead to high school. Dd11 and I just tried an Apologia science text and it bombed for us. We use Sonlight, and they suggest Apologia for the upper science courses. I am wondering if you all could tell me what you use b/c we won't be using Apologia. Thanks!

I had planned to weight my chemistry course as: Homework/daily work = 50% Tests = 25% Labs = 25% Then, I was googling chemistry syllabi to use to help write my course description, and it seems that the schools weigh tests MUCH higher (50 to 60%). I know I can do anything I want, but I thought I would ask here if I was unusual to weigh tests at 25%. So, if you do a science class with written work, tests, and labs, and if you do formal grades: How do you weigh the value of each component? If you've changed over the course of high school, put how you do it for each grade. Thanks!

I'm researching now for next year so that I at least have options to give to my boys. I don't mind if the text is secular or Christian. I would however like both sides of the debate to be presented if applicable. I want my boys to articulate what they believe and know why. In the end it's their decision to make. I think we'll start Biology in 9th grade? Both boys will also be doing algebra I next year as well, if that makes a difference. In your opinions in what order should the courses be taken?

We're a little stuck on planning for science next year. I'll be a sophomore, and I took Apologia biology in 8th grade and chemistry last year in 9th. I've been doing APs in history and English, and while I'm taking AP Euro and AP Lang this year, I really don't want to ignore the math and science side of things (math already got slowed down last year because of all the AP work.) I'm part of the way through precalculus (though I'll finish it this school year), so I obviously couldn't tackle AP Physics C. I really want a challenge, though! So, it's between Apologia physics (the easiest option), or self-studying AP Chemistry, AP Bio, or AP Physics B. Since they're changing the Bio exam, this year, I don't know that this would be the best time to do it since I wouldn't be familiar with the changes. Also, I've read that AP Physics B isn't the greatest class to take because colleges don't accept credit for it because it's not calculus-based. AP Chem could work - I just did chemistry last year, but I'm worried that it could turn out to be extremely boring! (Yes, while it does sound trivial, I want to feel like I'm learning something applicable to the real world instead of mindless problems based on fifty different formulas!). I'm definitely up for self-studying: I've taken three AP exams before, one of them successfully elf-studied, so I'm familiar with the drill. Anyway, sorry for this long post - if any knowledgeable someone could offer an opinion, it would be so appreciated! In what order have your kids done the AP sciences?

I'm pretty sure some one answered this once before, but I can't seem to find it... What is the difference between Campbell & Reece Biology and Campbell's Biology Concepts & Connections? Is it grade level or content? And if you know, what are the major differences between Campbell and Miller & Levine? My son is using the Biology 101 DVDs and just wants supplementary textbook reading. Thanks so much!

vs. junior high level? I plan to use Apologia Physical Science next year with both my 9th grader and my 8th grader. Their web site says you can use this text for 9th grade and the private school in my hometown does use it for freshman. We completed Apologia General this year and I plan for him to take Apologia Biology at our co-op in 10th grade (the pre-req there is that the student must be 15 so that is why we're waiting). However, I'm not comfortable with both of them doing the same work and one receiving high school credit. Also, I'm not interested in giving the 8th grader high school credit for this course. So my question would be what would you be sure to include or add that you believe should be required in all high school science courses? I plan to have him do lab reports and they will be graded. We did not consistently do this for General and I did not grade them. I also thought about requiring the module summaries at the back of the book but wonder if they're busywork. I've also considered adding a couple of papers but I don't know if that is typically required for high school science. Or would you treat it as high school level based on the web site and other information, and not worry about the 8th grader tagging along? Thanks for any thoughts you have.

Smithsonian Education is promoting an online conference on water quality. It looked like the sort of thing that would be good info for students doing AP environmental science.

Talking with a homeschooling mom yesterday about whether I should encourage my son to take physics next year (11th grade) or another science that is more life-science oriented. He already has Biology and Chemistry (well, nearly chemistry!). In England where I grew up, if you were going into the sciences you needed all 3. But I'm wondering if this is the case in the US? Son is interested in some form of naturalist career - forestry, parks, perhaps something to do with animals, horses etc. So I could imagine him majoring in a complementary science. Do you think it would be better for him to do some AP type life science courses for his final two years of high school, or just go for the 3 basics and one specialty? thanks! p.s. I can only get to this site on a limited basis - have a very busy week usually, so please be patient with me in terms of replies. I try to have notifications sent to me that new replies have been posted, but it always seems to limit me to one notification and then warns me that I have to revisit the site if I want anymore. Then my original post gets lost in a vast ocean of posts. How do you all manage to keep up? Any tips? Anyway, I'll do my best!

I've followed a couple of the LabPaq links in older threads and it looks like the website may have changed a bit. I'm not finding any kind of list of what might be included in the labs for any given course. In fact, it almost looks like they are moving to mostly customized orders or something similar. Can someone give me some detail about what you got from LabPaq? Was it a schedule of labs, instructions, materials, answer key? The FAQ is pretty obtuse.

I have cross-posted this on the Logic Board. I was going to just post there since my immediate need is for 7th grade, but thought maybe some of you with older students would be able to give me some perspective re: the future. I am trying to figure out what to do w/dd for science for 7th grade while keeping in mind a sequence for the future. For background purposes: She is neither accelerated nor gifted. She will be doing either pre-algebra or a light algebra course for 7th grade & Foerster for 8th grade. She is a very slow reader, but she does read thoroughly, i.e. she knows what she's read when she's done. We have not done much formal science. She reads, she explores outside, she's watched volumes of nature videos (e.g. Planet Earth, etc), she's messed with Snap Circuits, & we've done a few experiments. This summer we'll be doing the GEMS Bubble Festival & Oobleck guides as well as various other experiment books. After all that, below are the 2 sequences I've come up with. I'm not being specific about high school texts because I think it's too early for me to know what she'll be ready for. I think I'd prefer the second sequence, but I'm afraid that doing Physical Science in 9th grade could be problematic when applying for college. 7th—Science Shepherd Life Science OR DIVE Earth Science + Tarbuck OR Chemistry 8th—Physical Science Derek Owens course OR DIVE + Apologia 9th—Biology or Chemistry 10th—Chemistry or Biology 11th—Physics 12th–1 or more of the following: Adv Chem/Adv Biology/topic of personal interest 7th—Shepherd Life Science 8th—DIVE Earth Science + Tarbuck &/or Signs & Seasons 9th—DIVE Integrated Chemistry & Physics + BJU Physical Science + DIVE kit 10th—Chemistry or Biology 11th—Biology or Chemistry 12th—Physics & Adv Chem/Adv Biology/topic of personal interest Thank you for any help!!

I am trying to figure out what to do w/dd for science for 7th grade while keeping in mind a sequence for the future. For background purposes: She is neither accelerated nor gifted. She will be doing either pre-algebra or a light algebra course for 7th grade & Foerster for 8th grade. She is a very slow reader, but she does read thoroughly, i.e. she knows what she's read when she's done. We have not done much formal science. She reads, she explores outside, she's watched volumes of nature videos (e.g. Planet Earth, etc), she's messed with Snap Circuits, & we've done a few experiments. This summer we'll be doing the GEMS Bubble Festival & Oobleck guides as well as various other experiment books. After all that, below are the 2 sequences I've come up with. I'm not being specific about high school texts because I think it's too early for me to know what she'll be ready for. I think I'd prefer the second sequence, but I'm afraid that doing Physical Science in 9th grade could be problematic when applying for college. 7th—Science Shepherd Life Science OR DIVE Earth Science + Tarbuck OR Chemistry 8th—Physical Science Derek Owens course OR DIVE + Apologia 9th—Biology or Chemistry 10th—Chemistry or Biology 11th—Physics 12th–1 or more of the following: Adv Chem/Adv Biology/topic of personal interest 7th—Shepherd Life Science OR Chemistry 8th—DIVE Earth Science + Tarbuck &/or Signs & Seasons 9th—DIVE Integrated Chemistry & Physics + BJU Physical Science + DIVE kit 10th—Chemistry or Biology 11th—Biology or Chemistry 12th—Physics & Adv Chem/Adv Biology/topic of personal interest Thank you for any help!

about this sentence in your signature: Sciences should be studies simultaneously in high school, not in one year blocks. I admit I love learning and looking at something differently. I hope you don't mind the question, but I am curious. Thanks!

Has anyone found any middle school science with true challenge? I feel like I have exhausted every avenue for my 7th grader. We might go ahead and do high school science, but I really want to wait one or two more years and then do AP sciences. Any suggestions? We have supplemented thus far, but next year will be tougher to do that way as I will be working full time. We are Christian, but we prefer the secular curriculum for this subject. Thanks!

Hi all! I wanted to recommend a relatively new website, Slader.com. It has answers (with step-by-step explanations) for many of the popular math and science textbooks used in high school (for example, lots of the Saxon, Stewart, and Larson titles). It also has some english and history too, but the main focus is math and science.

My dd is 15 yr old/Sophomore. We began our "school" on Aug 2. She is on Module #2 in Apologia Biology. This.Stuff.Is.So.Difficult. :ack2: Even though she is only reading & trying to digest 5 pgs per day it is still totally a massive headache for her (and for us). I wish I had not bought this curriculum, but it is done. I'm wondering how we are going to ever get her through this. Surely there is an easier way to obtain this knowledge - especially for someone who is not looking for a science based education. ????? It seems the subject matter is waaaay above the average high school sophomore's level - especially for a student who has no interest in science. Any suggestions for how we can use this material in a way that won't completely turn dd off of science?

I've been working on a syllabus for our science for the year (one semester of meteorology and one of earth science - focused on geology). [This is for a 7th and 8th grader, partly for content and partly to teach them how to do science lab reports.] We're using the JetStream online course from the National Weather Service. It has a set of "Learning Lessons" that range from simple demonstrations to what I would consider to be a hands on experiment. It made me wonder what in a science lab makes it stringent enough to be considered "with lab" on a transcript. Is it a matter of level of difficulty? Hitting standard lessons (like dissection for biology)? Or maybe how the activity is written up? Thoughts? ETA: These are musings for when they are in high school, prompted by thinking about the activities in JetStream, which are labeled as "learning lessons" but that could be either demos or labs depending on how they were presented (imho).