Question about Apolo Adv Bio - do dtrs nd *chemistry* 1st? Other recommendations

[74Heaven]

This was my "planned" <grin> high school science sequence:

 

7th/9th dtrs: Apologia Physical

8th/10th dtrs: Apologia Biology (We are finishing this in May 08)

9th/11th dtrs: Apologia or Spectrum Chemistry

10th/12th dtrs: Apologia Advanced Biology

 

However, my daughters may have an oppty to take Advanced Apologia Biology next year thru a local co op. They will be 9th and 11th grades.

 

My to-be "science kid" 9th gr. is getting an A in Apologia Biology and an "A-" in Algebra 1 this year. My "non-science" 11th gr. is getting a "C+" in the same Biology and a "C+" (due to carelessless, not lack of mastery) in Alg. 2. The Biology "C+" is partially due to a lack of mastery and interest/motivation in science. *Note* we are very thorough in our Biology studies, we do everything (labs, quarterly tests & reviews, qtrly Jeopardy game, all OYOs, Study Guide, summary, etc. - we talk, outline, study, correct, etc.)

 

My question is:

How important is it for my dtrs to take the chemistry first?

 

The Apologia catalog says that "first year Chemistry" is a prerequisite for Advanced Biology. My daughters have *not* taken high school chemistry. However, they did take semester of middle school (Rainbow Science) chemistry (3 years ago) and their Apologia Biology had 2-3 weeks on chemistry.

 

Also, we won't find out until July if they can take the science at the co op. So, I need to plan for two diff. scenarios. (The main reason I am wanting them to take the co op class is to lighten my load (3-7 hours a week less work for me) - I am a nonscience mom hsing 5 kids - and increase the quality of instruction, assistance, etc.

 

One option might be to "introduce" chemistry this summer with a 6-8 week intense course (Apologia or Spectrum) or teach chemistry concurrently next year at the same times as the biology - and then consider science *done* for the 11th grader. I am assuming the 9th grader (who is very science oriented) might take additional science.

 

There are some "side notes", as in I have a neighbor who is a newly retired chemistry teacher, who might be "hireable" for a paying group of homeschoolers. The community college is almost a non-option for several reasons including commuting issues (2 hrs round trip driving and 3-4 other kids in tow).

 

If we don't do science at co op - it will be hard to do it at all that one-day a week - and thus we will be trying to schedule 5 days of science into 4 days available for instruction.

 

Ok, sorry to be so lengthy. I appreciate the tips!

 

lisaj, ljdeerparkATaolDOTcom

[74Heaven]

Surely, someone can advise how important chemistry is as a prerequisite for Advanced Biology?

Thanks!

Lisa

[Sandy in Indy]

My dc did Adv. Bio before Chem. Not a problem here...

[74Heaven]

Thanks, Sandy! Is your daughter particularly advanced in science in general? That info would also help me make a decision! Thanks for responding!

Lisaj

[Guest Katia]

My dd is doing Apologia Advanced Biology this year (10th grade) after having taken Biology last year in 9th. She has not had Chemistry yet, and is doing just fine. We haven't encountered any place, yet, where she would have needed it, either. She is in the middle of module 14 right now (out of 16 modules).

[74Heaven]

Katia - thanks so much. This makes me wonder why Apologia lists Chemistry as a prerequisite, makes me wonder if it is more of a "maturity" suggestion or what?

 

Thanks again!

Lisaj

[Sandy in Indy]

Thanks, Sandy! Is your daughter particularly advanced in science in general? That info would also help me make a decision! Thanks for responding!

Lisaj

 

Actually, no, she's not science oriented at all! :lol: