Another LoF question

[wy_kid_wrangler04]

Any reviews on the Pre-algebra with biology. Do you like how it ties the concepts in? Is there anything you dont like about it? Is it from a secular or Christian POV? Or is it neutral?

[wy_kid_wrangler04]

:lurk5:

[mbeaser]

I own but have not used the Pre-Algebra book (hey, why pay for shipping when it nearly pays for a book we'll use eventually anyway...). Just from glancing at the introduction, I can tell you that the author is at least Christian leaning (book is dedicated to the greater glory of God, mentions sermons) and that he says he doesn't mention Evolution. I can't go any further in depth because I haven't made it past the introduction yet :D

[wy_kid_wrangler04]

I own but have not used the Pre-Algebra book (hey, why pay for shipping when it nearly pays for a book we'll use eventually anyway...). Just from glancing at the introduction, I can tell you that the author is at least Christian leaning (book is dedicated to the greater glory of God, mentions sermons) and that he says he doesn't mention Evolution. I can't go any further in depth because I haven't made it past the introduction yet :D

 

 

I agree with you about paying for shipping! I hate paying for shipping-- that is more curriculum I could be buying :D Thank you! Christian POV is what we are looking for!!

 

 

Anybody know how the tie in from pre-algebra and biology fit together?

[nmoira]

This is mostly from something I posted previously:

 

The math is mostly review from the first two books (which, if you haven't used them are not solely about fractions, decimals, and percents) -- I think Schmidt said 80% review, 20% new material. Students start solving simple equations, and there's a gentle introduction to d=rt type problems (though I still prefer Singapore's triangles for these). The science is good, though a bit uneven in terms of detail and challenge (compare the bare bones coverage of bones :tongue_smilie: to the more considerable detail about genetics and mutations), but that's OK for us because we're not using it as a science text.

 

As far as secular or neutral, well, it's science. :) Evolution doesn't come into play, but it's not a comprehensive biology text. However, there's much talk of genetics and mutations, and it's certainly compatible with a secular viewpoint.

[wy_kid_wrangler04]

This is mostly from something I posted previously:

 

The math is mostly review from the first two books (which, if you haven't used them are not solely about fractions, decimals, and percents) -- I think Schmidt said 80% review, 20% new material. Students start solving simple equations, and there's a gentle introduction to d=rt type problems (though I still prefer Singapore's triangles for these).

 

 

Would you recommend it? Or do you think it is a bit redundant?

[nmoira]

 

Would you recommend it? Or do you think it is a bit redundant?

I wouldn't call it redundant. Either a child is ready to go on to algebra or not. For those that aren't, based on this first volume (of a projected three), I'd heartily recommend LoF: Pre-algebra.

[Cindyg]

We're almost at the end of it, and we've loved it. Fred meanders through a day thinking alternatively of math topics and biology topics (and a little bit of economics too). You sometimes use math to resolve biology riddles.

 

My son and I have enjoyed the biology topics as well as the story line behind the topics. I would say the genetics discussions have interested him the most. You also learn to balance chemical equations (both a math and a science skill). My son loved that.

 

The author is definitely a Christian; and while the book is not a "Christian book," the author's world view peeks through. For example, when Fred is in a life threatening situation, he thinks, "I'm ready. I'm glad I paid attention in Sunday school."

 

This is our 3rd LOF book. LOF is one of the most successful curriculum choices in our homeschool. We will definitely be continuing the series.

[Corraleno]

Would you recommend it? Or do you think it is a bit redundant?

I don't think it's redundant at all. The three books do cover the topics of fractions/decimals/percents, but then so do 4th/5th/6th/7th grade textbooks, KWIM? The stories are different and the problems are different, plus there's a fair amount of biology in the Pre-Algebra book, so they each add different things. And there's no such thing as "too much Fred." :D

 

Jackie

[nmoira]

And there's no such thing as "too much Fred." :D

 

Jackie

:iagree:

[InHisGrip]

For those that aren't, based on this first volume (of a projected three), I'd heartily recommend LoF: Pre-algebra.

 

So, there are going to be three pre-algebra books?? Did I understand that correctly? What is an average amount of time it takes to complete a book?

[wy_kid_wrangler04]

We're almost at the end of it, and we've loved it. Fred meanders through a day thinking alternatively of math topics and biology topics (and a little bit of economics too). You sometimes use math to resolve biology riddles.

 

My son and I have enjoyed the biology topics as well as the story line behind the topics. I would say the genetics discussions have interested him the most. You also learn to balance chemical equations (both a math and a science skill). My son loved that.

 

The author is definitely a Christian; and while the book is not a "Christian book," the author's world view peeks through. For example, when Fred is in a life threatening situation, he thinks, "I'm ready. I'm glad I paid attention in Sunday school."

 

This is our 3rd LOF book. LOF is one of the most successful curriculum choices in our homeschool. We will definitely be continuing the series.

 

I don't think it's redundant at all. The three books do cover the topics of fractions/decimals/percents, but then so do 4th/5th/6th/7th grade textbooks, KWIM? The stories are different and the problems are different, plus there's a fair amount of biology in the Pre-Algebra book, so they each add different things. And there's no such thing as "too much Fred." :D

 

Jackie

 

 

So would you recommend this the summer before doing pre-algebra? (we do LoF as summer math, atleast until it gets to be too much.) Would it work well with another curriculum?

[nmoira]

So, there are going to be three pre-algebra books?? Did I understand that correctly? What is an average amount of time it takes to complete a book?

There are 45 chapters plus 6 Bridges. That's 45 days of lessons, plus however many Bridges you require -- we do 2 at not more than 1 error. Even if you do all the Bridges, that only 30 more days, so 51 days minimum and 75 days max.... that translates to 3-4 months for 5 days a week, a bit more for 4.

 

The other two books will be w/Economics and w/Physics.

[Corraleno]

So, there are going to be three pre-algebra books?? Did I understand that correctly? What is an average amount of time it takes to complete a book?

I believe the other two are going to be on Physics and Economics. As for how long it takes, that can vary a lot depending on how you use it. There are 46 (very short) chapters and about 260 pages. You could do a chapter or so/day for a couple of months, or you could stretch it out over 4 or 5 months by adding additional worksheets, having them do all of the "bridges," etc.

 

DS has done Fractions & Decimals already and is currently doing Pre-Algebra, but I'm also having him do pages from MM6 (which just came out) as well as assignments in KB Pre-Algebra, so I imagine he'll be through it by the end of the summer, if not sooner. I think Fred is a great summer math program, because it hardly feels like "work."

 

Fred is pretty flexible. :001_smile:

 

Jackie

[Cindyg]

The next LOF pre-algebra book is due out this summer!

 

Here's what he told me:

 

...I continued working on editing the final draft of the manuscript of the second pre-algebra book. After I finish reading it, or rather re-reading it, I'll give it off to at least two proofreaders, and then to the printers.

Publication should be an early summer.

 

 

Hooray!

[Guest Cheryl in SoCal]

Does anyone know if all 3 Pre-Algebra books will be used consecutively (like a trilogy) for Pre-Algebra or if just 1 of them will be a full Pre-Algebra course with the different books allowing the student to choose what else they want to study with Pre-Algebra?

[InHisGrip]

Does anyone know if all 3 Pre-Algebra books will be used consecutively (like a trilogy) for Pre-Algebra or if just 1 of them will be a full Pre-Algebra course with the different books allowing the student to choose what else they want to study with Pre-Algebra?

 

Yeah - good question!:001_smile:

[mammaofbean]

i think, like with most textbooks, pre-algebra is optional. just do as much as you need. that said, the LoF with bio is pre-algebra 1, with economics will be pre-algebra 2 and with physics will be pre-algebra 3.

[Guest Cheryl in SoCal]

i think, like with most textbooks, pre-algebra is optional. just do as much as you need. that said, the LoF with bio is pre-algebra 1, with economics will be pre-algebra 2 and with physics will be pre-algebra 3.

 

Thanks:001_smile: So you do as many as the student needs/wants? Do you know if each would be a stand along book (pick which one(s) you like) or if they would have to be done in order (in order to get to 3 you'd have to finish 1 and 2)?

[InHisGrip]

bump - would like to know the answer to the above question as well.

[Guest Cheryl in SoCal]

I emailed the author and he told me that Pre-Algebra 1 and the Pre-Algebra 2 that is due out in a couple of months (which puts special emphasis on solving word problems, often the most difficult part of Beginning Algebra) will constitute Pre-Algebra preparation before starting Beginning Algebra. He suggested that my boys start with Pre-Algebra 1 and 2 even though they are almost finished with MUS Algebra 1.

 

When I asked about Pre-Algebra 3 he said that since so many moms had asked about stuff before fractions that seemed more pressing than Pre-Algebra 3. Since I have 3 children who are 6 and younger that makes me very :001_smile:

Edited May 10, 2010 by Cheryl in SoCal

[Dawn E]

When I asked about Pre-Algebra 3 he said that since so many moms had asked about stuff before fractions that seemed more pressing than Pre-Algebra 3. Since I have 3 children who are 6 and younger that makes me very :001_smile:

 

Oooh...this makes me very :001_smile: too.

[dovrar]

:iagree:

[wy_kid_wrangler04]

I think Fred is a great summer math program, because it hardly feels like "work."

 

Fred is pretty flexible. :001_smile:

 

Jackie

:iagree: Thats why we do that! Not so stressful, and dare I say it about math, but maybe a little fun even????