Need suggestions for science.

[Carpe Diem]

I have an 8th grader. We have not chosen a science curric. for her yet. I would like to choose something that we can use and then continue down the line with h.s. courses. I think I would like to steer away from Apologia. What are the other options for someone who enjoys science and will need to be strong in science for college path? A secular curric. is fine.

 

Thank you.

[Michelle in AL]

I like Holt Physical Science Science Spectrum for 8th grade. It's a good intro to chemistry that will be used in both Bio and Chem.

 

For Bio: Exploring Life by Campbell is great.

 

For Chem: I like Oak Meadow Chem that used Prentice Hall Chemistry.

 

I also like Thinkwell, but their high school classes are actually AP level.

[klmama]

The BJU science texts are excellent - detailed, real science with great support materials. I find them to be much more interesting than the Apologia texts, although they are still from a Christian perspective. The 8th grade book covers earth and space, 9th is physical science (intro to chem and physics), 10th is biology, 11th is chemistry, and 12th is physics.

[Carpe Diem]

Also, for H.S. I am looking for something that will have a strong lab component that is easy for me to acquire materials etc.

 

I'm going to be checking into these but am hoping others will chime in with their science successes.

 

Thanks again.

[Teachin'Mine]

I don't know your reasons for steering away from Apologia, but it has what it sounds like you're looking for including the labs. We like it. :)

[AngieW in Texas]

I've used Prentice Hall Science Explorer for middle school science. At the high school level, I like to use Oak Meadow science. I don't use their program for physics because they use Saxon Physics and that won't work here.

 

I think Oak Meadow science at the middle school level would probably be great, but I already own PHSE, so I don't intend to buy it at this time.

[mom31257]

The BJU science texts are excellent - detailed, real science with great support materials. I find them to be much more interesting than the Apologia texts, although they are still from a Christian perspective. The 8th grade book covers earth and space, 9th is physical science (intro to chem and physics), 10th is biology, 11th is chemistry, and 12th is physics.

 

Dd is doing BJU middle school Life science online. I like that she's having the experience of listening to a well-educated teacher in the subject. She's having to learn to take notes, too. The teacher does the labs during the lesson, so we've been able to choose which labs we can get the stuff to actually do. She seems the most curious about science topics than I have ever seen her.

 

We are definitely going to continue it through high school. Online is $100 cheaper than the DVD's because the teacher books are online in the parent's account.

[Michelle in AL]

We use DIVE Cds for labs. Very thorough. We do the labs in our home along with the video. Best thing of all is they work. They include several AP labs, so the content is vigorous.

[Carpe Diem]

What are DIVE CDs? Can someone give me a link?

 

Thanks

[Teachin'Mine]

Here's the link for DIVE.

 

http://www.diveintomath.com/pageDisplay.cfm?CFID=2746607&CFTOKEN=52444968

 

:)

[Enjoyinglife365]

Xxxxx

[Heather in VA]

We use DIVE - the full program, not just the labs. We did Chem last year and are doing Biology this year. I'm very pleased.

 

Heather

[gingersmom]

We used Apologia last year and Oak Meadow this year.

 

My daughter just commented today how much better she likes Oak Meadow. She thinks it is much more thorough with better explanations.

 

I plan on using Oak Meadow through high school.

[Carpe Diem]

I sent you a pm with a question on the science you mentioned.