cara Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 We're doing REAL Science Odyessy Life Science right now and while I like it, DS is completely bored and it's way below his level. Does anyone have any recommendations for me to check out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 My DD really enjoyed Ellen McHenry's chemistry curriculum last year. Be aware that there are a handful of subtle "intelligent design" references in Carbon Chemistry but there aren't any in The Elements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 Real Science 4 Kids, level One is a nice challenge. We had the same problem with Real Science Odyssey that you mentioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKDmom Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 I'm liking Elemental Science. My boys are having a lot of fun with Intro to Science. My dd is doing Physics, and it's a challenge. Eventually she'll figure out that challenge=good. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in PA Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 DD is loving My Pals Are Here (Singapore Science). She has had so many fantastic science classes through museums and our co-op that I had a hard time finding something she considered challenging enough, and this fit the bill nicely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 I'm using Science Explorer with my 8yo this year and the level is perfect for him. It is a middle school series from Prentice Hall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 My dd thrived with GEMS science -- take a look at http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/GEMS I have written extensively about it on the boards, as I think it is one of the greatest science programs around. My husband, a chemist, is giving dd labs this year and she is constantly begging for him to "make it harder" because she learned so much of this already through years of GEMS units. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 RS4K Chem I is very good, grade 4-6 level. RS4K Chem II is also very good, grade 7-9 level. When my eldest was 8 we used trade books and some group classes rather than a set curricula. This made it easier to keep up with what she wanted to do and for her to find a level that had her hooked. Paul Hewitt has a few Conceptual Physics books, and I think you good get a lot out of the Touch This! one at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moki4 Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 We used RS4K 2 yrs ago, and it was great in every way! I included all DC's, and varied their assignments. The labs were a hit. Chemistry (level 1) was the best. Now, I need something more challenging than My Pals are Here. I really find it not only boring, but poorly written. I am seriously thinking about returning to TWTM science (we did this our first yr) Our oldest is currently using Science Shepherd, and we are very happy with it. Our plan is to ditch My pals... :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moki4 Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 I know, too short! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cara Posted October 16, 2010 Author Share Posted October 16, 2010 Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm going to look into them. I checked out TWTM at the library today to ready the science section for the Grammar stage again and the Logic stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
love2read Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 I just started using http://www.inquiryinaction.org/ when our youngest wanted more science. I didn't print out the textbook, just the student pages and the digging deeper material. So far we're loving it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unity Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 No one has mentioned noeoscience.org. There's also msnucleus.org (which is a free K-6 curriculum). I also have tried Bite Size Physics, available from Lulu press. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted October 18, 2010 Share Posted October 18, 2010 I used RS4K Chem. I agree it is good. But it is sooo short. It took us about 2 months. And so I had to spend more money and buy more science! This is why the Chem II is significantly better. Although it's the same number of chapters, it's significantly longer (you can take more than a week to do the chapter, which is a good idea). Also, the labs are much, much better since you design your own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chirowife Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 We also use the Real Science 4 Kids and she just came out with Astronomy level 1. Great science - daughters LOVE it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moki4 Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 Where can I find the new Astonomy course? I just looked at Gravitas and didn't see it. Sounds great! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 Parents seeking secular resources should be aware that the author of RS4K (Real Science 4 Kids) is a proponent of creationism/intelligent design, and wrote on her Yahoo forum about her hope that her program would lead children to doubt the Theory of Evolution, and in so doing lead them to embrace Christianity. This is an author and program with a hidden agenda. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiobrain Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 I think it is about time for someone to write a new homeschool science curriculum. Secular. I am tired of the choices we have. Either choosing an inferior product or needing to edit a program coming from a particular religious view...or modifying a school textbook. vent. fume. growl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 For what it's worth, Nebel's Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding is secular, although he himself is religious and encourages (at least in his Elementary Education book) a moral perspective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daffodil Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 For what it's worth, Nebel's Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding is secular, although he himself is religious and encourages (at least in his Elementary Education book) a moral perspective. We like BFSU. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 Was Elemental Science mentioned here? We love it (we're using Chem and Bio) and have yet to encounter and religious under or overtones! BFSU is great too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 Parents seeking secular resources should be aware that the author of RS4K (Real Science 4 Kids) is a proponent of creationism/intelligent design, and wrote on her Yahoo forum about her hope that her program would lead children to doubt the Theory of Evolution, and in so doing lead them to embrace Christianity. This is an author and program with a hidden agenda. Bill At least she's honest about her agenda. fwiw, she doesn't mention creationism/id in the texts, and my take on what she said in her lectures was that she wants to open the doors to discussion. That said, I'd say her Chemistry is her strongest work, and that has nothing to do with creationism/id. My dd did a secular Chem text after RS4K Chem 2 and neither text discussed those or evolution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 At least she's honest about her agenda..... That is simply not so. On her website she presents a "neutral" face, while seeking to advance another agenda by stealth. She is brazenly dishonest. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 That is simply not so. On her website she presents a "neutral" face, while seeking to advance another agenda by stealth. She is brazenly dishonest. Bill Well, she's quite open about her agenda in person, and I judge her by that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoosiermom Posted October 30, 2010 Share Posted October 30, 2010 I agree we need more secular choices in science curriculum. We used RS4K and dd loved it, esp. the chemistry. Although it's been a few years ago, I don't recall any discussion of creationism at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted October 31, 2010 Share Posted October 31, 2010 I didn't see it mentioned in the thread, but we're using Singapore My Pals are Here. I don't think the text/workbook alone would be enough, but the Higher Order Thinking Skills book is really great. I'm using everything (text, workbook, teacher's guide (with websites, additional suggestions... although it does need to be adapted for at home use), homework book, HOTS, and tests. It may be worth considering for some of you. Link here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiobrain Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 There is also Galore Park's "So you really want to learn Science"... I own this, along with CPO life science, and I am borrowing OM life science. All are secular, all are good, however... none of them do it for me. :tongue_smilie: I flop back and forth between these books. I wish that Ellen J. McHenry, Stanley Schmidt, MCT, the people from Charlie's Playhouse, the dude from Khan Academy, and about 5 other people I can't remember right now, could get together and write the most kicka$$ science curriculum on the planet, have it be totally secular, easy to implement and perfect for every one's kid... no matter what they are like. :D And free! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 I wish that Ellen J. McHenry, Stanley Schmidt, MCT, the people from Charlie's Playhouse, the dude from Khan Academy, and about 5 other people I can't remember right now, could get together and write the most kicka$$ science curriculum on the planet, have it be totally secular, easy to implement and perfect for every one's kid... no matter what they are like. :D And free! I'd pay for something great. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 We are using McHenry now, but The Elements isn't that long. We have been taking it slow and will still be done before Christmas. I wish she had something more comprehensive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 I totally agree. The choices are dismal. I'm so frustrated I told DH he is now in charge of science. :iagree: I've gone to just reading science books (we always have one going), buying/doing kits, and doing as much out of the house as we can. We are taking an evolution class at our local zoo now. Hope to find something else to pick up after the holidays. Science is definitely my downfall! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dm379 Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 I'm using Science Explorer with my 8yo this year and the level is perfect for him. It is a middle school series from Prentice Hall. Can you tell me more about this? Does 1 book = 1 year or should we cover more than that in a year? I've looked this over a couple of times. The website has tons of options of extras to buy, have you tried anything other than just the book and tm? Is it worth the $$ to get any extras? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 BTW Nebel just posted on his group that the grade 3-5 of BFSU (now called ) is available here and will be coming in a few weeks to other stores like Amazon. It's called Elementary Science Education: Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding, Vol. II, grades 3-5 Format: 8.25 x 11 paperback, 493 pages Publisher: Outskirts Press (Oct 30, 2010) ISBN10: 1432762362 ISBN13: 9781432762360 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Unless I missed it, and I did read through the thread but who knows if I was interrupted by my student at just the wrong time :), we are missing Scott McQuerry's Classic Science series. http://eequalsmcq.com/classicsciinfo.htm I have found it to be somewhat more in depth and having more experiments - therefore longer lasting - than RS4K. Bonus points for being secular and not giving me the heeby-jeebies when I suspect the author was pushing creationism as RS4K did. Supplies for the experiments have been easier to come by than they were with RS4K. With RS4K, we arrived at the butterfly chapter in the middle of winter (-10 fahrenheit often) when there was no way I could order a butterfly kit. We also supplement the material with corresponding Bill Nye the Science Guy videos or DK Eyewitness videos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Unless I missed it, and I did read through the thread but who knows if I was interrupted by my student at just the wrong time :), we are missing Scott McQuerry's Classic Science series.http://eequalsmcq.com/classicsciinfo.htm I have found it to be somewhat more in depth and having more experiments - therefore longer lasting - than RS4K. Bonus points for being secular and not giving me the heeby-jeebies when I suspect the author was pushing creationism as RS4K did. Supplies for the experiments have been easier to come by than they were with RS4K. With RS4K, we arrived at the butterfly chapter in the middle of winter (-10 fahrenheit often) when there was no way I could order a butterfly kit. We also supplement the material with corresponding Bill Nye the Science Guy videos or DK Eyewitness videos. Where do you find the Bill Nye videos? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted November 3, 2010 Share Posted November 3, 2010 Where do you find the Bill Nye videos? We have a public school media library that our homeschooling group has access to also. They have every single Bill Nye video. Our regular public library system has most of them too. I can usually find them when I want them. There's a complete list of the Bill Nye series in the wikipedia entry. I sat with that on my screen and the table of contents of the life science book and categorized which Bill Nye's would go with which chapters. Then I request them as needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 I just checked our online catalog, and our library only has two Bill Nye videos. :glare: Oh well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 Can you ask them to buy more? Anyway this is sort of a handy thing from his website: http://www.billnye.com/for-kids-teachers/ especially the home experiments stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiobrain Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 There is also this.... http://thehappyscientist.com/ He has a lot of free stuff, and you can get a year of access to everything for $20. His videos are great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christine in al Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 It occurs to me that what we need around here is not just more content , but a more scientific mindset. one of my dc is clever and quick, therefore methodical, detailed work is not his natural gift. I think I might be headed toward focussing on that with him. And I may look again at CPO.... oooh pretty! ~christine in al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 Thanks for the suggestions. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 12, 2010 Share Posted November 12, 2010 How about K12 science? Any experiences particularly with the advanced middle grades? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kay in Cal Posted November 12, 2010 Share Posted November 12, 2010 We've had good experience with Science Explorer as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisabees Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 Has anyone mentioned Supercharged Science? http://www.sciencelearningspace.com/ We've had great luck with that, supplemented with The Happy Scientist and Bill Nye videos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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