HollyDay Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 My oldest dd has done and is planned to do: 7th: Apologia General 8th: Apologia Physical (1 credit) and pre-Algebra 9th: SS Biology (1 credit) algebra 1 10th: BJU Chemistry (1 credit) this year algebra 2 11th:??? science but math will be Saxon adv. math 12th: Physics (1 credit), not sure the curriculum yet. I'm holding off on physics until she has more math behind her. Now, my youngest is coming along and I'm wondering about her science sequence. 7th: Apologia General and pre-Algebra. She is zooming along in this book. We did the history module and some of the life science modules last year. At this rate, she could finish it by the start of the next semester. She is also doing pre-Algebra in 7th. 8th: I had planned Apologia Physical. But, now I'm wondering if I should do BJU Earth and Space in 8th and either Apologia or another Physical for 9th. If she continues this pace, she will be in Algebra 2 for 9th. 9th: Physical from APologia or perhaps BJU? Biology?? 10th: Chemistry or BIology? 11th:?? 12th: Physics Some ideas we have for the "off year" are forenisic science, marine biology, ecology/environmental science, a "light weight" physics for 11th followed by a math heavy physics in 12th. Or just not do an alternative. My oldest will have 4 credits and not need science her 11th grade year. My youngest will get 4 credits even if we do physical science 9th grade rather than 8th. thoughts??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 (edited) thoughts??? My thoughts: while it's nice to have a general long-range plan (with the immediate school year (and possibly the following year) pretty well nailed down), I see middle school and high school students all around me change SOOO MUCH between ages 12-17 that it's not realistic to try and plan 6 years in advance in more than a general way -- just take it one year -- even one semester -- at a time to leave yourself flexible for student changes and possible new, future opportunities. For example: ... a middle schooler who zoomed along in math and was always advanced can come crashing into a brick wall upon reaching Algebra because the abstract/logic portions of the brain used in Algebra don't usually develop until around age 13-14; that would require reassessing what math to do, and what is a realistic pace... ... a student who always loved science may suddenly, partway into high school discover their future career field -- which may have nothing to do with math/science -- and so scheduling extra science credits would not only be a waste, but would steal credits and time from developing those new interests... ... or, partway through high school, you may discover new and better math/science curriculae -- or online courses -- or local opportunities -- that would be better than anything you planned several years before... ... and don't forgot how hormones take over the teen brain for 2-3 years in those middle school/high school years, making it VERY hard to cover some of those math and science courses at such a rapid pace... ... and, of course, the unexpected life situations that may necessitate a change in your first choice of curriculae or science order: an unforeseen move; an illness or surgery that cuts weeks or even months out of a school year; etc. Your overall science order looks fine. I'd just leave it for now, and revisit it once a semester over the next two years, when DC has more math and science progress to help you reassess your high school plan. BEST of luck, Holly! Warmest regards, Lori D. Edited August 10, 2011 by Lori D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted August 10, 2011 Author Share Posted August 10, 2011 ". a middle schooler who zoomed along in math and was always advanced can come crashing into a brick wall upon reaching Algebra because the abstract/logic portions of the brain used in Algebra don't usually develop until around age 13-14; that would require reassessing what math to do, and what is a realistic pace..." This is what happened to my oldest. Math was never easy for her, but it was not a big struggle either. Until 8th grade. She repeated pre-Algebra in 8th and is now doing very well in high school math. My youngest, the one I'm planning for now, is a different learner. I know she will get 4 science credits in high school. I'm just not sure the middle school sequence to prepare her best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in MN Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 (edited) :iagree: Wait and see. Just for your angst, here's a list of extra science (after chem & bio) at a fairly high-achieving school district near me: Physical Universe AP Physics Environmental Science AP Environmental Science Comparative Anatomy Human Anatomy Field Based Science And if youngest does physical in 9th, then that child won't need a gap science. Julie Edited August 11, 2011 by Julie in MN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Just one observation. Your oldest will do biology in 9th, but your younger daughter isn't scheduled to do it until 9th or 10th and yet she's further advanced in math and zipping through science. Math is usually what holds students back in the science sequence. If she's further along, and understanding the science, she can move along at a different pace or sequence. But as has been said, don't carve anything in stone and see how it goes each year. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyDay Posted August 11, 2011 Author Share Posted August 11, 2011 Yes, you are correct about the math. My oldest had to slow down at pre-algebra so that changed her schedule a bit. But, my youngest really enjoys science. That is also one reason I'm considering adding the Earth and Space. There also seems to be some debate about awarding high school credit in 9th grade. I'm probably overthinking...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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