In2why Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 We are finishing up our first year of home schooling for our 7th grader and he will be entering 8th grade next year. We were unable to homeschool him before then, because he wasn't "ours" until then. But the real issue has been deciding what to cover and when since we didn't follow the 4 year classical cycle. We decided on Biology this year because he was interested, it was my favorite subject, and my 3rd grader was also learning life science so I thought it would be the simple choice. Now we have to make a decision. I don't believe he will go back to public school, and even if he did, it is rare for a student, not a science major, to take 4 years of high school science. But I know I want him to have one more year of biology in high school (hopefully at our local CC since I know the adjunct and she is fabulous) SO I need to decide between Earth/Astronomy, Physical Science, or Chemistry. I am leaning towards physics, thinking that he will likely have another year of that in high school and 8th would be a decent intro, but then again, Chemistry is often ignored, I know I never took it, and know little about it. What say the Hive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Amanda~ Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 I would go for chemistry, but I tend towards those sciences rather than physics/earth sciences. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrysalis Academy Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 My dd is much younger, but I have to say I am so glad we did chemistry before biology - it is making it so much easier! She understands atoms, the periodic table, and bonds, and so when these things come up in biology or earth science now, they totally make sense to her. I really see the benefit of getting an good understanding of the basic building blocks of matter before trying to figure out how it all fits together . . . so another vote for chemistry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In2why Posted February 20, 2012 Author Share Posted February 20, 2012 I am looking into CPO physical science since it seems to cover both physical science and chemistry. Might be a good way to find his interest and allow him to cover a bit of both before he needs to step it up with high school science. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom22ns Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 I would go with Physical Science (Integrated Physics and Chemistry to be specific). The reason I would do that is that it gives an introduction to both Chemistry and Physics but doesn't require the level of math that a full Chemistry or Physics class would. I would hold off on Chemistry until he is ready to do it with math. You could go with a Conceptual Physics class if you think he would prefer that and then hit Physics again late in high school to do it with math. Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperDad Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 I would go with Physical Science (Integrated Physics and Chemistry to be specific). The reason I would do that is that it gives an introduction to both Chemistry and Physics but doesn't require the level of math that a full Chemistry or Physics class would. I would hold off on Chemistry until he is ready to do it with math. You could go with a Conceptual Physics class if you think he would prefer that and then hit Physics again late in high school to do it with math. Debbie :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen the RD Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 If you think you will homeschool for high school then I would suggest making a plan of what sciences you absolutely want to cover before he graduates. Then work backwards by putting which science will be done in which grade, starting from 12th grade. Keep in mind that math drives science. How are his algebra skills?? To do integrated physics & chem, he will need to take algebra concurrently. Even though it is "introductory", there are lots of formulas (especially in physics portion), where he needs to understand how to manipulate a formula. In chem, he'll need to have a good understanding of how to use the factor label method (again, using algebra concepts). I agree with other posters that phys science could be a good choice as long as his math skills match. If they are not quite there, then perhaps a middle school level earth science might be better. Many kids don't take integrated physics/chem until 9th grade because that's when they are taking algebra. However, there are middle school level physical sciences (like Apologia) that are designed for pre-algebra level students. So, if you choose the "physical science" route check your texts carefully. HTH, Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaKinVA Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 My oldest son's progression (interested in engineering) will look like this: 6th -- Physical Science 7th -- Biology (intro -- no chem) 8th -- Chemistry OR Conceptual Physics (math dependent for Chem) 9th -- Chemistry OR Conceptual Physics (whatever he didn't do in 8th) 10th -- Advanced Biology 11th -- Advanced Chem or Physics (his choice, hopefully at CC) 12th -- Advanced Science (his choice, hopefully at CC) My oldest dd (not interested in engineering) will look more like this: 6th -- General Science with Astronomy 7th -- Physical Science 8th -- Biology (intro -- no chem) 9th -- Chemistry 10th -- Advanced Biology 11th -- Marine Biology (as advanced as I can make it -- or at CC) 12th -- Advanced Science (her choice -- hopefully at CC) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkateLeft Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 As others have said, I'd recommend physical science. We do earth science in 6th, life science in 7th, and physical science in 8th. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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