Any recommendations for earth science for a second grader?

[gandpsmommy]

I am interested in any suggestions for a complete program or individual books, topics, activities, etc. Thanks!

[Sunshine State Sue]

We used LLB and enjoyed it. I have also heard good things about REAL Science. I love Franklyn Branley's books. There are a ton of them perfect for early elementary.

 

Here is my LLB review:

Living Learning Books website is: http://www.livinglearningbooks.com

 

We used LLB Earth/Sky for 2nd grade and LLB Chemistry for 3rd grade. My son is not particularly science oriented. Neither am I.

 

Pros:

• A good overall introduction

• A variety of topics were covered in an well-organized, easy-to-follow, clearly laid out manner (ie. easy for the teacher)

• I was able to obtain most of the supplementary books through the local library

• All supplies needed for the projects were readily available at home, the local grocery store, or the local Kmart.

• Lessons took approximately 30 minutes twice a week.

• Any religious overtones were kept in the appendix

• Inexpensive curriculum

 

Cons:

• It was “lite†ie. not particularly challenging or in depth

 

Overall, I was happy with the curriculum. My son enjoyed it and learned from it. I could have done a more thorough job if I had had the time and energy and desire to pull it all together myself, but I didn't. I would use it again given the choices available at the time.

 

REAL Science http://www.pandiapress.com was not available when we started LLB. If I was starting over, I would consider this. We used Noeo Biology 2 for 5th grade, and I liked LLB better.

[Tess in the Burbs]

we are using the Easy Classical science schedules for science and really enjoy them. They suggest a list of books to use, have a two day schedule done for you as well as shopping lists, library book lists and experiments planned in the schedule!

 

easyclassical.com

[bethben]

What about this one? www.lulu.com/content/1026490? It's written by Jessica at Trivium Academy and is cheap for the content. She's simple in the approach, but you'll get LOTS of hands on experiments and lots of book suggestions with video suggestions mixed in. You'll spend your money on good books rather than packaged curriculum and it will be a good year in science.

Beth

[Philothea]

I am definately considering this one:

 

http://www.elementalscience.com/

[dragons in the flower bed]

I am definately considering this one:

 

http://www.elementalscience.com/

 

I own this one. Hit me up with Q's if you have any.

[mcconnellboys]

I have our plans that we used for grammar stage, if you're interested in using mostly living books,

[Tina in WA]

Regarding Jessica's earth science, does anyone know if she has samples of this anywhere? I have asked this before, but haven't received a response.

 

I like to see what it looks like before I purchase it. I want to know if there is notebooking pages to go along with this as well. The description doesn't mention it at all. :)

 

I am sure it is great, I just want to know what I am purchasing prior to actually purchasing. :) Ya know. :)

 

Thanks,

 

Tina

[Pata]

I am definately considering this one:

 

http://www.elementalscience.com/

 

I wrote this one! If you have any questions, please let me know, I'd be happy to answer.

 

Rose--I didn't realize you had gotten it (Lulu, don't let me know who buys it), thank you!

[Paula in PA]

This is from Pandia Press. We did just finished this and my dd loved it. It has lots of experiments and projects, plus some reading in the book and suggested reading lists. It covers both Earth science and astronomy.

 

http://www.pandiapress.com/real_science.htm

[Tami]

I like:

 

ScienceWorks Geology

Geology Rocks!

Delta Science In a Nutshell kits: Our Changing Earth, Rock Origins, Soil Studies

 

For a spine, we are using Google e-Guide Earth. It's internet-linked and fantastic! For this age, it is a read-aloud with great pictures.

 

HTH!

[gandpsmommy]

I have our plans that we used for grammar stage, if you're interested in using mostly living books,

 

That would be terrific! Could you e-mail them? Thanks!

[Bambam]

A Child's Geography of the World - Volume 1 by Ann Voskamp. Although labelled as a geography book, it also covered a fair amount of earth science. Sample chapters are available online http://www.achildsgeography.com/volume-one/

IMO Voskamp's books are written in a style similar to the elementary Apologia Exploring Creation through series.

[Homemama2]

Just agreeing with Child's Geography of the world. I'm using it for Earth Science for 2nd grade as well. In keeping with the WTM science schedule-I'm using Apologia Astronomy one semester and the Child's Geog. of the World for the 2nd sem. (Someone on a forum somewhere said that the author of Apologia elementary texts recommends this as an earth sc. text since Apologia doesn't have one---but I don't know if that's a fact or just hearsay. :tongue_smilie: )

Amanda