RS4K - Pros, Cons, what you really need - all opinions welcome

[titianmom]

Hi all,

 

I'm on a discussion group with RS4K and I'm hearing now that you don't really need to take the level I courses before moving into the level II courses.

 

My daughter will be in the 7th when she starts RS4K, and I can't see us finishing much before High School if she has to take the level I courses, too.

 

So I need your input.

 

ALso, are there folks out there that didn't care for RS4K, and why? (Not the price, I know that it's high, LOL. But if it's good I'm willing to pay for it.)

 

I want to do the chem II and the Physics II (hopefully it'll be done by her 8th year) and then work on Astronomy more before high school science rolls in and the requirements have to be met for college entry level stuff.

 

Appreciate your input,

Depending on my ans here, I may have the physics level I complete set for sale soon.

 

Kim

[Amy loves Bud]

Well, most kids go into high school chemistry and physics without ever having studied those to any real extent. I can't see why you would need a prerequisite for a lower level of the same subjects. It might make them more aware of terminology, but high school chemistry is "beginning" chemistry. I think you'd be fine going right into level 2.

[Sunshine State Sue]

all opinions welcome

I have heard very good things about RS4K Chemistry. That is the author's specialty.

 

We used RS4K for 4th grade physics. My review is in this thread:

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31742&highlight=excellent+quality

 

For junior high, I really like the Science Explorer series.

 

Good luck!

[Starr]

We've used level one and I think you can go right into level 2 for Junior High.

[titianmom]

Hi,

 

Many on the RS4K site are saying you don't need level I nec. But I'm checking out the facts right now. I'm also looking at Prentice Hall's Science Explorer.

 

What are the cons of Science Explorer for homeschooling?

 

THanks,

Kim

 

(I've used some of the Earth Science ones, but I had to modify a lot of it because it was for a younger child. The temptation is not to do the experiments at all, at least for us. I also think the pages are on the busy side. What do you all think?)

[Sunshine State Sue]

 

What are the cons of Science Explorer for homeschooling?

 

I also think the pages are on the busy side. What do you all think?)

 

:iagree: The busy pages initially turned me off. I got used to it though. That is a con. The only other con I can think of is that the answers to the guided reading and study workbook are only in an expensive all-in-one teacher's manual.

[Myra]

Kim,

 

Funny - I just got done reading your posts on the RealScience4Kids website and posting a reply there for you! Ha!

 

Myra

[titianmom]

:)

 

I'm thinking of just sticking my PH book and the Physics I from RS4K book into my girl's hand and saying, "So, which is it?"

 

:lol:

 

Isn't looking for curriculum fun? :D

 

Kim