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Science Curriculum that Makes Me a Better Teacher


ncmomof5
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Is there such a thing?

 

I am NOT a good science teacher, and I would like to be. My older 2 children have struggled through Apologia's Gen Sci and Phys Sci the last 2 years, and I think a good part of that is because I didn't adequately prepare them.

 

I have a K'er, a third grader and a sixth grader coming up behind them. I would like to do better. Any suggestions?

 

By the way - I am YE Creationist, but I am open to more neutral curriculums like Noeo and Nancy Larson.

 

Thanks,

RuthAnn

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Is there such a thing?

 

I am NOT a good science teacher, and I would like to be. My older 2 children have struggled through Apologia's Gen Sci and Phys Sci the last 2 years, and I think a good part of that is because I didn't adequately prepare them.

 

I have a K'er, a third grader and a sixth grader coming up behind them. I would like to do better. Any suggestions?

 

By the way - I am YE Creationist, but I am open to more neutral curriculums like Noeo and Nancy Larson.

 

Thanks,

RuthAnn

 

 

Have you seen these: http://www.rfwp.com/pages/dr-daves-teaching-manuals/

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Thank you for the suggestions. I think if I were just starting out and had the time to study and prepare, BSFU and/or Dr Dave's might be a good option for me. But I really like the looks of Elemental Science. I like that it is affordable. :hurray: I like that it tells me what to say to get them thinking. I like that it has printed science workbooks/coloring pages to go with it. I like that there are a list of suggested library books to add to the study. I like that the preschool one, at least, has nature study included.

 

One question - Which program do I start with? My 6th and 3rd graders are boys who enjoy hands on immensely. I really think the 3rd grader would enjoy one of the preschool programs with his K5 sister. Anyway, any suggestions?

 

Thanks so much for your help in thinking this through. Science has been the bane of my existence lately. :glare:

 

RuthAnn

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I'm using Elemental Earth and Space with a 4th grader and 2nd grader. It's pretty good. I like the same things you mentioned about it. I do think it is light on content, but I am coming around to accept that maybe that is for the best. the idea is just an overview really of a very very broad topic. I don't know anything about their preschool series. Do you mean the life science?

I also looked a t Real Science Odyssey yesterday and it looks great too.

Are you wanting to combine all the kids, or just the k and 3rd grader? Maybe you could do life for all of them, but get the 6th grader the logic stage program, while the others do the grammar stage life.

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Elizabeth Rose,

 

Thanks for the input on Elemental Science.

 

As much as I would like to combine everybody, I have found that to not be the best route for us. It always seems someone is missing out. Either the older ones are not challenged enough or the younger ones are zoning out because it's over their heads. I would, however, like to have "groups" of children studying together. Your suggestion to do the same topic but at different levels is a good one. Will have to ponder that some more.

 

The preschool series is separate from the classic series. They have an Exploring one and an Intro to Science one. I

 

I don't mind if the content seems light at the grammar stage. The important thing to me is that science gets done, my kids enjoy it, and they are hearing and learning scientific methods, ideas, vocabulary, etc.

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer.

 

RuthAnn

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not sure if he does stuff that you wouldnt be ok with, but i wonder about nebells? its supposedly more of a manual for teaching science? most libraries have at least his older version

 

While Dr. Nebel is not YE personally, he stays away from evolution/creation in BFSU until middle school, because he believes elementary science should involve what the student can actually observe. I think there is a single reference to the age of the earth, but since it is a teacher's manual, that is easily omitted.

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RuthAnn,

** "I would, however, like to have "groups" of children studying together."

and

** "I don't mind if the content seems light at the grammar stage. The important thing to me is that Science gets done, my kids enjoy it, and they are hearing and learning scientific methods, ideas, vocabulary, etc."

 

These two quotes sum up what's happened in our home with Elemental Science. It's been a very pleasant experience (for kiddos and mama!)

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Thanks so much for everyone's input. I think I will give Elemental Science a go. My current plan:

 

6th grader - ES Logic Bio

3rd grader - ES Grammar Bio

K'er - Intro to Science ( this looks soooo precious)

 

I am excited to find a science program that will fit our family's needs.

 

Thanks again,

RuthAnn

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