RSO Chemistry Questions

[mirabillis]

After learning about this wonderful Science curriculum from you fabulous ladies, I think I've decided to take the plunge.

 

3 Questions

 

1. Can I do RSO Chemistry with a 6th grader (who has little to no previous Science)?

 

2. How much should I expect to pay for RSO Chemistry?

 

3. Should I buy the prepared Supplies Kit?

[plain jane]

After learning about this wonderful Science curriculum from you fabulous ladies, I think I've decided to take the plunge.

 

3 Questions

 

1. Can I do RSO Chemistry with a 6th grader (who has little to no previous Science)?

 

2. How much should I expect to pay for RSO Chemistry?

 

3. Should I buy the prepared Supplies Kit?

 

 

I would think it would not be sufficient for a sixth grader. In fact, my opinion is that a sixth grader would find a number of the experiments to be quite childish. I found the program to be just right for my third grade child and even then I supplemented quite heavily with living books and other experiments- using Noeo guides. I also did Ellen McHenrys Elements program along with RSO that year.

 

 

Sorry, I have no idea what to expect to pay. I do know that if you are on their FB page they are giving a 30% discount t on eBooks this month. That is probably going to be one of the better prices you will find unless you buy used.

 

 

We did the program just fine without the supply kit. :). Save your money on this and spend it elsewhere- might I suggest Ellen McHenrys programs. A sixth grader should handle Carbon Chemistry just fine.

 

What is it about RSO that appeals to you? It is a great program but I think you and your sixth grader will be very disappointed. Have you looked at Noeo Chemistry II at all? I think that would be more age appropriate.

 

I don't mean to sound critical or harsh and hope I don't come across that way. Just wanted to offer some advice since I have a sixth grade and I've used RSO Chemistry. :)

[TheApprentice]

I used this program a couple of years ago, with a then 3rd and 5th grader. It was perfect for my 3rd grader, and too easy for my 5th grader. At the time, I just purchased the items as we moved along the curriculum, many were household items or inexpensive to purchase. The experiments are really very basic/simple as chemistry goes.

 

For your 6th grader, I would consider: Real Science 4 Kids, NOEO Chemistry II, Elemental Science (Logic Level).

 

It is hard to know what would be a good fit, but even with little to no experience in chemistry, RSO Chemistry for your 6th grader would probably be boring.

[WinsomeCreek]

I really have to agree that RSO Chem wouldn't be good for a 6th grader.

[mirabillis]

OH drat! And here I thought I'd found the perfect Science solution.

 

I looked at the first few lessons, and I felt my son would enjoy it. And learn a lot - like periodic table elements, searching the house for chemicals, all about atoms... the samples looked good. Again, any Science is better than no Science these past few years. I liked how simple it looked for me to implement. I tried NOEO years ago and it was one of those few curriculum choices I sold back. I don't want a bunch of notebooking, that doesn't work in our house as the kids dread it. I liked RSO's readymade worksheets - that appeals.

 

I also looked at McHenry's The Elements and Carbon Chemistry and thought much of her style as well. And it's very cheap to boot!

 

I need to have this double for a 4th grader and want to try to introduce these concepts to a 2nd grader (Kinder less so) as I won't have 2 Sci curricula going at same time.

 

So should I try RSO for a 6th/4th grader - and also add in McHenry's The Elements and Carbon Chemistry for my 6th grader? Would that work?

 

Or should I go back to the drawing board?

 

Thanks for all your help!!!

[coffeegal]

OH drat! And here I thought I'd found the perfect Science solution.

 

I looked at the first few lessons, and I felt my son would enjoy it. And learn a lot - like periodic table elements, searching the house for chemicals, all about atoms... the samples looked good. Again, any Science is better than no Science these past few years. I liked how simple it looked for me to implement. I tried NOEO years ago and it was one of those few curriculum choices I sold back. I don't want a bunch of notebooking, that doesn't work in our house as the kids dread it. I liked RSO's readymade worksheets - that appeals.

 

I also looked at McHenry's The Elements and Carbon Chemistry and thought much of her style as well. And it's very cheap to boot!

 

I need to have this double for a 4th grader and want to try to introduce these concepts to a 2nd grader (Kinder less so) as I won't have 2 Sci curricula going at same time.

 

So should I try RSO for a 6th/4th grader - and also add in McHenry's The Elements and Carbon Chemistry for my 6th grader? Would that work?

 

Or should I go back to the drawing board?

 

Thanks for all your help!!!

 

 

IMHO You're better off with a good plan that gets done than a perfect plan that sits on a shelf and molds. ;) My suggestion would be to try RSO and add in McHenry's Elements. Also, if you have a good library, line up a bunch of books for extra reading. You can check out Janice VanCleave's Chemistry for Every Kids for more experiments. Mix, match, and have fun. :001_smile:

[mirabillis]

Thanks coffeegal... ;-) I think RSO with McHenry's Elements sounds good. I've had a look at RSO's samples, and they look good to me. I need this to double with a 4th grader, and we've done 0 Science - especially Chemistry. So the periodic table work, etc looks like a good place to start. I've seen in another thread, someone used it for 3rd grade but thought it could easily be for older kids even 6th graders...

 

Anyone else want to weigh in?