Gratia271 Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Can anyone comment on their experiences with these programs? I need to consider some options for Honors Bio in the event I am not able to teach my DD the content this fall. I have looked at the syllabus for each of the classes mentioned but would really appreciate some BTDT feedback if possible. Thanks! ETA: Honors or Pre-AP would be best, as DD will continue to AP Bio. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yvonne Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 You might be interested in the Biology classes at Wilson Hill? WHA is a Christian organization, but they're using the Miller Levine macaw text this year. (We're Christian, but, personally, I prefer that my kids use a non-secular science text because I think insisting on using a Christian text sends a sort of conflicting message about science and Christianity... as if one cannot be a Christian and a serious scientist.) I believe WHA is considering adding a pre-AP Bio class for 2015-16. Here's the academic background of the instructor, Marie Owens, from their website: "She attended the Medical University of South Carolina (in Charleston), earning a PhD in microbiology and immunology. (As you might guess, little things are important to her.) She was awarded an American Society of Microbiology fellowship to conduct post-doctoral research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA." My boys just started the Bio class, coming in mid-year, so we can't speak from much experience. So far, though, we're very happy with it! Wish we'd used it from the beginning, even though it meets at 6:30 am, our time. Their website is rather difficult to navigate, and they don't have any class info up right now, so you can't really see what sorts of classes they did this year. However, if you email them, I'm sure Mrs. Owens will get in touch with you and be happy to talk about her Bio class and WHA's plans for next year. She was very helpful and gracious with her time when I was trying to figure out if it would be possible to transfer my boys in mid-year. ETA: WHA has an open house coming up on the 29th, 8-9pm EST. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gratia271 Posted January 27, 2015 Author Share Posted January 27, 2015 Thanks! I sent an email to get some information from them. I wasn't familiar with their program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdj2027 Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Wilson Hill has an open house on the 29th from 8-9 p.m. EST. I e-mailed Nancy Donaldson with some questions as I am also looking for chemistry and biology classes and so far I am impressed with their customer service and willingness to work with us. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gratia271 Posted January 27, 2015 Author Share Posted January 27, 2015 That's great to hear! I'm trying to figure out what's best for all three of my kids, who are each going in so many different directions now. Meanwhile, I'm having some medical problems that I thought would go away but are starting to escalate... so, anyway I don't think I'll be able to teach everything I'd like. Maybe this will work. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dereksurfs Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 I didn't realize the WTM Academy had science as well. I thought it was more about writing and history. I guess I need to check this out as well. We are really liking WHA for Math. The live, interactive classes are great. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dereksurfs Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 You might be interested in the Biology classes at Wilson Hill? WHA is a Christian organization, but they're using the Miller Levine macaw text this year. (We're Christian, but, personally, I prefer that my kids use a non-secular science text because I think insisting on using a Christian text sends a sort of conflicting message about science and Christianity... as if one cannot be a Christian and a serious scientist.) I believe WHA is considering adding a pre-AP Bio class for 2015-16. Here's the academic background of the instructor, Marie Owens, from their website: "She attended the Medical University of South Carolina (in Charleston), earning a PhD in microbiology and immunology. (As you might guess, little things are important to her.) She was awarded an American Society of Microbiology fellowship to conduct post-doctoral research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA." My boys just started the Bio class, coming in mid-year, so we can't speak from much experience. So far, though, we're very happy with it! Wish we'd used it from the beginning, even though it meets at 6:30 am, our time. I would be interested to hear how they address evolution and age of the earth topics in this course. Although we are Christian I am looking for something which provides fair treatment of these subjects even if they hold to a young earth perspective. Any additional info would be helpful. BTW, I can't imagine our kids getting up at 6AM for class. lol Maybe it would do them some good if they could stay awake. :tongue_smilie: Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 Kolbe Academy will be offering different levels of biology online this fall. It is a Catholic school, and I expect evolution will be covered. They recently received AP certification for one of their bio courses. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in WI Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 Ds is in Pre-AP Honors Bio with Noemi Gonzalez at The Potter's School. It is taught from a Christian perspective, but it does cover evolution thoroughly. (Actually this is what they are currently studying!) The class meets once per week from Sept - May. I am pleased with the class so far. Ds was never interested in biology (he viewed himself as a chemistry/physics guy before this class), but he is enjoying it. I think it has challenged him and I'm glad we went with it. I'm particularly pleased with the instruction for the formal lab reports. Mrs. Gonzalez has responded to emails quickly and graciously. I don't know if it was necessary or overkill, but I chose to pair this class with the Landry Academy "Biology, Anatomy and Physiology" Lab Intensive. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gratia271 Posted January 28, 2015 Author Share Posted January 28, 2015 Thanks for the suggestions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandragood1 Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 My kids are taking Bio at the WTM Academy. It uses a secular text book, includes two hours of live class online each week, weekly quizes, tests, and midterns. They also have 4 book reports and a research paper due over the course of the year. We are taking the lab option where the teacher grades the lab reports The kids love this class and the teacher. Dd will be taking Chemistry from WTMA next year. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gratia271 Posted January 28, 2015 Author Share Posted January 28, 2015 My kids are taking Bio at the WTM Academy. It uses a secular text book, includes two hours of live class online each week, weekly quizes, tests, and midterns. They also have 4 book reports and a research paper due over the course of the year. We are taking the lab option where the teacher grades the lab reports The kids love this class and the teacher. Dd will be taking Chemistry from WTMA next year. Thanks! I appreciate hearing about how kids like it. I like the book they use, but I really wanted a student's perspective. Sounds great! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosepetal Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 @Heather in WI-Does TPS Honors Biology and Physical science has Experiment videos in a class?or kids have to do the experiments at home? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in WI Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 @Heather in WI-Does TPS Honors Biology and Physical science has Experiment videos in a class?or kids have to do the experiments at home? For the biology class, most were done at home and two (I think - maybe 3?) were virtual. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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