Novare Physical Science (Middle School) - Reviews? Users?

[thegeyser]

http://novarescienceandmath.com/catalog/physical-science/nps2/

This was listed in the Memoria Press catalog and has caught my eye for next year? Has anybody used this yet? I am looking for feedback, since there is no way to view the experiment guide, test materials, etc. Thanks for your feedback!

[dauphin]

Following. Very intrigued by their stuff!

[Emerald Stoker]

I've not used it, but I was interested in their high school chemistry book (the secular version) last year. They sent a very generous sample of the book when I emailed to ask for one; they seem responsive to customer requests, so you might try that.

[Heather in VA]

I'm in a similar situation. I love the samples of the book but I can't figure out how easy it is to use or if there are doable labs etc.

 

[SevenDaisies]

I received a copy of the book last week. I'm only about two chapters in, but it looks fantastic. The labs look good, but are definitely geared to the classroom. They do involve the purchase of a fair amount of lab equipment. You would need beakers, graduated cylinders, digital thermometers, a Bunsen burn (or gas stove), a hot plate, and a mass balance (although it says a postage scale will do). Each of the experiments also has additional required items. The estimated cost for each lab ranges from $2-$70 although most cost somewhere in the $15-$35 range. Some of the labs require wooden jigs that have to be made. The labs have instructions on how to make them, but you can also purchase them from Novare for $85.

http://www.novarescienceandmath.com/catalog/physical-science/nps2/nps-spk/

[SevenDaisies]

I discovered today that the author has videos for three of the experiments - two of which are on the more complicated/expensive side. They are there in case people choose not to do these more complex experiments, but they at least give you an idea.

http://www.novarescienceandmath.com/extras/video-resources/

[kathy_overman]

My son is taking the MP Physical Science online class using this text.  The text is challenging and thorough.  They predominantly watch the video labs, but we have done a few experiments at home - using easily acquirable supplies.  

 

Last year, he took General Science with Apologia.  My only complaint with Novare is that there are not as many resources/helpers for him - compared to the options available with Apologia.  This really only applies to the type of learner/worker he is.

 

For example, each chapter has a list of vocabulary words and review questions.  He struggles with all the writing.  He has to write out the questions and answers, and frankly - he doesn't do this.  So when it comes time to be tested he is not prepared.  My comments on in regards to my son, not the materials covered.  I have been very pleased with the text and Memoria Press.

 

That said, he is learning a lot.  He loves the text (and our teacher), but I find I have to prod him much more due to the lack of support / review available.

 

Next year, I would prefer to go back to Apologia or a text with a workbook.  Hope this helps.