dori123 Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 Hi all: I am new to homeschooling and the forum, but have learned so much just by lurking. I am planning to homeschool in the fall for my 6th- and 7th-grade kids. I have seen a lot of great suggestions for science curricula, but no discussions yet on how to order the sciences. I have been reading that Physics > Chemistry > Biology is the "new" preferred line-up, and exactly opposite the traditional order. Just soliciting opinions as to what worked / what didn't work, and why. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 The new physics, chem, bio path is great for STEM high schoolers. Physics helps with chem, and since biochem is growing chem before bio makes more sense. Bio was typically done first to let math catch up, since it doesn't require math. Physics and chem can be done with algebra, or you can get "conceptual" courses that are low on math. The middle school versions, however, generally aren't going to get deep enough for the order to really matter. I'd go with whatever the kids are interested in, and encourage curiosity and wonder. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 My favorite part of homeschooling middle school is that you can do pretty much whatever you want :D We started in fifth grade, and I let dd choose the science every year: 5th: earth science (so much fun) 6th: life science 7th: a mishmash of topics including astronomy, geology, botany, genetics, and a bit of electricity (that was a great science year) 8th: she was ready for high school algebra-based physics (both in the math and science) Happy planning :party: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 My preference is earth then life followed by a very solid physical science course. The physical science course will provide students with enough physics and chemistry to move on to biology in 9th, followed by chemistry and physics (not conceptual). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 We did a little of everything every year because that is what my boys wanted. They are not interested in a year of physics only or chemistry only or biology only. It feels less disjointed to them to do everything every year. They did geometry with algebra too because they are bored with just algebra. Middle school science is a nice time to let your child go for interest led science since there is no box to check at this stage compared to high school years. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaKinVA Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 We would do: Earth/Space Life Science Physical Science (Integrated Physics and Chemistry) Then Biology in 9th...Chem...AP Physics 1...Other AP 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dori123 Posted February 16, 2016 Author Share Posted February 16, 2016 Thanks for all the input. Science is by far the hardest to plan. : / Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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