DIVE science?

[GaHadley]

I'm trying to choose my 9th grader's science for the upcoming year.  She's dyslexic, so she's a slower reader,  and for that reason I'd really like a video element.  I am considering DIVE science.  We've used it for Saxon math and she's done well.  I'm looking for opinions on how user friendly it is, if you'd suggest getting one of the recommended texts to read along with the material, basically anything good, bad, or ugly that you can tell me about using the program. 

*cross posted on high school board

[PeterPan]

Have you looked at some of the science packages Timberdoodle has put together for high school? It's been a while since I looked at DIVE, but I recall it being, um, well let's just say I chose not to use it with my very ADHD dd. So I think watch the samples and go with your gut. The instruction is fine, standard content, but if there are any issues with attention, math, whatever, it could go downhill quickly.

Did you know there are materials meant for this situation for high school? There are different publishers, and the Walch PowerBasics series is one. https://www.wiesereducational.com  They're written, but there's a lot less material. You'll find all kinds of options here. The Walch Powerbasics will be very trim and have a supplementary workbook of activities that bring it to life. I used their gov't with my dd who is a perfectly fine reader. I'm not saying it was stellar amazing material or something. I'm just saying sometimes you want in, want out, and there are reasons why something like that can be a good fit. I would not hesitate to use it with my ds.

Also, I think Apologia has some of their texts on audio. 

There's a totally different, investigation driven workbook. Kim something. I think Cathy Duffy has a review of it. That way she can use her tech to do the reading for her.

I really liked the dvd series (chem, physics, bio) that Timberdoodle sells. I don't think you're going to call it a complete high school bio, but as part of a total plan, the way Timberdoodle is suggesting, it is really delightful.

Does she use tech? If you can get the text as an ebook, your tech can read it to her. If she's not doing that yet, it might be the right time to work on that skill.

[GaHadley]

Thank you so much for your reply!  I did not know about that special education resource website - I think that government class will be just the ticket for DD.  I have that on my list to research as well 🙂  

She's fine with math and attention.  I think those aspects of DIVE should be okay for her.  I'll watch some samples and look into Timberdoodle.

Thanks again!

[1shortmomto4]

I've looked at DIVE numerous times over the years and just couldn't do it.  I had a struggling student and just couldn't see it working for them.  A lot of people recommend Conceptual Physics and other courses by Hewitt.  I know you've cross-posted so perhaps they'll have some other suggestions that might work.  I've had great success with the new versions of Apologia.  They are now releasing a 3rd edition of Biology (they are offering 25% off at numerous stores across the internet) along with the video component and all the changes have been excellent in the ability to engage more students - those with various LD issues.  I know many don't like Apologia - some say not enough rigor, etc. but having had 2 kids succeed thru college and do extremely well in their science courses; it did its job and then some.  I do believe that sometimes it can hard to recommend a program/text/etc when dealing with a student with dyslexia because what works for one student is a flop for another because there is so much involved in how the brain processes from one student to the next. So many students with dyslexia typically have other dx that hamper their abilities even further and I've found science choices the hardest to choose.