Earth Science or Physical Science, if you can only pick one?

[Ann.without.an.e]

DS will be 8th grade next year and I'm trying to nail down his school plan. He's a STEM kiddo. I really want him in Bio for 9th and Chem for 10th, that way he can pursue more advanced classes (either dual enrollment or AP) for 11th & 12th. He took Life Science this year. I can choose Earth or Physical for 8th. Which one? Also, if there is a particular curriculum or online class you suggest then I'm down to hear it. I was looking at Veritas's online academy for Novare Physical Science but I'm not sure about it?  I'll take any thoughts y'all have 🙂 We've never done a live online class with this kiddo before so it could be a way to get his feet wet before he goes into High School. 

ETA: Secular or Christian either one are ok but I'm not a fan of Apologia. If that makes a differences in ideas 🙂 

Edited March 14, 2022 by Ann.without.an.e

[Clemsondana]

It's just a matter of preference.  Physical Science is often a light version of physics and chemistry.  Some students find it helpful because it introduces concepts that students will learn about later, making physics and chemistry a bit easier and more familiar, and others feel like it isn't necessary because students will see the information later.  🙂  It can provide some more practice in skills that some students struggle with - conversions with moles/Avagadro's number, lab reports, etc.  Earth Science will have content that they aren't likely to see in another class - maybe a little overlap with ecology in biology or something like that.  A lot of students think of Earth Science as easier - having used an ES text with a co-op group, there are lots of facts that can be learned but it's not conceptually challenging.  For example, it was interesting to learn about the 3 types of volcanoes and how they are formed, but it doesn't make your brain hurt.  🙂  

[regentrude]

Earth Science. It's material he won't see elsewhere, unless he chooses to pursue geology and astronomy.

"Physical Science" is physics + chemistry at an ultra light level below even conceptual physics/chem.
I cosinder it completely unnecessary for a students who is intending to take actual physics and chemistry.

Edited March 14, 2022 by regentrude

[Lori D.]

Complete side thought, but since DS is interested in STEM, what about making 8th grade science about a series of Science topics of high interest to him? Research and dig in with a variety of resources, and do some interesting projects?

Just a thought! 😄 

[regentrude]

14 minutes ago, Lori D. said:

Complete side thought, but since DS is interested in STEM, what about making 8th grade science about a series of Science topics of high interest to him? Research and dig in with a variety of resources, and do some interesting projects?

Just a thought! 😄 

That is a great suggestion. There is no reason it has to be either Earth or Physical, nor does it have to be a scripted curriculum or class.

[Ann.without.an.e]

54 minutes ago, Lori D. said:

Complete side thought, but since DS is interested in STEM, what about making 8th grade science about a series of Science topics of high interest to him? Research and dig in with a variety of resources, and do some interesting projects?

Just a thought! 😄 

 

39 minutes ago, regentrude said:

That is a great suggestion. There is no reason it has to be either Earth or Physical, nor does it have to be a scripted curriculum or class.

 

I really like this idea. We could even use it to strengthen scientific writing, creating good lab reports, etc.

He loves math and physics, he is fantastic with logic, that sort of stuff so it could be more mathy, light physics ... what about coding? Are there any specific resources y'all think would be great to include. Thanks so much 🙂 

[Arcadia]

We went with whatever my teens wanted to study in middle school. For earth science we just use a high school physical geography textbook as a spine and go hiking at national parks and at fault lines for kids to see for themselves.

We used an older edition of this textbook Geosystems: An Introduction to Physical Geography

[Roadrunner]

I like the idea of earth science. It’s interesting and often neglected. Neither of mine did it and I really regret it. I see no point of physical science. If you have a strong student, you can do Clover Creek physics in 8th.