Do you use the Story of Science series?

[jesiwins]

I just discovered that Joy Hakim has a Science series and I am so excited about it! Yes, my oldest is 5 but...A girl can plan can't she? I am interested in using these starting in the middle years 5th or 6th grade. Has anyone here used these yet? Have you lined them up with history? does it work well for the logic stage?

 

Thanks for any help you have!

 

Jesi

[Lisa in the UP of MI]

I haven't yet but it is a strong candidate for the middle school years. My current idea is to use BFSU K-2 and 3-5, then do a history of science study in grades 6-8. I would probably use the Story of Science series as my spine.

[Chris in VA]

I have the first one and let my high schooler read it as a supplement on his own time. He found it fairly interesting, but next time I'll do it as a middler program--well, not program, exactly--I'll just hand it over and let dd read it. It seems easy to coordinate as the people and time periods come up. I don't mind not perfectly aligning things, as it gives a little preview or review, and that's good. Coming at information from different directions seems to strengthen the retention around here.

[sagira]

I haven't yet but it is a strong candidate for the middle school years. My current idea is to use BFSU K-2 and 3-5, then do a history of science study in grades 6-8. I would probably use the Story of Science series as my spine.

 

That's me, except that I also use Nature Studies with Handbook of Nature Study from 1-6. I think The Story of Science is so intriguing as well. My idea is to use it with Rainbow Science from 6-8 Years.

[Jenny in Florida]

It's the spine for a year of ancient science. In addition, he's reading:

 

Science in Ancient India

Science in Ancient Mesopotamia

Science in Ancient Rome

Science in Ancient Egypt

Science in Ancient Greece

Science in Ancient China

Archimedes and the Door of Science

Galen and the Gateway to Medicine

 

For hands-on stuff, he's doing projects from Ancient Science: 40 Time-Traveling, World-Exploring, History-Making Activities for Kids.

 

It is lined up with our history for this year, and I really like that part. My son seems to like the book, although it's kind of light, I think.

 

I know that, if you go to the publisher's website, there are teaching guides available with suggestions for how to make it into a "class."

 

We've decided not to continue with the series next year, for a variety of reasons. Mostly, my son really wants more science in his science. I do like the book, though.

[EKS]

We are using the Story of Science books. We are halfway through the first one and so far it's fabulous! I am trying to line it up somewhat with history but it doesn't line up perfectly.

[jesiwins]

Thanks for the great replies! I'm not terribly concerned about making the history line up exactly, but I do like the idea of a rough coinciding of time periods. I would love to get my hands on the teacher and student materials. The preview on Hakims website looked like something that would add more science and help to solidify the history.

 

I have to say that homeschooling with all of these great resources available is so exciting! and that includes all of you lovely ladies and your shared wisdom!

 

Thanks again!

 

Jesi