Which science curriculum for ds7?

[Bokons]

I am using Apologia's Swimming Creatures (Zoo2) with dss 10 and 7. Ds10 loves it, and is learning a lot with it, but most of it just goes over ds7's head. I think there is too much information/reading (I read aloud to them), and most of the time, he can't tell me what I've just read. Also, he loses interest quickly and will start playing with his younger brother or doing something else.

 

He is in grade 2, but just turned 7 in December so he is a very young grade 2. His reading and writing skills are not strong. I was thinking about doing RS4K pre-level 1 chem with him next year, but I don't know if that curriculum would suit him, or would it just be better to do what ds10 is interested in, and let ds7 listen in if he wants to. I haven't decided what to do for ds10 next year yet.

 

Last year, we did Exploration Education's primary curriculum, and ds7 liked it for the most part. The lessons were short so they kept his attention, and there was usually an activity of some sort.

 

I'd prefer not to do 2 separate science curriculums for dss 10 and 7 since I also have an older ds12 who already does a different curriculum.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

[mamaof2andtwins]

I think a lot of your decision would rest on what your goals are for the child. If you are just going for exposure, then you are probably doing just fine. I do agree that the Apologia Elementary books are very wordy.

 

I have done a few different things. Eventually, I do give science over to the older ones to do independently, and work something different with the younger ones. Right now, my oldest is doing physical science. The 7th grader is just about to finish swimming creatures. She does everything on her own, and the twins and I are reading Astronomy.

 

If your oldest was an independent student, you could let him continue on with Apologia and you could try RS4K with the youngest.

 

I don't think you are going to come out with a perfect solution, but you might eventually stumble on something workable.

 

Jennie

[Lovedtodeath]

I think God's Design books are easily adaptable to different ages. Make sure you get the updated sets.

[fivetails]

I think there is too much information/reading (I read aloud to them), and most of the time, he can't tell me what I've just read. Also, he loses interest quickly and will start playing with his younger brother or doing something else.

 

 

 

I do agree that the Apologia Elementary books are very wordy.

 

 

 

They *are* wordy. Even my dd12 who used the astronomy one last year had trouble telling me what I'd just read to her after so many words. Y'know what I started doing fairly often? I read the paragraphs to myself and then I told her in my own words - words that I knew she'd "take in" ...know what I mean?:)

 

Could you do this with your kids? Rather than read the piles of paragraphs out loud, read them yourself and then *tell* the kids about the interesting stuff you read -- "hey guys check it out - did you know that dolphins can actually *insert wacky dolphin fact here* ..." ....

 

There's also no rule that says you have to read *every bit* of *every section* in *every chapter* . Astronomy had lots of hands on things to do/make, and sometimes we just discussed *whatever* while we did the project...or while we did a project I made up.....

 

I really can't stand being read to myself - so when someone else isn't enjoying it, or has difficulty taking in stuff that way, I have absolutely no problem changin' it up. :D

[Lovedtodeath]

Just a thought on fivetails idea: Have DS 10 write a summary and read that to DS 7?