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CatholicMommy
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| Posted: July 22 2007 at 2:48pm | IP Logged
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This question was asked in a thread about the Apologia science, but there wasn't an answer, and now I'm interested too:
Has anyone used My World Science? From their website: Our philosophy is based on the ideas of Charlotte Mason who noted that children love to observe the world around them. Building on this premise, and the idea of “living books,” My World Science allows students to explore their world and experience the wonder that exists all around them, using excellent children's science books rather than textbooks. Each unit concentrates on a specific topic, but during the course of the unit students learn about many aspects of science by using a "spine" book and several additional books of their choice.
So I'm wondering if anyone has used it, does it live up to their claims (CM, stated age level, flexibility, interest, etc)? I do not consider myself a science person though I would LOVE to be, meaning I had really sour experiences growing up and don't want to pass that along to my son. I've been working on developing a guideline of sorts to assure we hit all the topics in fun ways, but in this case, I think I would definitely prefer some sort of stricter guide at least first. But I also wonder if this one is 'complete' enough in the topics it covers - I can take care of depth where my son displays serious interest, but I'm looking for something broad enough and just deep enough to assure we've at least initially explored all the various corners of science.
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: July 22 2007 at 3:22pm | IP Logged
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Ok. I have not seen this material IRL yet,but I just went to the website and looked through their samples, tables of content, etc.
Though not perfect, this actually looks like the first science program I might put my stamp of approval on (not that it means anything, but I am kind of picky  )
Pros: I like their choice of reading materials, the "One Small Square" books, the field guides, the DK books, etc. Very engaging and not at all dry.
I like their choice of topics. Varied and broad. I like that only 3 or 4 topics are covered per book, allowing time to go into depth. I like that the teachers guide is very simple and clear, gives suggestions for narration, and also suggestions for further reading for older children. I like that there are simple hands-on projects in the student materials and suggestions for additional projects in the teachers manual.
Cons: The student materials are definitely workbooky, with the typical definitions and reading comprehension.
This is balanced, however, by the fact that the student materials have very short bits of work (3 or 4 definitions, rather than a dozen or so) and so would not be drudgery. And there is a variety of activities, with puzzles, games, drawings, etc. Some of the "short answer" type questions could be done orally for younger children or to relieve tedium.
I'd like to see suggestions for nature journaling activities included, at least in the teachers manual.
I would think that if I were to consider purchasing a science curriculum as a guide, this might be the one. I would definitely suggest supplementing it with lots of getting outside and nature journaling, but this program looks fun and doable for the elementary years.
I look forward to seeing some real samples some day!
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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CatholicMommy
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| Posted: July 22 2007 at 5:35pm | IP Logged
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Theresa - thank you! This is exactly the type of evaluation I was looking for - from someone who can look at the information and just know whether it's good or not - help me decide if I should take further look at it or not. I may be able to get my hands on a teacher's manual for a cheap price (the "woods, human body, rainforest" one) - I think I'll go for it and let you know what I think after I actually see it.
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ann@home
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| Posted: July 23 2007 at 2:53pm | IP Logged
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Hi, we have the weather/astronomy/oceans set and we'll be using it this year with my 6 and 9 yr olds.
It has great extra reading selections by grade and for family read alouds which I love.
I agree with everything Theresa posted too.
I think it looks great, a nice compromise between hands on, living books, and some workbook for those that like that.
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Ann, Full-time Mama of a 10yr old Lego master, 7yr old DIVA, 4yr old King of the Mountain and one more in June '09!
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4Real Forums : Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science
Topic: My World Science
