4Real Forums: What to do for science this year

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Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science ( Forum Locked)
4Real Forums : Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science

Topic: What to do for science this year - 13 yo?

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Karen T
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Posted: July 17 2006 at 8:33am \| IP Logged

Two years ago, for 6th grade, ds wanted to do astronomy (our first year homeschooling after ps) and we used Apologia's course. It was pretty good and he liked the activities. Last year we tried CHC's Life Science book and although he didn't mind it, I was bored to tears! I love science but I'm not good at coming up with my own labs/activities to supplement a book like that. We only did the first half, so we still have the 2nd half available for this year, but I don't think I could stand that again.
Once he starts high school, we plan to follow a more typical hs curriculum - biology, chemistry, physics, adv. bio etc.
Does he really need something like earth science or physical science this year, or do you think I could get by with nature study, trying to delve into some things with more depth as we reach them? We have binoculars, telescope and an OK, but not great, microscope. (planning to get a better one this year or next)

We have been a bit lax on nature study this last year and now that my younger kids are 5 and 6, I think it would be great for them as well.

We are moving out of state sometime next spring or summer, so I'm thinking I'd like to make sure we get as much as possible out of our present location. We're in the suburbs, but we do have a creek behind us and several nice parks close by with hiking trails, etc.

Karen
p.s. I should mention our state's requirements are only attendance records, so I don't have to follow anything specific for them.

lapazfarm
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Joined: July 21 2005
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Posted: July 17 2006 at 9:02pm \| IP Logged

Good question.
First, nature study is always a good thing!
Second,I would hate to see your ds miss out on earth science. It is a fascinating and important aspect of science! You've already done astronomy, so all you have left to do is the earth layers (volcanos and earthquakes), rocks/ minerals, oceanography, and weather stuff. My suggestion: do nature study while the weather is nice in early fall and late spring, and do earth science mid-year when the weather is yucky anyway! Winter is a good time to study weather and also good for studying rock formations as they are more easily seen when the trees are bare.
Hope that helps.

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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
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Erin
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Posted: July 18 2006 at 1:30am \| IP Logged

I'm also interested in this area. We have never done formal science, and I also have a 13yr old.

A question from me- I have never found a text that I have liked (or dd for that matter). Would you recommend that we follow a text or could we get by with investing in some interesting books. If the latter what would you recommend?

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Erin
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lapazfarm
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Posted: July 18 2006 at 9:30am \| IP Logged

I personally hate textbooks. I think they suck the life out of science.
I suggest going to MacBeth's website and checking out her earth science recommendations. Some of the high school ones may be a bit "thick" for a 13 yo, so pick and choose the right level for your child's abilities, perhaps looking through the elementary suggestions for the morre advanced books in that category.I love her suggestions for field trips!

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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning

lapazfarm
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Posted: July 18 2006 at 9:31am \| IP Logged

Oh, and do get a high quality rock tumbler. Fun!

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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning

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