Thursday, April 21, 2011

Science Updated

Science Rotation

I have to admit that Science is something that I go back and forth on. There are such good resources out there, and we have access to many of them. As I re-evaluate our homeschool, I'm putting down a couple of options for me to consider, while I decide the approach. I do want to do science together in groups... either years 1 to 3 together and years 4 to 6 together OR years 1-6 together. I haven't looked at science for the upper years, and whether it will make sense to keep those years together or not.

For years 1-6, the first option involves using Apologia, along with some living books. The second option involves using the Childcraft books that we own. All options involve nature study! I have had thoughts of using mainly living books for Years 1 to 3, then moving to the other options, but as I think while I type, I suspect my younger children would end up just wanting to join the older ones. Right now Apologia has 6 titles in their program, but more are being written.

Well, here are my thoughts

Apologia Option

Rotation 1
  • Astronomy
  • Find the Constellations - H. A. Rey AND/OR The Stars - H.A. Rey
H.A. Rey's constellation books draw the constellations differently than most astronomy books - and in a way that makes more sense. If you can find them, they are WELL worth it! Find the Constellations is great for the young student. The Stars is a great reference for mom or dad, works well for older students in the rotation, or is a nice addition if your student wants more after reading "Find the Constellations". I do recommend adding the Latin "true name" of each constellation into the pages of "Find the Constellations" (they are in the index)

  • Botany
Rotation 2
  • Flying Creatures
  • Swimming Creatures
Rotation 4
  • Land Animals
Rotation 5
  • Anatomy
Rotation 6
future books.

Childcraft Option

Rotation 1
  • World and Space (Childcraft)
  • Find the Constellations - H. A. Rey AND/OR The Stars - H.A. Rey
H.A. Rey's constellation books draw the constellations differently than most astronomy books - and in a way that makes more sense. If you can find them, they are WELL worth it! Find the Constellations is great for the young student. The Stars is a great reference for mom or dad, works well for older students in the rotation, or is a nice addition if your student wants more after reading "Find the Constellations". I do recommend adding the Latin "true name" of each constellation into the pages of "Find the Constellations" (they are in the index)

Rotation 2
  • Green Kingdom (Childcraft) OR Botany (Apologia)
Rotation 3
  • About Animals
Rotation 4
  • Feathered Friends
Rotation 5
  • About Me [anatomy]
Rotation 6
  • How Things Work [physics and mechanics]
  • Scientists and Inventors [from an older set]

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