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]

2009/10 Family Rotation Schedule

Get Rotation Schedules

Picture Study

Term 1

• Robert Bateman (pick your favourite 6, or do the extra during a break)

1. Giant Panda
2. The Return - Bald Eagle
3. Power Play - Rhinoceros
4. Watching Siberian Tiger
5. Wolf Pair in Winter
6. The Challenge - Bull Moose
7. Ice Berg and Hump Back Whale (the style on this is a bit different)
8. Polar Bear Profile.

• Raphael Sanzio (pick your favourite 6, or do the extra during a break)

1. The Knight's Dream
2. St. George and the Dragon
3. Galatea
4. Young Woman with a unicorn
5. Sistine Madonna
6. The Miraculous Draft of Fishes
7. Ezekiel's Vision

Term 2

• John Singer Sargent

1. Oyster Gatherers of Cancale
2. The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit
3. The Breakfast Table
4. Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose
5. An Artist in his Studio
6. Lady Agnew of Lochnaw

• Norman Rockwell (pictures TBD)

Term 3

• Claude Monet

1. Terrace at St. Adresse
2. Women in the Garden
3. Jean Monet on His Hobby Horse
4. Woman with a Parasol: Madame Monet and Her Son
5. Tulip Fields in Holland
6. The Waterlily Pond

• (TBD) - I intend this to be a religious artist.

UPDATED: 3 Nov 09

Science Rotation

Years 1 to 6

Because we already own the World Book Childcraft series, we will be using this wonderful resource for Science in the early years. If you do not happen to own this series (which is WELL worth getting if you can find it) - I would recommend the Noeo Science series or Fulbright "Exploring Creation" series.

Nature Study is a major part of science at this stage. Note that there are other readings for Science and Nature in each year of study as well, which may not be "aligned" with the rotation. That is fine, the student will be able to handle it.

Rotation 1

• World and Space
• 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

Rotation 3

• About Animals
• Feathered Friends

Rotation 4

• About Me [anatomy]

Rotation 5

• How Things Work [physics and mechanics]
• Scientists and Inventors [from an older set]

In year 6, the student continues the rotation, doing the same rotation they did in year 1. They will understand the material much better.

Years 7-12

to be determined.