Another Science Question

[threegreatkids]

Hi Carrie or Julie,
I see that there were recently a couple of threads about science recently, and I learned alot by reading that really long 5 page one
I love the living books science approach that HOD takes. Dh and I also really like the look of the upper level Apologia courses. I did see (in the above mentioned thread) that it would be easy to add/substitute Apologia or Rainbow science in 7th or 8th if a family desires that approach. As always, I'm thankful for the options within HOD! I'm not sure which camp we will fall into in a couple of years. It very well could be different for different kids within one family, I expect.
I do think we will use Apologia for High School, so here's my question: Will the Science in the next 2 HOD guides prepare students for the Apologia HS courses? If this was already answered, I apologize for not seeing it.
Thanks,

[Carrie]

threegreatkids,

The science within HOD will be designed to prepare children for high school level science courses and the rigor and work required within those courses. Just as middle school science courses vary widely in their presentation and requirements, high school level science coursework varies widely as well. We will not be writing the science for the middle school years with the Apologia coursework specifically in mind for high school, however we will be looking at state standards and requirements as we plan the middle school science in preparation for higher level science.

The Apologia science courses have their strengths and weaknesses just as any science course does, and we hold Dr. Wile in high esteem. We are just choosing to offer an alternative option to what is already out there and widely used as far as middle school science coursework goes. We will likely lean in the direction of using a variety of science coursework ourselves for our own son(s) within high school to look for the best option in each science area, rather than staying with one publisher. However, we also know it is important to take into account whether your child will be working toward a science-related major and to plan your child's science instruction accordingly as needed to meet your child's goals.

I am aware that Apologia very strongly recommends a specific course sequence for the middle school years in preparation for their high school level courses. At HOD, we tend to like more variety and enjoy reading from different authors and perspectives each year. We also enjoy looking for the best book in each specific discipline, which often means using different authors for different purposes. This just happens to be our perspective though, and you may enjoy a different science path. As always, you know your children best and know best what will fit your family's goals.

Blessings,
Carrie

[threegreatkids]

Carrie,
Thanks so much for answering my question! I can honestly say that my girls (and I) have enjoyed the science in BHFHG and PHFHG more than anything else we've done before. My dh (who is a physician) has been very impressed as well. I'm amazed at how much they have learned and how it has helped them to begin to think scientifically. I look forward to the science in future HOD programs, and hope you'll share your high school science plans with us, too
Thanks again---

[smithdonnajo]

This post was helpful to me. Could someone post a link for the post threegreatkids refered to as "that really long 5 page one" ?

Thanks!
Donna Jo

[happy@home]

Donna Jo,

I am not computer savy enough to give you a link for that post!!

But if you go to the Main Board and scroll about half-way down, the subject is "Give Your Opinion: Science In Future Guides".

Robbin