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How necessary do you think the Science labs are in the WG Guide if you have a child who could possibly be a STEM major? I'm debating right now over having my son do the labs next year. I do think he will do labs for the following 3 years of high school sciences. But I'm wondering how necessary it is to show a lab with the IPC year on a high school transcript. I know he will be slightly overwhelmed with the amount of reading in the WG guide and I'd like to lighten the load a bit for him. My state does not requires 4 years of labs, but just wondering about colleges for STEM majors. Those who have been there? Any opinions or advice? Thanks!

My dd in college is not a STEM major, but from what I have seen and heard it is pretty important to have 4 years of lab sciences. Also looking at the IPC labs they are a pretty big step up from what is done in MTMM and there are lots of calculations etc that I think would be pretty crucial as a stepping stone before going into Chemistry and Physics.

I think one really great thing with the science is that the lab is all on Video. Plus, the high school guide is only scheduled 4 days per week. Will that help with getting the lab done? I think it is always nice to do it if you can because then if he needs it, you will have it. But that is just my thought. In Ohio, we are required to have 3 high school science classes and 2 must have labs.

Honestly 3 years with lab and one without should be enough for college entrance, unless the child wants to go to a very prestigious STEM university, or a private university where admittance would come down to very fine details like 4 years of science with lab. However, as already mentioned, the labs may be a good stepping stone for the following year. It seems like you could go either way and there would be plusses and minuses.

I would also consider which science(s) are in the child's strongest area of interest and make sure they get the most time to explore and do those things in High School so they have a better idea if this is really the path for them. If physics and math are the direction, then the IPC lab might be useful. If Biology or Chemistry or both obviously those labs are more valuable.

Thanks for the input, ladies! I think I am going to have him do the labs, since I believe he will enjoy them, and maybe cut out a few of the Living Library books. It's great to have your helpful opinions!

Tiffini wrote:Thanks for the input, ladies! I think I am going to have him do the labs, since I believe he will enjoy them, and maybe cut out a few of the Living Library books. It's great to have your helpful opinions!

Wyatt just told me that the labs in WG were one of his favorite parts of the year! Wyatt was (age wise) an 8th grader when he did the WG and loved it. I think your ds will enjoy them.

In Christ,
Julie