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For those of you using CTC for older kids (my son is 12 1/2), how do u find the science to be for them? Does it seem too young for them? Does it hold their interest? I am wondering if maybe I should supplement. If it was just the amount of reading with the zoology book that was the problem, I would be fine (although my son complains :-/). But the topic of animals just seems less than exciting for him. He does enjoy learning about animals. But it seems like he is just tolerating science right now. I am just wondering if he would enjoy (even love) science more if we were to utilize a different science curriculum in addition to this one. Maybe I should just stick it out and accept that he may not be passionate about science in general. But just thought I'd ask for any thoughts from moms also using CTC with older kids. TIA.

My CTC kiddos are 11 and 12. The science is DEFINITELY enough.

Some people do the science from the next guide up. That may be a good option

The science is definitely enough. It isn't just animals, the medicine and human body part is fascinating. I think it works best if you can follow the guide as written if at all possible.

Thanks, ladies! This makes me feel much better about the science in ctc for my almost 13 yr old. I will continue as it's written.

We thoroughly enjoyed CTC science with our sons! The materials read were living, the follow-ups varied, and the experiments interesting! My ds was about 11 yo when he did it though. For high school credit for a 9th grader, Ellen McHenry's Carbon Chemistry and the CHEM 101 DVDs are suggested to be added. You could look at adding either one or both of these if you feel you'd like it to be more challenging. CTC is written for the target age range of 9-11 year olds, and has extensions in the subject area of history for 13 to 14 yo dc, so your ds is right on the bubble. If you have a future STEM science-loving student, the above things are are not difficult to add, especially the DVDs . HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

That helps very much! Thanks, Julie!

My oldest was always at the highest age range for the guides, and the science did "feel" light to me. I worried that I wasn't challenging him enough. However, he is in the WH guide now, and is doing very well in science. He's getting A's, is understanding, making connections, and actually enjoying it. He never dreads science, and has learned so much about various scientists along the way. He's not a STEM student, but has truly connected with the material, rather than struggled and pushed and had to fight to understand the concepts.

So, for us, it has been a win.

That's wonderful Motherjoy and encouraging! Thank you!