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Hi ladies,

I've been tuned out of the message board for a while as i've been focusing on matters (all good) at home. So, forgive me if I'm posting something that has just been discussed. I tried to do a search and didn't find what I was looking for although I know it is on this message board somewhere. Could someone refresh my mind if Carrie had any additional science recommendations for 7th graders in CTC? Or did she feel that was necessary?

Thanks a bunch.

Florence - We've missed you!!! It sounds like things are getting busy at home for you - but going well. That's good to hear! I'm not sure if this is the link you may be looking for:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2851&p=20968&hilit= ... nce#p20968

I know Carrie will be on the board more tomorrow and the next day - she's writing tonight though. Anyway, I'm so glad you're doing well, and it's good to hear from you again!

In Christ,
Julie

Hi Julie,

Thanks for the link. I still need more specifics, though. Hopefully, Carrie will pick this up and comment.

Thanks again.

Florence,

It's good to "see" you. For a CM-style educator, the science within CTC would be considered enough for the ages specified on the guide (ages 9-11 with extensions for ages 12-13). However, it would still be important to take a look at coverage and plan for your student to be at least exposed or introduced to each of the various sciences by the end of grade 8 in order to help that child be better prepared for high school science study.

The major areas of science include life science (which we will cover within CTC), earth science (which we will cover within our next guide after CTC), physical science (which we will cover within the 3rd guide), and an introduction to basic chemistry and physics concepts, which partly fall under physical science (which we will cover in the last guide in our cycle).

Those who desire a more traditional science scope and sequence or wish to have a more rigorous path for science will want to consider doing one of the following science courseworks instead:

1. Begin with the full-blown Apologia General Science or Physical Science course.
2. Or do the first year of Rainbow Science.
3. Or, do something in between a full-blown science, but still high in content and hands-on like Exploration Education's physical science with online tutorial and kit (which we will most likely use for physical science in the third year of our cycle)
4. Or, add in something like Biology 101 DVD and notes on Day 5 each week to add in higher life science content that way.

If you were leaning toward adding to the science content within CTC, I would first lean toward #4 above (as it fits well with the life science focus in the CTC guide). However I lean toward the CM end of the spectrum in the sciences!

I hope this helps!

Blessings,
Carrie

Carrie wrote: If you were leaning toward adding to the science content within CTC, I would first lean toward #4 above (as it fits well with the life science focus in the CTC guide). However I lean toward the CM end of the spectrum in the sciences!

Carrie,

This is VERY helpful. And yes, I want to use the CTC science. IN fact, I'm VERY excited about your plan in CTC, so your #4 is of great interest. I want to make sure I'm looking at the correct material when you recommended Biology 101. Could you provide a link? I did a quick search and landed on a high school curriculum. Just wanted to make sure I'm looking at what you suggested. Also, if I were to go that route with my 7th grader, using CTC and the Biology 101DVD on the 5th day, what do you think would be a good potential plan for 8th grade regarding Science, in addition to the next segment of HOD curriculum?

I also want to add that my 6th grader, who is using Preparing is doing really well in everything, but he is EXCELLING in the science. He truly loves the reading and notebooking. And his notebooking is spectacular. Tremendous detail and thought in his sketches and journalling. He often tells me that the science exploration is his FAVORITE part of the day. So, I want to continue with this next year. But I also wanted to check and see if you thought I needed to ramp things up a bit for him, since we're 2 years out from High School.

I look forward to your thoughts.

Addendum: Okay I'm clear now on what Biology 101 is and I really like it. Could you clarify for me what you mean by "notes"? Are you suggesting the pdf quizzes or the accreditation packet or simply having the sudent take notes And I still would like your thoughts for 8th grade? Thansk a bunch!

Florence,

We're just back from convention, so I am slowly working through catching up on the board! The "notes" I am referring to would be the notes booklet that comes with Biology 101 to summarize the video content. The accreditation booklet would not be needed for a 7th grader, as it gives suggestions for adding to the Biology 101 DVD to make it credit worthy for a high schooler. That booklet is a bit vague for my tastes, leaving much planning for the parent to do along with it. The Biology 101 DVD and course notes, however, are very well-done (although a bit pricey).

I don't have a science extension recommendation at this time for your son's next year in grade 8, as we don't have the science selections in place yet for our next guide. We most likely will not have recommendations on how to add to the science for the medieval/renaissance/reformation guide until this time next year. For now, I would take a good look at your science coverage to see if any of the areas I mentioned above still need covering at your house prior to high school. If so, you may desire to add something addressing those areas on the 5th day of each week next year or the following year.

Blessings,
Carrie