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We are currently using parts of Preparing and enjoying it immensely. My 10yo ds is especially fond of the science and is creating a beautiful notebook.

My questions: Is the science in CTC a lot more challenging? Is there a substantial increase in the reading? And do you read the Apologia title in its entirety in 14 weeks?

Thanks in advance,

I did CTC once with a higher level science for an older child and now we are doing it again with three children who like HOD science but are not science types. I personally am the science loving type. I have found that my sort of neutral science kids are particularly loving CTC science. It is a little more and a different format in some ways. But it is not such a huge jump that a kid that is sort of just average in their fondness to science will not be interested or not be able to handle the new skills. I was actually worried about this. I have found it has been a very smooth transition with my kids currently doing CTC. My kids are liking it so much that my oldest is now reading the Apologia book for fun even though she is doing other science as well. Not so far into school this year but just wanted to share what I have found.

You do read the entire Apologia book in 14 weeks. The readings are slightly longer than those in Preparing, but like water2wine said not so much so that they are overwhelming. The format is the same in that you do a notebooking type page on day one, oral narration on day two, questions on day 3 and the experiment on day 4. I have noticed that the questions require a little more thought than the ones in Preparing which I think is good. The answer is there, just not as obvious. The questions also sometimes have the student define some vocabulary words. For the notebooking sometimes they are making a certain type of book. For the Apologia book he made an animal tracks book and now for the birds he is making a bird book with sketches of different birds. We just started week 15 and my ds loves the birds of the air book. I am surprised by how much he loves it. He had me download an app for his ipod that has different birds and their songs. As he reads about birds he then looks them up. He loved the Apologia book also, but he would rather read non-fiction books about animals than any other type of book.

Thank you both, ladies!

watertowine, that's interesting. This particular ds used BJU Science last year, and while I loved it, it was just "school" for him. On the other hand, HOD science is a huge hit hit! I think he just loves the literature and nature aspects of it. You know it's a hit when they're doing things beyond what's assigned, and like you, I'm finding him extending his studies on his own.

And Lynn, he has been an avid bird watcher for about three years so I'm especially excited about that aspect! He is presently making the constellation book in Preparing and looks forward to adding to it each week. Those little books Carrie has them make are right up his ally. The ipod app sounds awesome too!

Wow, you ladies really have me looking forward to CTC! Thanks again! In Him,

Angela,
Wanted to just tell you that my ds's love for Birds of the Air has really taken off. Yesterday on his own he painted a beautiful cardinal painting. He is not usually very artsy because it is tough for him. He then went on to draw several more bird pictures and has them taped up all over the house. He was fascinated today watching all the birds in our below 0 degrees wind chills. Like you said I love when they extend their studies on their own. He wants me to order more books by the same author.

That's so cool, Lynn! A "love for learning" is truly a great reward!

My son is in week 11 of CtoC. He just came up to me and said, "Mom, I really LOVE this curriculum!" This is heard in my house at least twice a week. He adores it, he is working so diligently. I don't prod him or cajole him, he is motivated to do it on his own, which is fabulous. I think the science is deeper and better. Same with the reading. We love it!

I'm so glad to hear that your kiddos are enjoying the science in CTC! My son loved it last year too and is thoroughly enjoying the science in RTR this year as well. We pray science may continue to be a joy for your children.

Blessings,
Carrie