Sneak Peek #1: New World Geography Guide

[Carrie]

Ladies,

I am so excited that we are to the time of year when we begin sharing "sneak peeks" from our upcoming new guide! It is thrilling for us to be officially entering the high school years with the geography guide's target age range. It is our prayer that we will be able to write the guides in such a way that students who go through all 4 high school HOD guides will have everything needed for graduation and college entrance (with the exception of PE). For those of you who are on the very youngest age range of the geography guide, and may be using it with an 8th grader, it is good to know that the geography guide will be high school credit worthy in all areas, so you can begin counting high school credit with this guide and use it as your child's "freshman" year if desired. Then, if you continued with the 4 high school HOD guides, your child could either graduate a year early or could use the final year of high school to pursue an internship or an area of interest, focus on CLEP testing, do missions work, travel, or begin college early.

Having my oldest son going through high school without the HOD guides written, has made me all the more aware of how very much I will appreciate having the HOD high school guides for my own kiddos coming up. We'll have two highschoolers in our mix next year at our house, along with our two younger sons too. Our oldest son will be a senior next year and our second son will be a freshman next year. It's hard to believe, yet exciting to share this high school journey with all of you!

For our first "sneak peek", I wanted to share our thoughts about high school science. To better explain our science selections for the geography guide, I'll first share a bit about our overall science plan for high school. Our overall plan at this time is to recommend the following sequence for science in high school:

Freshman: Integrated Physics and Chemistry
Sophomore: Biology including anatomy in the course (with Health as an additional semester course sophomore year)
Junior: Chemistry
Senior: Physics

While you can certainly follow a different science path if desired, this particular sequence does have its advantages. This is because many states and colleges require some sort of physical science on the high school transcript (along with biology and chemistry), which makes it is wise to consider how to gain the needed physical science credit (whether the student takes physics or not). Since not all future careers require students to take physics, taking an Integrated Physics and Chemistry course as a freshman fulfills the physical science requirement and frees the student from having to take physics (unless desired) later.

This science path also allows students the option, during their senior year, of taking a field-related science (i.e. marine biology, advanced chemistry, anatomy, advanced biology, etc.) instead of physics. So, we like the options that this particular science sequence offers, as it allows for science decisions to be made as the child progresses through high school and gains a better idea of what he/she may be doing in the future. For those who are unsure of their future career path, the science sequence we've listed above will provide the student with a solid science path that will be excellent preparation for any field.

Our plan at this time is to offer each of the sciences scheduled in the HOD guides as a full credit with a lab component (so that each science can be listed as a lab science on the transcript).

As far as specific curriculum selections for science go, for the upcoming geography guide, we will schedule Integrated Physics and Chemistry written by John Hudson Tiner. We selected this particular text because Tiner has an incredible gift for writing about science in a narrative, living way. He writes about the lives of the scientists and the problems they sought to solve, which also makes his writing very biographical. Tiner is the author of Exploring Planet Earth (used in Bigger's Extension and RTR's earth science), Exploring the World of Medicine (used in CTC's life science), and Exploring the World of Chemistry (used in MTMM's Intro. to Chemistry). His writing fits very well with CM's definition of a living book, which is one written by a single author who is passionate about his topic and is able to make the study of that topic (or time period) come alive through his/her storylike writing. Living books are also more easily able to be narrated.

TIner's Integrated Physics and Chemistry course contains 12 chapters, with 742 pages of physics and chemistry related-topics. There are 180 individual readings in the course, each taking up 4-5 pages. The font-size of the pages makes for easier reading and the text is illustrated in black and white. The content coverage is very solid, as you can imagine with this many pages of text!

We plan to use all 12 chapters of the text, which will result in 1-2 readings a day on most days. We also plan to use the accompanying activity books as a follow-up to the readings. These activity books utilize multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, vocabulary, and short answer type questions. We are still pondering whether to have students do oral or written narrations in lieu of some of the activity book assignments each week.

Link to Samples of Tiner's Integrated Physics and Chemistry:
Table of Contents: http://pacworks.com/pdf/IPC%20TOC%20Sample.pdf
Sample Chapter 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: http://www.pacworks.com/samples/ipc_1-l2.pdf
Sample Activity Ch. 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: http://www.pacworks.com/samples/ipc_act_1-l2.pdf
Sample Chapter 1, Section 1, Lesson 3: http://www.pacworks.com/samples/ipc_1-l3.pdf
Sample Activity Ch. 1, Section 1, Lesson 3: http://www.pacworks.com/samples/ipc_act_1-l3.pdf
Sample Chapter 1, Section 1, Lesson 4: http://www.pacworks.com/samples/ipc_1-l4.pdf
Sample Chapter 1, Section 1, Lesson 5: http://www.pacworks.com/samples/ipc_1-l5.pdf

The publisher mentions that two credits could be awarded for the Integrated Physics and Chemistry coursework, with one credit for intro. to physics and another credit for intro. to chemistry. After having our own oldest son do all 12 chapters of the IPC course as a freshman, we feel with the time it took to complete the course that awarding only 1 credit is more in alignment with typical high school standards. We plan for science to take approximately 60 min. or less each day in our geography guide (with potentially longer days when labs are combined with readings).

Since Tiner's text does not include labwork, in order to include labs, we will add the MicroPhySci Kit from Quality Science Labs. This kit has a new 2nd edition which came out in 2011. It includes 36 labs (as opposed to the 17 labs in the previous edition of this kit). The kit comes with most needed supplies to perform the experiments. It also includes a complete lab manual for recording results. The experiments match the topics in Tiner's Integrated Physics and Chemistry very well. In order to coordinate the text topics with the labs, the labs will not always occur once weekly as is typical in the HOD sciences from Preparing on up. However, there will still be 36 opportunities to perform labs throughout the course and each will be scheduled in our guide to coordinate with Tiner's text. Each lab lasts approximately 45 min. and does include science/mathematical formulas and calculations. Skill-wise, as far as math goes, students should either have completed pre-algebra (or be solid skill-wise in working with fractions and equations) or be working through algebra I in order to complete the labs in this course.

Here is the publisher's description of the lab kit:
The MicroPhySci Kit 2nd Edition includes a 207 page manual with 36 lab experiments. As will all our kits, the included manual explains each experiment covering:

Goals – The goals section outlines the major learning areas of the experiment.

Background – The background would be equivalent to a short lecture on the theory of the experiment.

Materials and Equipment – Get the mentioned equipment out of the kit and you are ready to go. Any items not included in the kit like ice, sugar, hot water, etc. are mentioned in this area, as well as at the beginning of each experiment.

Procedure – Just follow the step by step procedure to do the experiment. Instructions are clearly explained making it easy for students, homeschool parents, and teachers/instructors.

Results – Students answer questions in the results area. This gives students a better understanding as well as a record of their completion.

We have designed the MicroPhySci Kit in order to make teaching and preparation very convenient for the instructor. It contains all materials necessary except for a few common household items. The kit contains sufficient materials to do every experiment five times.

Lab Experiments:
1. Scientific Investigation
2. Metric Measurements
3. Extremely Large Measurements, The Solar System
4. Density
5. Motion
6. Newton’s Second Law
7. Friction
8. Impulse and Momentum
9. Energy
10. Work and Power
11. A Lever: A Simple Machine
12. Pulleys
13. Weight of a Car
14. Buoyancy
15. Thermal Energy and Diffusion
16. Electrostatics
17. Electrical Circuits
18. Magnetism
19. Sound Waves
20. Light Waves
21. Musical Instruments
22. Visible Light Spectrum
23. Plane Mirrors and Mirror Applications
24. Convex Lenses
25. Nuclear Decay Simulation
26. Percentage of Oxygen in Air
27. Chemical Reactions
28. Enthalpy of Reaction
29. Electrolysis of Water
30. Parts Per Million
31. Solution Concentration
32. Freezing Point Depression
33. Acids, Bases, and Indicators
34. Comparing Antacids
35. Carbon Chemistry
36. Organic Chemistry: The Chemistry of Life

MICROPHYSCI KIT CONTENTS: $159.99
10 Chemicals, 55 different types of equipment, 207 page manual, a 62 page teacher's answer guide – all in a convenient storage box.

Here is a link to the publisher's website: http://www.qualitysciencelabs.com/physi ... d-edition/

As always, if preferred, you may choose an alternate science route than that offered within the HOD guide without affecting the flow of your day. At HOD, we desire to offer a different science path than is typically offered other places and to provide a more CM living type approach (while still covering our science bases) for those who want that type of approach. We also strive to honor our Creator through our chosen materials. We've seen the benefit of this type of science education with our own boys, and have boys with a deep interest in science, who draw inspiration from the lives of the scientists they have read about, and use their passion to pursue experimenting and scientific thinking in their free time!

Blessings,
Carrie

[holdinon]

I hate to admit how giddy I got when I saw the title of this post! I am so excited that it is time for Sneak Peaks to start rolling in .

I'm excited too that science was first, since that where dd's sights are for college/career. As always, the chosen curricula looks fabulous!!
Thank you, Carrie, for the peaks! I don't get on the boards much, but I can guarantee I will be checking in more regularly now
Ang

[John'smom]

My dc seem far off from this point, but I know time will fly. Love the way Tiner's book looks. I do have a question though and understand I haven't looked ahead to high school at all since my oldest is in 5th. Anyway, my dd is on the youngest age range of the guides and this would put her in 8th grade when she would be working on this. You said that a child should have completed pre-algebra to use the labs. This will not be my dd's case. Don't you do pre-algebra in 8th grade? Thanks for any insight.

[heartofhannah]

Wow! That sounds amazing! I have a son who doesn't like science, but loves history. I think he would actually enjoy doing science this way. Thank you for such a creative choice for high school!

[lissiejo]

I feel so blessed that my girls are still so young so that we'll get to participate in all the upper guides, Lord willing

[LynnH]

Having taken a highschooler through without HOD, I am beyond excited to have HOD plan it all out for me for my ds. I really like this science plan. I think it looks like a great course to transition to the rigors of high school science. I also like the fact that it is by an author that my ds will already be familiar with his style of writing. I think that will be very beneficial. The lab kit is a great addition. Once again thank you so much Carrie for all your hard work.

[ncmomof5]

What if your child has already done Apologia Physical science? Would there be enough new/different info to make it worth doing this course after Apologia Phys Science? My dd does not plan to go and take Chemistry, so I thought this integrated course might be a good way for her to be introduced to the concepts taught in Chemistry without having to go too heavy into the math part of it (Math is not her strong point).

Thanks,
RuthAnn

[Carrie]

Ladies,

I am glad that you are getting a chance to read through our thoughts about science for the upcoming guide! It is helpful for me to take time to share the thinking and the reasoning behind our choices. Hopefully, it helps you too as you think about your own goals for your student in this area.

In order to better answer a great question raised in this thread about the math prerequisites needed to complete the labs, I went back through the labs in the lab manual to look more closely at the needed skills so that I can share them with you. It appears that mainly a good grasp of fractions, fairly straight-forward equations, decimals, metric conversions, and some geometry is necessary to complete the labs. For example, students will be calculating velocity (or speed) and surface areas, dealing with metric conversions, and determining mass, length, width, height, volume, force, density, distance, and time. They will be calculating acceleration and average speeds, plotting a graph of speed vs. time (and later weight vs. force) using an 'x' and 'y' axis, and learning about calculating impulse and momentum, coefficients of friction, potential and kinetic energy, 'work', torque, resistance, pressure, buoyant force, current, and voltage. Students will also be balancing chemical equations and formulas and working with percentages and concentrations.

With this in mind, if the student hasn't completed pre-algebra but is working through it (or has a good grasp of fractions, equations, decimals, metric conversions, and some geometry such as surface area and graphs), he/she should be able to complete the labs. My second son, who is in 8th grade this year is working through Discovering Math 1A/1B (now called 7A/7B). In looking at the lab manual, I know he would be able to complete most of the required calculations based on the examples given in the labs (and with some moderate help at times from me). This is partly because Discovering Math 1A/1B (or now 7A/7B) includes pre-algebra, some algebra I, and some geometry though.

While the labs may at times require some assistance from the parent in the working of the formulas, be encouraged that the examples provided in the lab manual are very helpful. There is also an answer key with provided solutions for the lab manual. The math prerequisites also take into account that the critical thinking skills gained through the study of pre-algebra/algebra are helpful in completing labs such as these, as that type of higher-level thinking helps the student work through the procedures and arrive at conclusions.

Two possible options for either math challenged students or for those who have not yet studied higher level math, would be to either complete only the labs that require very little math or to forego the lab portion all together and only use the IPC course as a non-lab science. Some states do not require physical science or physics to be done as a "lab science", so this is another factor to weigh. This is also one of the reasons why we love the option of doing Tiner's IPC along with the MicroPhySci Labs, because the combination provides options both for students who are mathy and science-minded and for those who are not. Tiner's text is not math-based, but the MicroPhySci labs are, so together they make a very strong science course with each bringing a different area of emphasis to the overall pairing.

On a sidenote, it is good to remember that the MicroPhySci lab allows students to perform each experiment 5 times, so if you have multiple students coming up, the kit is a one-time purchase that will benefit your family for years to come. One other benefit that I really appreciate is the fact that this kit uses the microscale method for chemicals, meaning the chemicals are premixed in dropper bottles using small quantities and low concentrations of the chemicals. This makes the chemicals more easily disposed of and less hazardous, which is something I cannot say enough about in light of the fact that with homeschooling we are often using our kitchens as our laboratories!

Blessings,
Carrie

[basesloaded]

Will there be another science choice given as well with the guide. For example, I was planning for 2 children in the guide together ... one in 10th grade but one only in 8th ... no problem understanding where the 10th grader fits in of course, but wondering what I will do for the 8th grader since he won't be ready for the high school science path yet. Exciting stuff !

Thanks!

[daybreaking]

I know RTR covers Earth Science, but I'm assuming that would not be high school credit worthy. Am I correct, then, to assume that high school level Earth Science will not be covered in the HOD guides?

P.S. Your plans look great. Thank you for all of your hard work!

[Carrie]

Ladies,

You are asking some wonderful questions, all of which are very valid as we head into the high school science sequence.

As far as RuthAnn's question goes, if your child has already done Apologia's physical science, then the major difference in the IPC from Apologia's coverage will be within the area of chemistry. This is because Integrated Physics and Chemistry courses add in the study of chemistry in addition to the coverage of physical science. In looking at Tiner's IPC course, there is also deeper coverage of physical science topics simply due to the overall length of Tiner's course. His coverage will repeat some of the physical science topics in Apologia and add more information to the topics as well. He will also have some additional topics in the physical science/physics area.

In thinking through whether your daughter should use IPC, it will matter whether your child studied Apologia's physical science in middle school or in high school. This is because students will typically study physical science in middle school and then revisit that topic in high school either through an IPC or a physics course, or both. Taking the IPC route in high school is the more accepted course path right now in high school, instead of taking just strictly physical science. So, if you get a chance to pop back and let me know when your daughter took Apologia's physical science, I can answer you better.

As far as offering two options for science goes, we will only be offering one science option in each high school guide. This is because once your child gets to the high school guides, all of the work that he/she will be doing in the guide will be high school worthy for credit, so we need to make sure this is true for the science as well. if your child is coming up through the HOD guides, and is on the youngest age range of the guides, it is possible that he/she may get to the geography guide in the 8th grade. If that occurs, then you will be ready to start counting high school credit when your child gets there simply due to the level of work the child will be completing in the geography guide. This would then be your child's "freshman" year for transcript purposes. If that child has already been through the science in the previous HOD guides, then he/she should be well prepared for the science in the geography guide. With that in mind, two possible options for younger students, or for those who have not yet studied higher level math, would be to either complete only the labs that require very little math or to forego the lab portion all together and only use the IPC course as a non-lab science. Using Tiner's course without labs would be very doable for an 8th grader, or using only the labs that require less math would also be workable for an 8th grader. Since some states do not require physical science or physics to be done as a "lab science" in high school, both of these are possible options.

As far as offering earth science within high school goes, we will not be offering strictly earth science as an option. This is because earth science is typically not a requirement for high school in most states and also because colleges tend to want to see something more similar to the science sequence we're planning in our guides. This is why in planning for high school that we made sure to include a year of earth science in middle school through RTR. However, if you take a look at the Table of Contents of Tiner's IPC, you will see that there are some earth science topics that do receive coverage. Link: Sample Chapter 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: http://www.pacworks.com/samples/ipc_1-l2.pdf

Blessings,
Carrie

[Carrie]

Ladies,

I'm so glad that someone mentioned on another thread that this topic was locked! I had no idea I had accidentally locked it. I was wondering why there were no more responses and was hoping I hadn't somehow scared everyone away!

I've unlocked it now, so post away!

Blessings,
Carrie

[blessedmomof4]

Your science choices are exciting As life begins to settle into kind of a routine with little baby, I am turning my thoughts to what to do next fall as my second youngest approaches high school age and her sister becomes a sophomore As always, thank you for your thoughtful selections, and for sharing sneak peeks

[mamas4bugs]

Yes! Love the science choice. Can't wait for more sneak peeks! Thanks so much for giving us glimpses and such great explanations!

[flydena]

My son is in 9th grade this year and I am desperately searching for a great Biology course for next year. Could you give your recommendations for Biology? He is doing the advanced version of Exploration Education Physical Science this year and is LOVING it! So, I'm confident your suggestions will again be exceptional!