What about science???

[scottsmom]

How is everyone filling the science requirement???

The book I recieved with scotts curriculum requires me to buy a whole bunch of supplys it looks like. I just cant afford to do this every week and also I dont know where to purchace things like this.
Is there anyone teaching 6th grade and what are you doing for this class???

[Dianna]

For my children, I didn't/don't use a text for science through the elementary and middle school years. We read good science-related magazines (Ask, Muse, Odyssey for that age, mainly), we read good science-related books from the library, watch educational programming on TV and borrow science-related videos from the library. We go own field trips, and buy experiment kits (or the kids get them for Christmas). Etc. We have a very hands-on, eclectic approach to science that has really worked well for my children. They love science. :smile2:

My oldest used the Apologia texts for high school, but I don't think we'll go that route with my next son when he's in high school (he's in 7th grade now). I'm still thinking about alternatives for him since he really enjoys learning eclectically like I described above.

You don't need to buy a lot of supplies. If the book you're using calls for a lot of extras, look in your local library for experiment books that use household items, or let your son ask for experiment kits for Christmas. High school level science should include labs (if your child is college-bound), but elementary and middle school doesn't have to. Although it may be fun, it isn't a requirement. We don't do experiments nearly as much as we do the other things I listed.

I hope this helps! :smile2:

Dianna

[lavinemch]

We do much like Diana - up through middle school, we do soc st one semester and science one semester as a block. But, of course if something comes up they are interested in, we delve right into it. I let my kids choose what they want to study about in this area. (There will be enough time in high school for more organized learning.) I have found when they choose the subject, that they really get into it. For instance, they wanted to study wasps and hornets one spring. They went on searches, observed them, drew them, research the many, many different kinds, studied their habits, wrote about everything they saw, etc. They even learned how to pick them up and catch them. And, of course, this gave way to them wanting to learn more about other flying insects and stinging insects. We used the internet and public library for resources. I would bet anyone that they learned more about insects than the regular college student out there. And what's more, they remember and talk about it to this day.

My son that is still homeschooled is in 6th grade, too. He wanted to do chemistry this year. We do not have a science book - we use the internet and there is loads and loads of information there. There are websites like chem4kids.com that we use as our "textbook," and you can find many experiments that use household items. You can even find tests on the internet if you want that.

Mary

[SChomemomof3]

The library has tons of books for science. We mostly do those and I order Zoobooks. Use the library and cut down on the expense. I also have picked up used science books at salvation army/goodwill stores for really cheap prices.