We've used Apologia before, but our soon-to-be 9th grader hates it. Help!

[Kendra]

Please tell me about your favorite resources and curricula that stand in place of Apologia.

This son is not hugely academic and doesn't yet know what he wants to do. He lifeguards, plays water polo, plays guitar. Not a lot of love for academics in him :closedeyes: In the meantime, however, we're still trying to give him the best education possible.

A bonus would be a curriculum that is light on mom-prep. I've got six student this year and two more under two.

Thanks!

[Lolly]

We tried using Apologia for science. This year, we switched to BJU with dvd's. Love, love, love it!

[Kendra]

Would you tell me what you love about BJU science?

[SLH in ND]

Our dd used Apologia for General Science & it was a tough year for all of us. We did Abeka for Physical Science (this school year) and it was so much better. The teacher guide contains details lesson plans for the year, so that was great for me!! They even have a lab demonstration DVD. The DVD is quite expensive and I did buy it for Physical Science, justifying the cost by realizing that I'll use it for 3 students. I thought about going back to Apologia for Biology (for the upcoming school year) because dd could participate in a co-op lab course, which follows the Apologia book. I looked at both the Apologia & Abeka Biology texts and decided, with input from dd to stick with Abeka. I just liked the layout and presentation of the Abeka book. *I did not buy the lab DVD for Biology, though, because I am confident in my own skills and background in this area to get dd through the lab portion.

Abeka is pretty rigorous in the quizzes & tests, but a wise friend of mine pointed out that I don't have to use all, if any, of the quizzes and I could use the tests as a guideline for writing my own, etc. Since I want as little prep as possible when it comes to that, I'll stick with using the tests, but maybe not be so concerned about all the quizzes.

HTH

Sheri :)

[Kendra]

Thank you, Sheri. I like the fact that I'll be able to get my hands on Abeka at the next convention and really look through it. It sounds as if it could be a very good fit for us.

I must admit- I've always had an aversion to Abeka :tongue_smilie:

[SLH in ND]

Thank you, Sheri. I like the fact that I'll be able to get my hands on Abeka at the next convention and really look through it. It sounds as if it could be a very good fit for us.

I must admit- I've always had an aversion to Abeka :tongue_smilie:

I have, as well. But when it comes to the Handbook for Reading and high school science, I really like them.

Sheri :)

[Lolly]

Would you tell me what you love about BJU science?

First, it is thorough. The dvd teacher is likable and engaging. She is constantly reviewing material and emphasizing which concepts are important. It is basically pick up and go. At the beginning of the semester, I run off copies of the student notes (to be completed by the student as they watch the dvd) and put them into a binder for each student. Then, it is just pop in the video and go. We have done all the labs, but they are also demonstrated on the dvd. If you had a really squeamish student, the dvd could be sufficient to complete the dissection lab pages. I immediately grade all quizzes and tests. It takes only a couple of seconds to check then. The only down side I can see to the program is that it is expensive.

[Kendra]

Thank you, Lolly. Very helpful!