Looking for wisdom about HS science

[CleoQc]

I'm starting to think about next year. My son was scheduled to start Apologia General Science. But the more I think about it, the less happy I am about this choice (which was my choice originally)

I really like the tone of Apologia Science. I like that it talks to the student. I like what it covers except the religious point of view. While we are a practicing family, we also believe that religion has no place in science. Science is the same for everyone, whether you are Muslim, or Christian, or atheist.

This year, my son is handling the Zoology book. He's taking the mix of science and religion well, but we keep discussing it. Yes, we believe (most of) what they're saying, but no, it has no place in a science book!

So... what are our options for next year? I don't even remember what's out there?

[DollyM]

I don't share your concern over a religious bias in a science book, as long as the science is credible. But I CAN tell you: skip the BJU science books. The Christian bent is unavoidable. We also used Rainbow (but in middle school, prior to Apologia General) but it is definiely Christian, too.

We liked Conceptual Physics and we used it along with TOPS Science experiment books in 8th grade - but would be okay in 9th grade, too.

[8FillTheHeart]

Hi Cleo,

Have you looked at Prentice Hall Explorer series? I have dropped Apologia from my selection as well. I am using PH with my current 8th grader and she really enjoys the different books.

As a side note, I wouldn't consider General a high school science. I personally don't consider anything before biology hs credit-worthy. I originally thought I would count physical, but ds's university didn't count it so I'm not planning on counting it for the rest of my kids. I want to make sure they are competitive with other applicants.

[Phyllis in Canada]

I feel your pain! Obviously your son is very advanced...Are you looking for something specifically geared for high school in order to count as credit or just the next step up from what he's doing?

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Have you looked at Singapore? I was enormously impressed (as was my then microbiology professor who was a working scientist at his day job) by their middle school curriculum. Good stuff. Excellent critical thinking/application questions. It would be worth making this program work.

[Tea Party Girl]

For what it's worth (and I don't want to start any rumors, especially being new around here), but I asked this very question to Susan at a conference in September and she said she personally believes no home-study high school science curriculum can adequately educate a science-bent student. Left me wondering about my now 12yo, as she also recommends the high school years as the time to specialize, and he is very science-driven.

[8FillTheHeart]

believes no home-study high school science curriculum can adequately educate a science-bent student. Left me wondering about my now 12yo, as she also recommends the high school years as the time to specialize, and he is very science-driven.

I tend to agree. I personally believe that "home-study" curricula for upper science and math are not equivalent in quality to standard texts.

There are numerous choices that are not marketed to the home school educator that are wonderful. It simply takes some effort to find which ones appeal to you. Some examples......Prentice Hall Explorer series, Conceptual Physical Science, Conceptual Physics, Singapore science, Zumdahl chemistry, Campbell Biology, etc.

[CleoQc]

Just a little clarification.. Over here, in Quebec, high school starts in grade 7 and stops in grade 11. There is no grade 12. So Apologia General fits into our high school curriculum.

And yes, my son is advanced. I even question whether he should do the equivalent of 'General Science'. He's got such a good background. But I also like the historical references - which he doesn't have. Could live without, though.

Singapore Science? Is that any good at high school level? I looked at the samples for grammar school, and gave up on the curriculum...

As for SWB's remark, I am in partial agreement with her. However, we *are* a science family. Both parents are engineers, and I did a year in theoretical physics before health reasons forced me to switch. So we can have in-depth conversations with our children, we already have many many scientific discussions. All we need now is a good textbook ...

I'll check out this list
Prentice Hall Explorer series, Conceptual Physical Science, Conceptual Physics, Singapore science, Zumdahl chemistry, Campbell Biology

Thanks for the help!

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Cleo, I promise you, the Interactive Science I text -- the one intended for Grade 7 -- is everything you are looking for in breadth, depth, and rigor. I simply didn't have the time, energy, or background to do it justice. But I did as much as I could, and it was wonderful.

These texts are NOTHING like Singapore's primary science texts. And even those, I think are deceptive in their simplicity. Used correctly, I think they would give good elementary science background in preparation for the massive ramp-up in 7th grade after basic algebraic thinking is introduced.

I believe that Singapore's philosophy must be to get enough math into the kids by grade 7 to let them actually *do* science, and before that to simply give them a gentle overview.

You won't be disappointed, IMO.

[Anne/Ankara]

Our path in science is to continue to spend a year each on the major disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics) but to be sure enhance them with outside science camps, workshops and univ. classes each year. That way, we can plug along in our way, but still have the laboratory-based, up-to-date rigorous scientific training that we want... would that be available in your area?