Need science alternative for Physics

[Grace is Sufficient]

OK, so I've recently discovered that apparently a student ought to have Trig before taking Physics... I have a 9th grader who has followed the Apologia sequence (Gen. sci, Physical Sci., Biology, Chemistry) but he started in 6th grade, meaning he is taking Chemistry this year. We were going to do Physics next year, but he hasn't had Trig at all, so I need another alternative.

Can anyone suggest a good alternative for a kid who's strong in math and science, but not a very fast worker? It doesn't have to be Apologia, but we're considering the Adv. or Marine Biology.... Otherwise, I'm looking for any suggestions... at home, online, or comm. college type courses.

Thanks!

[Sharon in MD]

I am using Apologia's physics now. Yes, there is SOME trig involved, but I would argue you don't need a trig course to do well in this physics course. You need rock solid algebra. My ds, who is very strong in math, is concurrently taking pre-calculus/trig with Apologia physics with no trouble at all.

The trig involved in this physics course is basic triangle trig. Sine, Cosine, Tangent types of things for vector analysis.

How is the Chemistry going? I'd say if his Algebra skills are strong enough to do WELL in the Apologia Chem course, then you could move on to the physics course just fine.

I'm working with 4 boys in this course now. Two have had Chemistry and two have not. Two have had trig already and two have not. All are doing fine.

:D

Is your son very advanced? I'm just curious since you are pretty far ahead of the power curve. What are you planning to pursue beyond 10th grade?

[periwinkle]

The trig is really very basic stuff. Your student may have been exposed to it in their algebra 2 course. Also, if they are doing trig or precalculus concurrently with the physics, they should be fine.

I suppose another option would be to do Hewitt's Conceptual Physics text. It has gotten great reviews on this board and does not have a higher math requirement.

[Kareni]

My teen (an 11th grader this year) is enjoying her Geology class at the local community college. This class includes a full lab and requires very little math.

Regards,
Kareni

[Grace is Sufficient]

He's finishing the 2nd year of Videotext, which means Algebra 2, but having skipped Geometry. Next year, he'll begin Videotext's two year course covering Geometry, Trig, & Precalc. He has done fine in Chemistry, and has said the math has not been difficult.

Thanks for the input... maybe we can go back to our original plan.

What about other Physics courses? Would basic, perhaps easily taught concepts of Trig be adequate?

Thanks.

[Sharon in MD]

If he is doing well with the Chemistry, then I think the basic trig that is used in apologia would not be a problem for him. You could always look at a trig reference or ahead in the math course for next year if you need a to get some help on a concept.

I'm afraid I don't have any experience with other courses so I can't address how it would be with those.

We will probably do math and science at the cc next year for our ds.