More high school science questions

[Phyllis in Canada]

Okay, here's the situation. Ds will be grade 9 in the fall, so officially needs high school science credit, right? He HATES math and science, so I need something EASY. He will only be taking the bare minimum of science through high school (2 years). Fun is optional, unless we can get something that's so much fun that he forgets that it's hard. The only other criteria is SECULAR. I put myself in the theistic evolution camp and have no desire to tweak things, especially when we're just trying to get through it.

So what are my options???

[TRILLIUM]

You could use real books. A good resource (book list) is http://charlottemason.tripod.com/hisci.html. Call it integrated science. Also checkout the book Science Matters: Acheiving Science Literacy by Robert Hazen and James Trefil. They talk about the true science understanding and knowledge that individuals (non-scientist) actually might use. And if your library has it you can throw in the Teaching Company's videos The Joy of Science.

[Anne/PA]

We've had good experiences with Apex Learning online Essentials courses, which are available in sciences (we did the French one). This is a streamlined version of their Comprehensive course, and is definitely up-to-date and secular. It would be easy on your part, and not too much effort for the average student (even one who doesn't like science)!

http://www.apexlearning.com/catalog/catalog_essentials.htm

[Jane in NC]

But I don't think that Nan is posting on this new board! Nan did a natural history study involving drawing. I can't remember if she included reading nature classics or Aristotle, but one could certainly draw on a an interesting literary/philosophical component.

The real question is why does your son hate science and math? Truly, I can't fathom why anyone would.

[periwinkle]

I have not personally seen the high school level, but Plato CyberEd science may fit your requirements, if you don't mind a computer-based program. My youngest son is using parts of their Earth/Space and Physical Science programs this year, and I have been very impressed. It is definitely secular and teaches evolution.

Homeschool Buyers Co-op offers group buys on CyberEd every other month or so. It is free to register.

http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/homeschool/

[lori in tx]

You could use real books. A good resource (book list) is http://charlottemason.tripod.com/hisci.html. Call it integrated science. Also checkout the book Science Matters: Acheiving Science Literacy by Robert Hazen and James Trefil. They talk about the true science understanding and knowledge that individuals (non-scientist) actually might use. And if your library has it you can throw in the Teaching Company's videos The Joy of Science.

This is a great website! Thank you I bookmarked it!

[Phyllis in Canada]

Ah, now real books and essays on them he could definitely handle and enjoy. Can I really count that as a high school credit? I guess if he's never going into sciences later, it really shouldn't matter that he doesn't take a typical course of study, correct? Someone please give me permission!

[Phyllis in Canada]

He's taking an online class this year through Scholars Online, but it's a LOT of work and not terribly exciting for someone who already isn't interested. Plus he'll be taking 2 other online classes next year, and that's about my limit at this point.

[Phyllis in Canada]

Hmmm...Nan's idea sounds very interesting! I should try to contact her. I'll check out that website too.

[Jodi-FL]

for my daughter who needs one more year of science to graduate, and has taken 2 years to do one year of Chemistry.

There is a high school homeschool course offered here locally that only uses the book "Astronomy for Dummies" and I've also found one that uses Rey's Book of Constellations (the guy who wrote the Curious George series) that is secular and thorough.

There are choices out there, and he might just find one he likes (or at least can tolerate)!

[RhondaM.]

Hmmm...Nan's idea sounds very interesting! I should try to contact her. I'll check out that website too.

I was reading one of Nan's post just yesterday on science. I bookmarked it because it was so inspiring. I know I've read other post of hers that were more detailed. But maybe this will be helpful.

http://wtmboards.com/HSboardSep052007/messages/2955.html

[Nan in Mass]

I'm still clumsy with these boards.

The MODG syllabus natural history syllabus might be just what you are looking for. It involves reading a few books (real ones, not science text books) and answering questions about each chapter, doing one project which the student designs himself, and doing a drawing book and keeping a nature journal. You could easily do it living in a city. Although it is from a Catholic company, it is secular, or as secular as anything involving nature tends to get. It contains a do-this-today guide and directions on how to grade. And it isn't expensive.
-Nan

[Laura in China]

It's used from age 14 to 16 in the UK (but alongside other science, so you could do it in one year if that was your only science). It has almost no maths and I have really enjoyed it. I'm doing it with my advanced middle schooler and it's not been a stretch.

Here it is at Amazon (http://www.amazon.ca/Longman-Biology-Igcse-S-Potter/dp/1405802065/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=gateway&qid=1202826921&sr=8-1) , and at Book Depository (http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/WEBSITE/WWW/WEBPAGES/showbook.php?id=1405802065) which delivers worldwide with free shipping.

Best wishes

Laura

[Moira in MA]

I used the Teaching Company's Physics in Your Life lectures, together with Conceptual Physics (readings are in the course notes) and selected experiments from the Conceptual Physics lab book last year after I had to first dd's physics teacher (her dad!) mid-year.

It worked very well and turned her from thinking that she had no interest in science to being rather engaged -- she's taking AP chemistry this spring.

[RebeccaC]

Nan or anyone what is MODG syllabus natural history syllabus? Where can I find this on the web?

TIA,

Rebecca

[Phyllis in Canada]

Okay, I googled it too and found it stands for Mother of Divine Grace (http://www.motherofdivinegrace.org/curriculum/), put out by Laura Berquist. The samples look interesting--there's also an earth science syllabus for grade 9.

I'm getting excited about putting together my own program now!