Has anyone used "Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding"?

[LittleIzumi]

I just heard about it for the first time tonight and am thinking about using it for The Sponge once we finish NOEO Bio I, so when she's about 5. Has anyone used it? All I've seen are the sample pages on Amazon, but it looks like it has potential, to teach her how to think scientifically and how science as a whole works instead of just the details of the subject that has her rapt attention at the time (which she then wants to learn EVERYTHING about RIGHT NOW :tongue_smilie:).

[Suzanne]

I have been using it off and on for the past year with my (just turned) 8-year-old.
I like the program, but really wished I had known about it earlier and started when DS was 5, instead of 7. :tongue_smilie: I only have a few lessons left and am trying to decide if I want to finish it off or not. I have tried to add more advanced reading to the lessons, but it still hasn't been 'enough' for my science loving boy.
It really is a good solid program, in my opinion. I love the way the lessons/concepts are woven together. It does take a bit to read over and get the feel for, but then it is easy to implement.

[SoCal Sandra]

I too discovered it too late to use for the recommended ages but have modified it to use for older children. Basically, I have used the structure of the book and discussion points and its philosophy of teaching the interconnections of the different strands of science. The next volume is due out this summer. It will be more age appropriate for my dss.

You are lucky to have found BFOSU early in your daughters education. It sounds like it will serve you well.

[Amber in AUS]

I bought and sold the book, i couldn't get it to work for me.

[~Kirsten~]

We're using it this year, though we're on a hiatus right now to delve more deeply into geology. I love it! Love, love it! :D If nothing else, I think it's a fantastic resource for supplementing what else you're doing in science. It's a bit difficult to schedule when you first look at it, but it's very open-and-go for us now, aside from reserving complimentary library books.

Additionally, Dr. Nebel mentioned that he's finishing the next level this spring, which is designed to carry students through 8th grade, and he says students will be ready for AP science at its completion.

If you search the K-8 curriculum board, you'll find many BFSU discussions that might help you decide.

[tracymirko]

The author hosts two yahoo groups. They are not terribly active, but the author responds personally to each post.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/K5science/?yguid=12164133
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nebelselementaryeducation/?yguid=12164133

[Lisa in the UP of MI]

We use BFSU, but it has been very mom intensive. Obviously it takes time to share the lessons, but it also takes a lot of prep time from me. That being said it is going pretty well and my kids are enjoying it. I do add in activities from other books. Let me know if you have any questions about how we do things.