R.E.A.L Science users - what next?

[homeschoolmom]

We have been using R.E.A.L. Science (http://www.pandiapress.com/real_science.htm) and we enjoy the program. Unfortunately, we are slated to complete the program this year with Earth/Space (we did life last year) .

I am at a loss as to what program to assign next year (4th grade). I did like e equals mcq but the author is no longer offering his program and I can't find it used. :(

So....any suggestions? My requriements:

- appropriate for the 4th - 6th grade level (don't want something overly simplistic or complex)
- secular, non-creation based program
- hands-on with realistic labs/activities (using household materials or those easily obtained from a grocery store or the like not an engineering lab)
- similar spirit as R.E.A.L. Science (see immediately preceeding requirement)
- a progression of the R.E.A.L Science program - we've done life and earth/space not sure what the next logical progression point is - physics? chemistry? biology? I'm leaning toward physics....

Thoughts welcome, I'm sure I'm not the only one going through this!

Thank you.... :)

[Jenny in Atl]

How about Prentice Hall Explorers series. Link below.
http://www.phschool.com/atschool/science_explorer/index.html

You might also look at the Galore Park series So You Really Want to Learn Science. Though with the exchange rate, they won't be cheap :eek:
http://www.galorepark.co.uk/subjects-home_schoolers-science.html

I'm currently using My World Science
http://www.rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?sid=1201195186-1641237&subject=11&category=2787

As well as Plato's CyberEd
http://www.cybered.net/content.asp?contentid=389

hth's

[homeschoolmom]

Thanks....

Anyone else, suggestions?

[homeschoolmom]

bump

[HappyGrace]

That sounds like what you want and you could do chemistry or physics. They are for grades 4-6. We did the lower level physics and dd7 really liked it. It was pick it up and go for me too. You'd have to ask around to others about how they like the level two series though since I haven't done it. It looks really good though from what I can see on the website. It is written by a Christian, but there were no references whatsoever in the level 1 physics. In fact, I think it even says on the website that the authors leave it neutral so the parents can input their own beliefs (yes, I just found where they say this, it's under "curriculum design") They send you the corresponding Young Scientists experiment kits which have everything you need right in it (except for a couple odds and ends EASILY found in every home, like glue or whatever. If it calls for something like a two-liter bottle, they let you know the wk before.) It's all scheduled out day by day, and the dc keep a notebook. Hope that helps!

[Kay in Cal]

Well, we're in the first year of REAL science and really enjoying it, so I feel your pain....

I think we'll probably use R.E.A.L. Science 4 Kids for Chemistry and Physics (in that order) and supplement with something else as well since each is only 10 weeks long. I know that the author is ID, but from all the reviews I've read the text itself is secular. Much like REAL science, they just avoid the evolution issue alltogether, and we'll be doing chem and physics anyhow.

So to supplement-- perhaps Singapore? We're using a McGraw-Hill school text as a reading supplement this year and enjoying it, particularly the pictures. Of course, it has the strange "all sciences in a year" structure and we just pick and choose.

[nukeswife]

I don't have anything to suggest as my kids are currently 3rd grade and 1st grade, but I feel your pain. We will be using R.E.A.L. life level 1 this fall and will do earth/space the following year. I'm just hoping that padia press will be able to find a new writer to put out some other books by the time I need them.

My list of requirements is identical to yours so if you don't mind would you keep us posted if you find something that fits and you enjoy.

[Kat in GA]

We were in the same position 2 years ago...and were so disappointed that R.E.A.L science for Chemistry did not make it into production.

We used Noeo Chem level one last year and physics one this year. I have been very pleased with what I have seen. As someone else mentioned...the publisher is a Christian (Dr. Randy Pritchard)...but the guide and texts used are presented in a secular manner. I have just bought Bio II for next year...I have not studied it completely, but it does not look like evolution is mentioned. If you wish to teach your child about evolution...that is something that could easily be supplemented into the program.

If you decide to go with the program...there is even a yahoo group for it.

[Maria/ME]

Critical thinking has some science studies, too!

I think we'll probably end up with RS4Kids...I'm in the same boat...I also may start taking us thru Joy Hakim's science books...perhaps a bit much right now, so will probably wait a few years on that...

[Michelle T]

It is secular, despite being from a religious publisher. It has good, living type books, very easy to do experiments, and all supplies included.
Michelle T

[homeschoolmom]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

At this writing, I believe we'll go with RS4K and supplement with what I'm not quite sure yet but I feel confident we'll work that bit out.

Noeo looks interesting too but we've done scads of Young Scientist Club experiments previously, we wouldn't get the full benefit out of this program.

Again, thanks everyone for the suggestions. I feel better about science next year. :)

[KAR120C]

If you want just Physics for a year, I really like Bite Size Physics. There's a website (http://www.bitesizephysics.com/) and a book (http://www.lulu.com/content/658644) (from lulu.com) and the materials for experiments are very "grocery store" when you even need to buy anything...