Apologia Biology and General Science

[Staci in MO]

Edited to clarify: Can anyone compare Prentice Hall Science Explorer to Apologia General Science and Biology? Is there a huge difference in the work required?

I'm in a science quandary and I could use some guidance.

First of all, my 9 y.o. dd is not being challenged. I had Sonlight Science 4, but neither of us like it. I was then going to have her read our Childcraft books, but they are way too easy for her. I was thinking of just starting her with the Prentice Hall Science Explorer books that we already own, but I've also been looking at Apologia General Science. They don't look that difficult. I don't think she'd have any problem reading them. Will the volume of work be too much? I know we could just slow down if it gets too difficult, but would PH Science Explorer be better?

I'm also looking ahead for my 11 y.o. ds. Like I said, he's working on PH Science Explorer right now, but I'm looking at Apologia Biology for next year.

I like the PH books, but Apologia looks more student directed. Right now, ds is reading PH on his own and doing fine (and perhaps a bit bored), but those texts are designed for classroom. Apologia appears to be directed more towards the student. Since I'm teaching three now, that really appeals to me.

[CleoQc]

I own General Science. I will be starting it with my son this year. I also got a hold of the Sonlight schedule for General Science, so my son will be able to be completely independent. I'm also assuming that if you're looking at Prentice Hall, that you are not a Young Earth Creationist person, but I may be wrong.

I really like the tone of General Science. I like how deep it goes in a subject. However, we are not Young Earth Creationists. And Apologia is definitely Young Earth and does not hide it. So I'm getting ready for deep discussions with my son. It is my belief (and I don't want to start a war here, I'm just stating my beliefs so you know where I come from and why I'm going where I'm going, not to insult anyone here!), it is my belief that the Young Earth Creationists have completely deformed the whole idea of what is science. And Apologia shows many areas where they deformed science. I don't think my son is old enough to draw the line between indoctrination and scientific studies. Because of our family situation, I cannot let my son be independent with his studies by using Apologia. On the other hand, I am expecting some interesting discussions this year. There's always a silver lining!

[Staci in MO]

You told me what I needed to know.

We are young-earth creationists, but since we've been using PH for my oldest for two years now, it doesn't appear to be a central issue in choosing a science curriculum for us. :)

This looks like it might be a good fit for us. Thanks for taking the time to answer.