5th grade science

[hpymomof3]

Has any used BJU 5th grade science? So far I've mostly read and discussed material with my son whether it was from a textbook or library book. So far this has gone pretty well but I'm not sure how much he is retaining. I also think he needs to become more independent reading and answering questions on his own.

I've been using Prentice Hall Science Explorer with my 7th grader but I think it would be too advanced for 5th grade. I want something that can be done somewhat independently. Quite honestly I hate doing experiments so I don't want to "have" to continously do experiments. I don't mind doing them once in awhile but I don't want it to be a weekly thing.

I was thinking about getting BJU and would appreciate feedback.

[Zee]

I am using BJU science. Based on what you've said, I'm not sure that it would be right for your needs. There are experiements at least once a week. The experiments are the kind that take planning. Many items are not necessarily something I have on hand. I also have had to order some items from Home science tools. While a person COULD hand the text over to the child and have them fill out the activity pages, this program is really meant to be teacher-led. Have you looked at the samples of the Teacher's Manuals on BJU's website? If not, I'd advise you to check it out. BJU tends to put a lot of teaching in their teacher's manuals. There are lists of discussion questions to go over with your child for each reading assignment. I think these are very important for the information to cement in the child's mind.

We love BJU, but I don't see this as an independant program. My understanding of A Beka is that it is more suited to independant work and has a lot less experiments. You may want to check out A Beka in your quest for the right fit. HTH.

[GVA]

I'm using BJUP 5 with my two children, and it's not set up to be an independent program at all.

My SIL uses A Beka with her five children and just hands them the book. She does a few of the more interesting experiments with them, but mostly has them do it on their own.

We also did one book of Singapore My Pals are Here Science over the summer two years ago, and it was mostly independent. There weren't that many experiments compared to BJUP.

[JFS in IL]

and it is text and activity/workbook based. Not much in the way of experiments (which I , too, dislike). You might want to look at it.