Harcourt Science, has anyone used it?

[hsmom]

Is it a good program? Pros? cons?

[NJKelli]

We use level 6 with the 5th and 6th grade plans from Kolbe. Dd is in 8th grade but I decided to use it because it's rigorous for its level and solidly covers all areas of science. I felt she needed that before high school since there were a lot of gaps that needed filling after ps science.

Dd loves the book. There are great photos, illustrations, and connections with current issues and scientists. Each section has some sort of investigation. I've been happy with this choice. I only regret that I don't spend much time on experiments.

[Mrs. Frankweiler]

I've heard a lot of great things about this program too, and I'm planning on using it next year.

(I'm sure I've been a great help, huh?) ;)

-Mrs. F

[Diane in NH]

We used this, and I thought it was excellent. I find it to be much more thorough than most of the science programs put out by homeschoolers. JMHO

[hsmom]

What all did you use with it? Did you use just the textbook? Student planner? Videos? Audios?

[teacalm]

It's comprehensive for me considering that it jumps from one topic to another. I am using Harcourt Brace Science with our homeschool group and I'm satisfied with the results. I have the TM (2000 CA Ed.) and uses the workbook that comes with student text. I also use the activity videos which I got from ebay cheaply. We fill out the experiment worksheets which is on the corresponding student workbook.

We view the experiment on video first before doing it with the class. It's not the most exciting but I like the solid writing and content. I also teach outlining and notetaking on top of the above activities. I have my students set up a vocabulary notebook and gives a quiz based on their notes at the end of each chapter. The materials required for the experiment has been unbelievably accessible; materials you already have in your home.

Ds12 is using Gr 6 2000 ed for practice in Cornell style notetaking. This has been a huge success for us.

I have used and still uses the Harcourt Science series, Real Science 4 Kids, and The Rainbow series. Science gets dones consistently in my home using these resources.