What to do after Saxon's Algebra II?

[Faithr]

Hi all,

My 15 yo has whipped through Saxon Algebra II this year. However, he doesn't really want to go on to Saxon's Advanced Math. While he's good at math, he doesn't love it. He just wants to do enough of Saxon's Adv. math to get his Geometry credit and then stop all math. He is very musically inclined and somewhat computer inclined, so I think he'll regret not going farther (further?) with math. What alternatives are out there? While my kids do well with Saxon, I think this particular child needs the world of math opened up to him maybe in a more liberal arts sort of way, if you know what I mean.

Any suggestions or advice? Thanks!

[z2_mom]

Jacob's has a math book --a Human endeavor. This may be a good follow up. OR what about something like the book the Joy of math.

lynda

[Brenda in MA]

My ds used Saxon and completed Alg 1, 2, and half of Adv Math. This year, I decided to use Chalkdust for PreCalc because I sensed that he really wasn't understanding how the math he learned could be applied.

He's loved Dana Mosely, the teacher on the Chalkdust videos. The book has quite a few application problems and explanations of how particular concepts are applied to real world problems. This year, I've really seen his understanding of math deepen, and he's doing so much better applying what he's learned. He's also taking Physics, and seeing the math applied to Physics problems has also helped his understanding of math concepts.

If your son is interested in computers (as is my son), I think you are right to encourage more math. Music is a hard field to make a living in, unless one is very, very good. I have a friend who majored in music, struggled for several years, and then went back to school for Computer Science. She is able to support herself with a CS degree, and in her free time, she still participates in plays, a chorus, and other musical endeavors.

HTH,
Brenda

[Faithr]

I had heard of Jacob's but just didn't understand how it fit in with a regular high school sequence of math.

I am not familiar with chalkdust at all, so the Pre-Calc sounds very intriguing! Brenda in MA were you on these boards 3 years ago? Your name is familiar! I haven't been here in 3 years!

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. I am going to check them out!

[Brenda in MA]

I have been on these boards since 2001. I think I remember you as well. Welcome back!

Brenda