Apologia vs BJU ??

[my4boysmom]

Hello,

My 14 yo was pulled from PS last year to homeschool. I've been spending time finding out where he is on the learning curve. I guess I made several mistakes in figuring out what to do.

BJU Life Science or Apologia Physical Science: Are they the same science?

I’ve read several posts regarding the differences but it mainly addresses Biology. I like the more rigorous study with BJU and the fact that it is more of an AP science. I’m thinking we could do that or do Apologia Biology with a coop with Advanced Biology during the summer. Is this an option? I haven’t seen either book but I’m trying to make the better long term decision. He loves science and intends to be a Scientific Engineer.

When trying to figure out what he knew in PS we found out some weird things. They taught Earth Science and then did some life science also and things along with it. I don’t want him to miss anything important and this high school planning is quite overwhelming to me. I don’t want my fears to give him less. He has learning issues but seems to excel in Science. They told me he read at a 5th/6th grade level but he seemed to do just fine when we did the first chapter in BJU Life Science. He comprehended everything pretty much. He does struggle with other subjects in reading but this is not one of them. I know that we are at a disadvantage since we do school year round working with co-ops but like hubby said this is the nice thing about homeschooling.

[Ria]

No, one is a life science (ie, living things) and one is physical science (water, weather, atmosphere, rocks, minerals, volcanoes...you get the idea).

BJU's science is more academic and more challenging than Apologia, IMO. I've reviewed both.

Ria

[FloridaLisa]

I like the more rigorous study with BJU and the fact that it is more of an AP science.

Neither are going to be AP level; that requires a college-level text and both BJU and Apologia are high school texts. I’m thinking we could do that or do Apologia Biology with a coop with Advanced Biology during the summer. Is this an option?

Sure, especially if you are schooling year-round. In fact, Apologia will take you slightly less than a traditional school year if you are doing 1 module every two weeks.

Is there any way you can get your hands on the books? Borrow from someone or go to a convention or local homeschool store? There is nothing like sitting down and looking at the books to help you decide which would be a better fit for your dc.

Lisa

[my4boysmom]

Neither are going to be AP level; that requires a college-level text and both BJU and Apologia are high school texts.

I've read here that BJU imcompasses both Biology and the Human Anatomy in the one year but you have to do it all to accomplish that which then equals the AP part since it includes the Apologia Advance part which I thought counted as the AP part for Apologia. I'm a little confused. How do you make it AP?


Sure, especially if you are schooling year-round. In fact, Apologia will take you slightly less than a traditional school year if you are doing 1 module every two weeks.

Is there any way you can get your hands on the books? Borrow from someone or go to a convention or local homeschool store? There is nothing like sitting down and looking at the books to help you decide which would be a better fit for your dc.
Lisa

Actually I may be able to do that since I will be going to convention this year. I'm looking for a new math product for us so I'm going to check it out there. I may be able to view it from someone else also. Thanks for the suggestion.


How can I get AP science at this point? anyone

[FloridaLisa]

How do you make it AP?

How can I get AP science at this point? anyone

Well, you make a class an AP class by teaching the scope and depth of information required by College Board for that particular class. Since Advanced Placement classes are college level, not just advanced or honors, the classes require college-level material. Each AP class has criterion that the College Board has determined must be covered. In fact, a class can no longer be designated as "AP" on a transcript unless the College Board has approved the syllabus, including the text used.

However, anyone can sit for an AP exam. You would still need to teach the amount and depth of info on the exam, but the exams are open to any student -- not solely those taking AP classes. And the student can earn college credit by scoring well enough on the exam.

Does that help a bit? :tongue_smilie:
Lisa

[my4boysmom]

Great I found it in the right place. I just found that earlier today. Thanks so much for your help and suggestions. I'm going to look at both classes and add the college level book. It sounds like that is the key to it all.