Need Science Curriculum recommendation for 2nd grade

[claire at home]

Hello. I'm sort of new here. I have two children DD 61/2, DS 31/2, and one on the way. I have been HSing my oldest for three years using Sonlight for pre-k, K and Ambleside/WTM for first grade this year. We had a science program that was an all in the box sort of thing (Sonlight) for kindergarten that we also stretched into first grade.
Here's the deal: Science is my least favorite subject to teach. I don't know why, because my kids love it, especially the experiments. We have also been deliberately light on science until now, focusing more heavily on reading/writing/math/SOTW 1. Also, we try to do the more CM approach when the weather is nice. Nature walks, sketch pads and field guides.
Science as laid out in WTM is a little too vague for me. I am looking for a program that follows more the classical approach, but I am not opposed to something all in the box and scripted, as I really don't like having to go to the store to gather up random items that I am supposed to have at home.
Any suggestions?
Thanks for reading,

Claire

[Chris in VA]

We've had great fun with the Home Science Adventures Microscope Explorations. It's about $35 at Rainbow Resources, and contains experiments/experiences, a Tasco 22X microscope, and all the little bits and pieces you need to do the work. I have some info on our using it on my blog (in signature) if you want more. It's a good "fill-in" program, lots of hands-on, interesting, and very open-and-go.

I am willing to try their other kits because of such good experiences with this one. Their customer service is excellent, too--they are sending us a new microscope FOC because ours has a faulty light.

[kaylk in tx]

they only have life and earth right now, but each is a full year's worth of lessons and activities. we're doing the animal kingdom right now and the kids are loving it, especially the butterflies currently residing on the counter!

http://www.pandiapress.com/real_science.htm

hth

[claire at home]

Thank you, both. I will definitely check those out.

claire

[Beth in Central TX]

I really like the Elementary Apologia series by Jeannie Fulbright (http://www.jeanniefulbright.com/home.html). The writing is clear, the lessons involve notebook assignments, and the experiments are easy to follow. I usually have enough items around the house to make the experiment work. In addition, if I remember to look ahead that week, I can pick up any item that we don't keep at home (for example 2 weeks ago I needed Crisco--easy to buy, I just don't use it at home). For those experiments that require something special like Borax (which I've found to be very few), I just skip them; there's plenty of other experiments to make the program complete.

[mdhomeschool]

I've really enjoyed NOEO science for my 1st grader (and 6th grader) this year. I also don't mind a more scripted approach to getting subjects dones (which is why we picked up Sonlight for history this year). NOEO follows a classical approach and gives daily assignments. I like the books and experiments they have in their program. Most of the experiments don't require you to find household items, which I *really* love. It's a good, solid program. We'll be doing Biology I in 2nd grade (we did Physics I this year).
Kirsten

[Canada_Mom]

We did NOEO (http://www.noeoscience.com/) here too with a first grader. We chose Biology I and both of us really enjoyed it. They use a classical & CM approach. I'm planning to use Chem I with my second grader next year.

[Ali in OR]

One more vote for Noeo. We did Bio I last year, are doing Chem I this year, and plan to do Physics I next. I think it's a good fit for those who like classical/CM approach, like reading, don't want to do the planning, and want some experiments but are okay with not having any for weeks at a time. I really like it for early elementary. If you want worksheets or tests or lots of hands-on, it won't be a good fit. It is more expensive than other programs, but you are building a library of science books that your kids will continue to pull off the shelf and read for themselves (mine do anyway).

[TengoFive]

We love the Elementary Apologia Science as well. I'm awful about doing experiments, but this makes it much, much easier. The kids are thoroughly enjoying it as well.

[claire at home]

Wow. NOEO Sounds right up our alley. Thanks for the link Canada mom. I will also check out apologia.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond,
Claire