Apologia's General Science

I've finally decided that we're going to start Apologia's upper level courses this year and not wait until next year. I thought long and hard about this and finally feel 100% comfortable with this decision. So naturally, I've kicked planning into high gear! I thought I'd post all the great links I'm discovering for anyone else that is doing General Science too, and this will be a good place for me to store the links for future reference.

I ordered the 2nd Edition of General Science from Apologia. I ordered the whole kit-&-kaboodle, so to speak!

Book Description: This course is designed to be a student’s first systematic introduction to the sciences. Although it can be used for eighth grade (especially if the student has recently left the public schools), it is typically used best in the seventh grade. The course covers such topics as the scientific method, designing experiments, simple machines, archaeology, geology, paleontology, biology, and human anatomy and physiology. Its scope, therefore, is quite wide. There are many hands-on experiments to do, and they all use household items.

I ordered the lab materials from Home Science Tools: General Science Kit.

For planning purposes I went to Donna Young's website and found some treasures:
Donna Young Printables: General Science

I'll be using Donna Young's Planner for the 2nd Edition. It's perfect because she has scheduled 3 weeks for module I. A dear friend of mine who has taught this course before, as well as Apologia's upper level courses, said that it's best to take 3 weeks on module I. It's a long and difficult module, but it's important to cover it thoroughly and not rush through it because all of the scientists that are introduced in it will come back up again in Apologia's higher level courses.

Check out these treasures I found from Sahm I Am! Her name is Marty, and we owe her a huge THANK YOU for sharing all that she has shared with us!
Sahm I Am! General Science
And...
She has another website where she has added more treasures. Check out Homeschooler's Resources: General Science.

I also found some gems from another woman who has graciously shared all of her had work with us. Her name is Mrs. Nafzger. Here are her websites:
Educator's Science Resources
And...
General Science Class Website

I also found a whole page of General Science goodies on Pinterest.
Pinterest: Apologia General Science

Here is a link to a Yahoo Group I joined:
Yahoo Groups: General Science

Please let me know of any links, resources or teaching tips that you know about!

Can Physical Science be taken in 9th Grade?

Yes! After researching what (Georgia) colleges expect and looking at many other typical tracks (ABeka, BJU Press, Alpha and Omega), I've learned that Physical Science is often taken in 9th grade. If you look at what college admissions officers are looking for from homeschoolers (see College Admissions for Homeschoolers) you will mostly see the typical sequence listed as: Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry and a 4th Science. 

Other schools in our area are also teaching Physical Science in 9th Grade:

Classical Conversations

Hebron Christian Academy

Fideles Christian School

Friendship Christian School

And many more!

Also, according to the University System of Georgia (USG), they expect to see a "physical" science on high school transcripts whether that be "Physical Science" or "Physics." See the USG's "Staying on Course PDF" for this information.

 

If your child takes Physical Science in 8th grade, as Apologia recommends, it might count toward high school credit as it is a high school level course. The Apologia website specifically states their Physical Science is for 8th or 9th grade. Apologia says,"This course is designed to be the last science course the student takes before high school biology. Thus, we generally recommend it as an 8th grade course. However, your student can also use it for their 9th grade course work."

If your child takes Physical Science in 9th grade the track might look like this:

8th- Pre-Algebra and General Science

9th- Algebra I and Physical Science
10th- Geometry and Biology
11th- Algebra II and Chemistry
12th- Pre-Calc/Trig or Statistics and a 4th Science

Along these lines, lets look at a couple of possible tracks for students taking Physical Science in 8th grade:

According to Apologia and Dr. Jay Wile, when the student begins Algebra I, that's when Biology begins. That particular track might look something like this:

7th- Math 7 and General Science

8th- Pre-Algebra and Physical Science

9th- Algebra I and Biology

10th- Geometry and Chemistry

11th- Algebra II and Physics

12th- Pre-Calculus and Marine Biology

*If taking Algebra II and Physics at the same time is too much math at once, consider this track:

7th- Math 7 and General Science

8th- Pre-Algebra and Physical Science

9th- Algebra I and Biology 

10th- Geometry and Marine Biology

11th- Algebra II and Chemistry

12th- Pre-Calculus and Physics

More Possible Math and Science Tracks to Consider

You may also be interested in: BJU vs. Apologia (7th - 12th)

SCIENCE TIMELINE: Knowing which science courses to offer your student at the secondary level and when to offer them can seem difficult. In reality, course sequencing for junior high and high school isn't that hard when you know one important fact: A student's mathematics level is the key factor for his or her success or failure in the high school sciences. If you make sure that your child is well prepared mathematically for the science course he or she will take, you will have gone a long way toward assuring your student's academic success. Here is Apologia's recommended timeline for science courses:   Not Science-Oriented   Science-Oriented   Math Prerequisite   7th grade General Science General Science None   8th Grade Physical Science Physical Science 7th Grade math   Freshman Biology* Biology* None (Supplement I)   Sophomore Chemistry* Chemistry* Algebra I (Supplement II)   Junior Physics* Physics* Algebra I, Geometry; basic Trigonometry functions (Supplement III)   Senior Supplements Advanced Biology None OR Adv. Chemistry Algebra II OR Adv. Physics Pre-Calculus OR Marine Biology None   * These courses can be spread over 4 years for the student who is not science-oriented Your student's math level should drive this time line, especially if the student is science-oriented. When the student begins Algebra I, that's when Biology begins. For the years leading up to junior high school, we recommend that your science curriculum be flexible, such as the Young Explorer Series that we publish. Even if your student is not science-oriented, he or she will benefit from exposure to Biology, Chemistry, AND Physics. You never know when a lifelong interest may be sparked! These OPTIONAL supplemental readings for science-oriented students do not replace the main courses listed. They merely give your student additional science material to learn if your student is interested. Here are some suggestions: Supplement I Evolution: The Fossils Still Say No!, Dr. Duane T. Gish, Master Books paperback ISBN 0890511128 Reasonable Faith: The Scientific Case for Christianity, Dr. Jay L. Wile, Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc., Paperback ISBN 0965629406 Supplement II What is Creation Science, Dr. Henry M. Morris and Dr. Gary E. Parker, Master Books, Paperback ISBN 0890510814 Environmental Overkill: Whatever Happened to Common Sense? Dixy Lee Ray, Regnery Gateway, Hardcover ISBN 0895265125, Paperback ISBN 0060975989 Supplement III Evolution: A Theory In Crisis, Michael Denton, Adler & Adler, Paperback ISBN 091756152X Darwin's Black Box, Michael Behe, Touchstone Books, Hardcover ISBN 0684827549, Paperback ISBN 0684834936

Science: BJU vs. Apologia (7th-12th)

I just hung up the phone with a very dear and close friend of mine. (She holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science & Mechanics with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering (summa cum laude) from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.) As I was talking with her I was taking notes. She's so chock full of homeschool knowledge, experience and wisdom that I literally have to take notes when I'm on the phone with her. Eeevery time! I love it. She really knows her stuff, and is so willing to share and encourage others. I so appreciate her heart for the Lord and her willingness to serve Him by serving others. She always ministers to me as we talk about homeschool and life! The Lord uses her in BIG ways whenever we talk. I'm so thankful. (Thank you, Lord!)

Today I called her about something specific, and lo and behold, God had recently equipped her with the exact knowledge that I was seeking! She just finished researching about science curriculum and setting up science tracks! Guess what I was calling her about!? Science curriculum and tracks! AND to top it off, she had researched and compared the only two science curricula that I'm considering- BJU Press and Apologia! Is that God or is that God!? (Thank you, Lord! You are awesome!)

I wasn't planning on sharing my notes on my blog, but I decided to type them up here because I think the information will be helpful to others, and I know she won't mind.

She looked at ABeka, and she didn't approve of their Science courses. She didn't elaborate on that, so I'm not sure why. So she compared and contrasted Apologia and BJU Press, and believes they are both excellent science curriculum. Based on what she has experienced through teaching science with Apologia for the past 5 years and all she learned through her recent research, she made decisions and put together a plan! And how blessed I am to be able to have had her to help me put together a plan for my children!

Is it necessary to take General Science?
It is not necessary to take Apologia's General Science, and there won't be a hole in your child's science education if they miss it, but it would be wise to take it. When you take General Science one year and Physical Science the following year, you get a more complete Earth Science course and a sophisticated level of Human Anatomy. So Apologia's General Science and Apologia's Physical Science make a good unit together.

BJU's 7th Grade Life Science
This is not an easy course. It's not too hard, but it is a serious course and there is a big difference in BJU's 6th grade science and their 7th grade science. It's like a mini Biology course, so if your child misses anything, don't sweat it; they'll get it again in 10th grade Biology. Don't stress about it. Think of it as an exposure course. Math is a disciplined study and we expect skills to be mastered, but we don't expect mastery in 7th grade science, so keep it delightful and more about discovery. Try to light a fire!

Physical Science: BJU vs. Apologia
Apologia's Physical Science course is her all-time favorite course! Depending on the accrediting agency you use (if you use one), it may or may not be considered a high school credit if your child takes it in 8th grade. BJU's Physical Science, designated for 9th graders, is hard; it's a tough course. It's too much too soon. She said she would recommend it for a bright 9th grader and would never give it to an 8th grader. It's magnitudes harder than Apologia's Physical Science.

Should Physical Science be taken in 8th grade or 9th grade?
In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter. Let the Holy Spirit lead you in that decision with each child. Physical Science can be taken in either 8th or 9th grade. *See "Possible Math and Science Tracks to Consider"

Biology: BJU vs. Apologia
As far as Biology goes, she actually recommended BJU's course over Apologia's. She's not crazy about Apologia's Biology, but BJU's Biology (and Chemistry) are really good. Having said that, BJU's Biology tests are hard. For example, their True/False questions are very hard. It seems more like the students are being tested on how to answer tough questions rather than how much they understand the topic of Biology. Apologia's Biology tests are easier. Her solution to this was to simply create your own tests for BJU Biology.

Chemistry: BJU vs. Apologia
BJU has designated their Chemistry course for 11th grade and rightly so. It's definitely built for 11th grade. Don't take their course in 10th grade. So either use Apologia's Chemistry course in 10th or 11th OR use BJU's course in 11th.

Physics: BJU vs. Apologia
BJU's Physics course is very rigorous. It's not bad or boring. It has good applications and good color pictures, but it has a ton of material. It's so sophisticated and like a college level non-calculus based physics. In Apologia's Physics course there's not as much material. It's still deep, but your student is not inundated with material. Cathy Duffy says in her review of BJU's Physics course that "It combines both conceptual (as in the Conceptual Physics text) and mathematical approaches to physics. The course actually uses a great deal of higher level mathematics, so the teacher should also be familiar with the math involved."

Possible Track 1:
7th- Life Science, BJU
8th- General Science, Apologia
9th- Physical Science, Apologia
10th- Biology, BJU
11th- Chemistry, Apologia or BJU
12th- Physics, Apologia

Possible Track 2:
7th- General Science, Apologia
8th- Physical Science, Apologia
9th- Biology, BJU
10th- Chemistry, Apologia (not BJU)
11th- Physics, Apologia
12th- An Advanced Science (There's a plethora of courses to choose from.)

Random Tips:
1. She said the Apologia Notebooks are amazing with full color illustrations, so those are valuable resources. They contain more than 400 pages, so don't feel like you have to do everything.

2. She also mentioned skipping Apologia's "Optional Modules."

3. She said to buy Apologia's MP3 Audio CDs and have your child listen to the audio while they read along with the book. This will help them pronounce all the BIG words they will be learning.

Biology: Plant and Animal Cell Models!

The children and I thoroughly enjoyed making these edible cell models for biology class! Basically, we used cookie dough to make the cookie cakes and then decorated them with icing and candies such as Twizzlers, Skittles, and Nerds, etc. Taking the time to do this really reinforced learning the parts of the cells. It was a fun learning experience.

Cookie Cake Plant Cell

Cookie Cake Animal Cell
 

The two cookie cakes together! Yummy! Yummy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

All of my students were instructed to make a cell model, so I'll share a few of the extraordinary ones...

One of my students made this model on the inside of a file folder, so it was kind of like a lapbook. She used felt, cloth, buttons and puffy glitter glue. How creative is this?

And check this one out! This student sewed hers together! It's beautiful!

Another student made his cell model out of duct tape! How cool is that!?

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We studied, Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology, by Jeannie Fulbright during our 2011 - 2012 school year. We had an absolutely fantastic year of science!

At the end of Lesson 1, we completed the Edible Cell Project as a class. It was a big hit! I used round plastic containers with lids, so the children could take their jello cells home and show them to their parents before they ate them.

Video Text Math Courses

I was first told about Video Text Interactive Mathematics from a trusted friend, and fellow Christian homeschooler. She shared with me that Dr. Jay Wile, author of Apologia Science curriculum, recommends Video Text. Then, I started hearing more people talk about what a great curriculum Video Text is. I'm seriously considering Video Text for Pre-Algebra and above. First let me share a little about Video Text, and then I'll share Dr. Jay Wile's review.

What is VideoText Interactive?

     VideoText Interactive is an innovative company that is blazing new trails in math education. Our programs, "Algebra: A Complete Course," and "Geometry: A Complete Course" use new, interactive, video-based strategies to teach Algebra and Geometry from start to finish.  Students love the brief lessons, and the clear explanations of the concepts.
 
      The main components are the “videotext” (the video lessons), and a WorkText.  However, unlike textbooks that may use a video supplement, in this case, the video lessons ARE the textbook!  With computer-generated graphics, animation, and color-sequencing, the student will actually enjoy watching the mathematics concepts develop right on the screen.

       And that's not all!  With each Module of the course, you receive much more than just the video lessons!  Also included are Course Notes, WorkText, Solutions Manual, Progress Tests, & an Instructor's Guide with Detailed Solutions to all Quiz and Test Problems.

ALGEBRA Review by Dr. Jay Wile,
Author of Apologia Science Curriculum

     "The quality of mathematics is extremely important to me, as math and science go hand-in-hand. There are many students who cannot handle my chemistry course, for example, because they have not had a good algebra course. That is why I strongly encourage you to look at Videotext Interactive's algebra course. It is, truly, the best that I have seen.

     The course teaches real mathematics. It does not use tricks or shortcuts. Instead, it teaches the student to think mathematically. That's what is missing from many algebra courses! The use of animation and graphics is excellent. They do not detract from the learning, as is the case with some video courses I have seen. Instead, they enhance the student's ability to understand what is happening in each and every step along the way. 

 

     If you want your student to really learn algebra, then you should use this course. In short, this course is a scientist's dream come true!   Every science-oriented student should use it."