POTENTIAL MATH & SCIENCE TRACKS

Math Pre-requisites-
Math 7 before Physical Science
Algebra I before Chemistry
Algebra I & Geometry w/ basic Trig. functions before Physics (Traditional or typical Geometry courses will cover basic or introductory level Trigonometry. Ex: MUS or Chalk Dust, etc.)
Algebra II before Advanced Chemistry
Pre-Calculus before Advanced Physics

*There are no Math Pre-requisites for: General Science, Biology, Marine Biology & Advanced Biology
 

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General Science is not a required course. Other possible courses to consider:

Apologia’s Young Explorer books: Anatomy and Physiology or Chemistry and Physics
BJU Press’ books: Life Science or Earth Science

Physical Science and Algebra I *may* count as high school credit when taken in 8th grade.
*Check with potential colleges to confirm this information.

Science Requirements: (According to USG's "college prep curriculum") 4 units of science that include two courses with a laboratory component:
1. Physical Science or Physics
2. Biology with Lab
3. Chemistry with Lab or Earth Systems, Environmental Science or an Advanced Placement (AP)course
4. Fourth Science: Forensic Science, Marine Biology, Advanced Biology: The Human Body, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Physics, AP Computer Science A, etc.

Math Requirements: (According to USG's "college prep curriculum") 4 units of math in specific subject areas:
1. Algebra I
2. Geometry
3. Algebra II
4. a fourth year of advanced math or equivalent courses.

The following tracks are simply possibilities. Please keep in mind that these are not the only tracks to choose from. Stay within the USG guidelines but mix things up however you need to in order to provide the best education for each of your children. Keep in mind a few things:
1. You may choose to take Algebra I and Algebra II and then Geometry as opposed to Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II.
2. You may take either Physical Science or Physics or both for high school credit.
3. You don't have to take Chemistry. You may consider Earth Systems, Environmental Science or an AP course.
4. You may choose to take Human Anatomy and Physiology or any other fourth course instead of Marine Biology. USG's Staying On Course PDF has a page full of fourth sciences to choose from!
5. If you're planning on Forensics as a fourth science, depending on the course/curriculum, it may be best to have already taken Chemistry and Human Anatomy and Physiology prior to taking Forensics.

 

Track 1:
7th- Math 7 & Elementary/Middle School Science

8th- Pre-Algebra & General Science

9th- Algebra I & Physical Science

10th- Geometry & Biology

11th- Algebra II & Marine Biology

12th- Statistics & Chemistry


Track 2:
7th- Math 7 & Elementary/Middle School Science

8th- Pre-Algebra & General Science

9th- Algebra I & Physical Science

10th- Geometry & Biology

11th- Algebra II & Chemistry

12th- Statistics & Marine Biology


Track 3:
7th- Math 7 & Elementary/Middle School Science

8th- Pre-Algebra & General Science

9th- Algebra I & Physical Science

10th- Geometry & Biology

11th- Algebra II & Chemistry

12th- Pre-Calc/Trig or Statistics & Physics


Track 4:
7th- Math 7 & General Science

8th- Pre-Algebra & Physical Science

9th- Algebra I & Biology

10th- Geometry & Chemistry

11th- Algebra II & Physics

12th- Pre-Calc/Trig or Statistics & an Advanced Science


Track 5:
7th- Math 7 & General Science

8th- Pre-Algebra & Physical Science

9th- Algebra I & Biology

10th- Geometry & Marine Biology

11th- Algebra II & Chemistry

12th- Pre-Calculus & Physics


Track 6:
7th- Pre-Algebra & General Science

8th- Algebra I & Physical Science

9th- Geometry & Biology

10th- Algebra II & Marine Biology

11th- Pre-Calculus/Trig & Chemistry

12th- Statistics and/or Calculus and Physics


Track 7:
7th- Saxon Math 8/7 & Physical Science

8th- Saxon Algebra ½ (Pre-Algebra) & Biology

9th- Algebra I & Marine Biology

10th- Geometry & Chemistry

11th- Algebra II & Physics

12th- Pre-Calc/Trig or Statistics & an Advanced Science


Track 8:
7th- Pre-Algebra & Physical Science

8th- Algebra I & Biology

9th- Geometry & Marine Biology

10th- Algebra II & Chemistry

11th- Pre-Calc/Trig & Physics

12th- Statistics and/or Calculus and an Advanced Science


Track 9:
7th- Pre-Algebra & Physical Science

8th- Algebra I & Biology

9th- Geometry & Chemistry

10th- Algebra II & Physics

11th- Pre-Calc/Trig and an Advanced Science

12th- Statistics and/or Calculus and an Advanced Science

Our First Two Weeks of School!

We've finished two weeks of school already. The time flew by! Transitioning from an 'eclectic' approach to a mostly 'traditional-textbook' approach has proved to be challenging, but it's definitely getting easier already. Now that I've printed a bunch of materials (that I didn't know I needed to print) and tweaked the schedules, things are running much smoother. 

 

Over the past two weeks, the children have worked really hard! I'm loving BJU, and they are too! It's been worth all the time and energy I've poured into it. The boys are learning so much! Although I have no regrets, *because I always pray and ask GOD to lead our homeschool* I do wish I had used BJU sooner. If I could describe the academics in one word, it would be EXCELLENT! We're also enjoying Apologia's General Science course! The experiments have been terrific, and the notebook is absolutely gorgeous. I love it all!

 

Here are a few pictures from the last two weeks:

 

I made a special dinner for the first day of school. We enjoyed stuffed red peppers, broiled asparagus and a sweet summer salad!

 

My awesome husband has been reading to the children every night for several years. They started reading this book the first week of school. So far, they all love it!

 

I added "Sermon Notes" and "Sunday School" dividers to the children's Bible notebooks. I love how our children are learning so much at church.

 

We were blessed to care for this mourning dove for a couple of days. Thank you, Lord, for bringing "Nature Study" into our school schedule!

 

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 I love these "stars" in the solar system because it makes the homeschool room feel cozier.

 In BJU's Heritage Studies 5, we are studying cartography!

This map had to be shaped and cut a certain way in order to fit on this sphere to make a globe.

I enjoyed making this Place Value Pocket Chart out of card stock paper and paper fasteners. Thanks, BJU, for this manipulative! I love it so much I even made a holder just like it for all the number cards! I saw quickly that this is an effective teaching tool, and I think we'll get lots of use out of it this year.

In BJU's Science 5, we are studying minerals. We made Rock Candy! Although the crystals that form are not minerals, the conditions -heat and time- are similar to those of mineral formation.

Day 1 of day 7!

Salty Crystals! We decided to make salty crystals from Epsom salt as well as from Alum. Alum crystals are supposed to form faster than Epsom crystals. We'll see over the next 7-17 days!

 

The Pilgrim's Progress, Book 1 of 2 finished!

The rating it received= 5 STARS!

Learning how to measure mass and volume! This block of clay weighs 124 grams!

 

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In Apologia's General Science, we learned about "Density in Nature." Can you see the rock, grape, ice cube and cork in the different layers of liquids?

 

Apologia's General Science- Atoms in Motion!

Blue=cold water

Yellow=hot water

 

Apologia's General Science-

Chemical Reactions- BEFORE!

 

Chemical Reactions- DURING!

 

Chemical Reactions- AFTER!

 

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I was blessed with a new office on the main floor! It's very convenient and helpful!

 

THANK YOU, LORD, FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS! I LOVE BEING A HOMESCHOOL MOM!

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.