Science curriculum (middle school)

Diamond Member Joined: Dec 18 2005 Posts: 2943

so we're homeschooling (finally!) and I'm looking for a science curriculum. what are you using? do you like it? why/why not?
anyone using Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding? this one looks good to me but I'm not sure which volume to start with and if its lots and lots of prep work on the part of the teacher/parent.

Gold Member Joined: Apr 16 2005 Posts: 1943

Yes, I am using BFSU with my kids. This year, they were a 4th grader, a 1st grader, and a 3/4-year-old (plus the baby who is too young to participate) and we used the K-2 level. We plan to continue with the K-2 level this coming year. I feel the curriculum can be adjusted to fit several different levels, so even though my oldest is two or three years above the suggested range, I think she still gets a lot out of it. The same goes for my preschool age kid; even though it isn't designed for him, he enjoys tagging along and I think he is gaining something.

It isn't what I would call an "open-and-go" type of curriculum, but it's not too difficult to pull together. I will say that I am very relaxed about science; we get to it when we get to it and we keep it fun. To prepare, I read the lesson, put a bunch of related books from the library on hold, and gather any needed materials for the demonstrations. Reading the lesson is the most difficult aspect, because the author is more verbose than he needs to be in his instructions, making simple things sound complicated. The book lists suggested reading that you can check out from the library (or buy if you like and have the money). I get similar titles at different reading levels to accommodate each of my kids. The higher reading level books naturally have more detailed information, so my oldest can learn about the topic at a more advanced level. most of the needed materials for the demonstrations are things you would have around the house or could easily obtain.

I don't remember the ages of the child(ren) you are homeschooling, so I cannot make a recommendation on which level you should get. Even if the child(ren) are middle school age, it depends how much science education they've had up to this point. Many schools don't do a lot. I haven't seen the next levels, so I am not sure how much knowledge is assumed. I think the demonstrations do require more equipment in the higher levels (microscope, etc.).
_________________
Binah

Diamond Member Joined: Dec 18 2005 Posts: 2943

thanks binah

I'm homeschooling an 11 yo, he's had a decent amount of science in school up until this point, he remembers most of what he reads but its been so dry and boring he's totally turned off from science (unbelievable travesty to me!)
the BFSU site seems to imply that even when starting 'later on' one would start with the first book to be sure that the student doesnt have any gaps. but I dont want to bore him any further! he's a pretty strong student but easily turned off.

I'm a bit confused also, about how to use the book. maybe once I get it this will be more clear, but the concept of 'threads' that you pick and choose but still need to follow sequence seems contradictory and confusing to me.

:::sigh::: I'm wishing I had started hs'ing sooner

I use it too -- although I've been lousy about getting it all together since Purim! It is not an open and go curriculum but I like it for his theory of science learning. I have to figure out if I can really use it while in Japan with little to no access to the science-y type of books he wants read...
_________________
Interested in learning more about homeschooling?
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jewishorthodoxandhomeschooling/

Gold Member Joined: Apr 16 2005 Posts: 1943

Diamond Member Joined: Dec 18 2005 Posts: 2943

the author of BFSU emailed me back with his advice...start with the earlier volume of the book and progress as quickly as the student does, add extra stuff, etc

I love the fact that he is so accessible and I love their yahoo group so there ya go, I ordered vol's I and II

thanks for all your help!