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Sonlight Science

(19 posts) (7 voices)

Started 1 year ago by petitemom
Latest reply from botanicalbecky

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petitemom
Member

This year we have not done science although we did a lot of Nature study, which as been pretty awesome.
I have been thinking to add scince next year. I have no idea how I will fit it in our schedule, will probably have to cut down on the time we spend for history.
Anyways, anyone has tried Sonlight science, I am looking at the new catalogue and it seems like something that could work.
I do not want to go with Apologia because I do not want to do the same topic all year.
I am looking at Science A for my Kindergarden (would probably do it in 2 years) and Science E for grade 4th and 6th.

thanks

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
blue j
Member

We have used SL's science in the past with my kiddos. It does cover a variety of topics, generally speaking, and it is very hands on. The student pages that come with the science are heavily used, unless that has changed in the past 4 or so years. You could substitute narration for the fill-in-the-blank areas. What exactly are your questions?

~jacqleene

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
mom
Member

Just thought I would pop in to say that I cut down on time spent on history. I do a lil mini lecture, instead of reading the chapters. I underline in pencil the important parts, so I dont forget them. It works for us really well.

For science we have been using jean-henri fabre's books and the library. ;-)

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
petitemom
Member

Thanks for responding,
I have one of Fabres' book which I am planning to use this year, maybe in the summer too here and there.
I have been looking for a program that is somewhat planned out for Science, even if I am pretty sure I would be modifying anyway. I don't think I am discipline enough for this subject to just take books at the library and do experiments. I had plan on doing that this year and we did very little.
jacquleene what do you mean by the student pages being heavily used?

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
mom
Member

I feel better about doing such an easy route for science because my youngest is four now and we are able to travel easier than back in those baby days. Lol! We are actually faithful to the library now, which makes a big difference. We have several books on the topic of study each week. Plus, after library we make sure to go out for our nature study. Both of thise things, combined with the beautiful science notebook being filled up nicely, help me to feel more confident than ever with what we are doing in science. And my kids are actually beginning to enjoy science finally...it is not just sometjing to check off anymore. I give them freedom for a little delight-driven studies too. I understand though what you are saying and I think reading Fabre's book during the summer is a great idea. He has truly inspired me with what a livibg book should be like. The concepts just linger in your mind. I am just not sure what to do after we have finnished his books...I had looked at Sonlight too. I think I am going to pick up a few of Fulbrights books and alternate, or use as a launching pad. Not sure still...

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
petitemom
Member

thanks for the reply.
I think I will wait until the conference to decide what to do for this subject.
I also want to check out Realscience4kids and Noeo.
I would just like to hear some opinions first if anyone else as something to share.
I have read some of the posts on the last 2, sounds great. Not sure if it would work w/my kids age, looks like they would be on different program which I do not want to do.

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
mom
Member

Just went to a friends house and she had God's design for science. I really liked it! It was a colorful book. Each lesson was duvided into 'levels', so you can teach all of your children according to age/ability. There are optional easy project designs. It came with a cd to print off worksheets, if desired. It highlights important vocab words. It looked a little more advanced than the apologia series, but still easy enough to intoduce younger students to the topics.

Havent commited yet, but thought I would mention it. :-)

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
blue j
Member

There are fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, and short essay-type questions used - the later for older children. There are also search-a-words, etc. If I remember correctly, for every reading in the science books, there is a corresponding workbook page- or part of one, to do. It's a very traditional school approach to science - which is terrific for those who want that type of approach. The teacher's guides are very helpful. There is little to no prep work if you get the necesary resource kits for each level as well as the one that is recommended for all levels of their science. Otherwise, you will be running around willy nilly trying to gather your resources.

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
blue j
Member

Perhaps I should explain the willy-nilly remark. Each level of science has small assundry items that are necessary. Items might be 3 paper clips, 1 ping pong ball, 1 thermometer, a piece of 'x' gauge wire 'x' inches long, etc. It is SO much easier to purchase the kits if you are going to do the SL science.

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
petitemom
Member

Thanks blue j, good to know. I probably would not be doing the school work. I did the same w/our history program this year, we are doing Children around the world and I dropped a lot of stuff. We are still enjoying the books though.

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
cedargirl
Member

you may want to read here re: Noeo

http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/noeo-science

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
petitemom
Member

Thanks, I had not seen that tread. I guess you do not recommand Noeo cedargirl!!

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
Helen
Member

My 5 and 7 year old are currently loving 'Considering God's Creation'. You should check it out. It's great for Charlotte Mason style study, easy experiments for mom to handle and like I side, children love it. Very hands on.

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
petitemom
Member

I was looking at "considreing God's creation", how long does it take to cover the 36 subjects?
I am looking to do about 3 topics in a year, how would that work?
thanks
Stephanie

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
Helen
Member

There are 9 Subjects covered. Each subject varies in the amount of lessons created by the authors to cover it. Some topics have 3 lessons, one of the topics takes 10 lessons. The total number of lessons that cover those 9 subjects are the 36 you referred to earlier.

We covered 4 Subjects this past school year. Those 4 subjects took 11 lessons to cover them. It was easily spread over 2/3 of the school year. I am taking a break from it for the rest of this school year to focus on nature study. Change is always good!

I look forward to picking 'Considering God's Creation' up again next school year.

Wish I could show you the book in person! The kids love the songs, cutting and pasting and especially the fact that they create their own science notebooks.

Posted 1 year ago # Report Post

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