Can anyone compare and contrast these programs? I have 4, 6, 11, 17yo. I’m thinking mainly for the middle two obviously…but my 17 yo has some gaps we might be able to close in by joining us sometimes (as well as doing his high school science). We’ve been way too light on science thus far in our school. I really like the look of both of these. Can anyone help me decide?
We’re starting Noeo Bio II next week with my 6YO and 10YO. I bought the set used along with most of the books from Bio I (I figure I can use those for read-alouds with my 6YO so that the Bio isn’t too overwhelming for him).
Obviously I haven’t started yet, but from looking it over I really like what I see! I really like that it includes science experiments. That’s something I’m not so good at planning.
I did Chem III with my dd in 6th grade and her friend joined us. Other than being a bit pricey, we loved it. Well laid out, very CM style. It did take a lot of work on my part to hold their attention- we are not ‘science folk’ and I had to make it a priority. That said, I am not using it this year. We are entering 8th grade and I will be using Exploration Education – its a hands on physics program, computer based lessons ( CD,not online) and comes with all the supplies needed for all the experiments, and the log (student) book for just over 100$ I absolutely LOVE it. I love that it is written be an educator who puts kids first, makes it a priority that science can be understood, and makes it do-able! I am excited to start the year, and will add in some living books as we go, likely The Chemical History of a Candle ( oops going from memory, that title might be wrong) and some other physics stories. I love that I won’t have to teach something I am not familiar with, but I can learn right alongside. There are a dozen or so hands on kit type projects, all the way from a glider to a steam boat to a little mini house that they use to test LED lights. I also appreciate that while the log book appears ‘texty’ it is far more conversational than most. The lab write ups are taught gradually with the proper format while using questions to promote discussion like “In a few words write a title that describes what we are aiming for in this experiment” and “what do you think the results will be when you conduct this experiment?”(*this is for after the computer lesson). It also covers all the national science standards.