May. 27, 2008 - In Answer to your Question
Sherena asked for more details about our science curriculum that I spoke of in my last entry. I thought I'd just answer her question here so I could go into a little more detail.
First of all, yes, the Apologia is a complete curriculum for the year. The upper courses come with tests, study guides, cummalative unit tests, etc. The only thing that isn't automatically included when you purchase the curriculum set is a schedule. However the author says that each unit (With only a few exceptions) should take about two weeks to finish. And if that's not definite enough, there are numerous schedules that I've been able to find on the internet or to purchase. We've just always taken it at the pace that my son could effectively learn and left it at that.
For the elementary courses, there aren't tests included, but I have found the notebooking pages which allowed me to keep tabs on their learning. And especially with them being in elementary grades, I just haven't stressed over not having tests. I'm not very big on workbooks anyway, so that's fine with me.
As for scope and sequence, for life sciences, it does a great job of covering the basics and a whole lot more. The only thing with the elementary sciences is that I don't see physical sciences covered. But that does come in the Apologia course that is recommended for approximately eighth grade. And true to Apologia form, it is very thorough. Also at the high school level there is a physics course, but we're not there yet, so I can't really comment on that.
I see it as being more than a unit study approach. With unit studies you incorporate many subjects into what you're studying. And that's not the focus of these courses. Yes, I've pulled in writing, but that's not a part of its foundation. It is a stand-alone subject I think. And the materials definitely cover a complete year. There is probably someone out there who has done it much quicker- I'd like to shake their hand, because it certainly isn't our family!
I hope that helps? If not, just keep asking me questions and hopefully I can communicate and give a you a clear picture. Sherena, if you weren't so far away, I'd just ask you to stop by and have a cup of tea and look all you wanted at my science stuff. :-)
Comments
May. 28, 2008 - Thank you so much...
Posted by Sherena
... answers my questions so far!! And thanks for the invite, I only wish I could take you up on it lol!
I really like the look of the Apologia books, but with the legal stuff here we have to 'teach' certain stuff and seeing as Im just starting out, Ive not learnt how to cover all these other topics while following another curriculum I've chosen. If you understand what Im sayin??
Anyway, I think I will definitely use them for the high school years.
Thanks again
Jun. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Patiecake
I will also probably use it in the older grades. It looks wonderful and is so God-centered!
