2 books a year for (elementary) alologia is doable. AND they have audio cd for their tezt books. But magic school bus video set, always a good price at costco, and Wild Krats free on Amazon, are our go to for the early elementary years. When my age 3-5 are done napping till 4th grade they get one or two shows a day between 2 & 3 in the afternoon. Amazed at what they learn.
Real science 4 kids (focus on version) is the best elementary science, in my opinion. And Apologia is hands down the best for middle and high school, again in my opinion. Love the video! Thanks for the great content!
Why specifically do you like Apologia for your high schooler? My daughter will be in 9th grade next year, and I'm already looking into curriculum. Apologia looks promising for science!
@@angelacushing7053 apologia is unbelievably thorough and I see high school as a preparation for college and I think apologia truly gives students a full picture of what studying science in college will be like. For kids who think they want to go down a medical or scientific road it will either confirm that desire or make it clear that another path is more wise, and I rather them figure that out before it's costing them the big bucks at university. Plus, after apologia they'll easily pass any college level general science class they may need for a different degree. I do prep my kids for real science from the start though, in 2nd grade they begin with the Focus On series from Real Science 4 Kids, then in 4th grade they start with apologia curriculums. I don't like "fluffy" core subject curriculums.
@pinkorganichorse focus is one discipline at a time, ei one book on chemistry, one book on biology, etc. And I prefer that approach to the building blocks, which is a little bit of each discipline in each book mixed together.
I have seen so many videos for the good and the beautiful curriculum just this week. I swear it popped up out of nowhere. I know you aren’t using it this year, the any chances you would be trying it, or possibly be sent materials to review? I watched almost every review video there is, but nobody knows their curriculum like you, or breaks it down as thoroughly as you. I also love how you compare and contrast different curricula. I read that the language arts program is equivalent to all about reading, all about spelling, and a few others. I just can’t believe it.
We did TGTB K this year along with AAS 1 and AAR1. They are very different programs. They don't have many similarities. TGTB la was not a good fit and we won't use it again. I have heard lots of rave reviews though!
The Dove's Nest we use the good and the beautiful science units. I really like them and my kids love them . We tried apologia but it was a bit too heavy on one subject. So we will probably use apologia for the kids who want more depth.
I am so happy to hear that you put the Lord first. Even in their school curriculum! My family for a few generations went to parochial schools. You rock Erica!
Thanks for your thorough info! I am using Apologia Chemistry with my 10th grader - it’s good and quite challenging. My 8th grader is doing The Good and the Beautiful science supplemented with the Everything You Need to Know about science book for middle school. It’s working pretty well.
I found that the Apologia’s elementary physical / Chem book is geared towards older kids, like 5th or 6th grade. Also they only have 1 book compared to 3 Zoology, 1 Astronomy and 2 Health and Anatomy books. I really wanted to my young boys do the physical and chem stuff. This year we are going to try AIG.
I feel the exact same about Apologia.. I love it but it was too much repetition of subject matter for my 4th and 1st grader haha I think they would be excellent for high schoolers though! A high schooler that had a real interest in astronomy, land animals, etc., just dive in all year. I would definitely recommend the audio CD and no workbook for that age group.
i thought i was set on Apologia for 1st,4th and 6th grader and then you mentioned Abeka ;) I do like the fact that the kids can learn on their own if needed. I have 4 children and sometimes less is more. I don't mind reading to my children we use Beautiful feet for History, but when it comes to science we have not found something we love and want to do. I am very confused, and torn between Apologia and Abeka.
I buy the teacher edition for Abeka science and my son uses the book. We like that it's spiral bound. I take the book and verbally quiz him. Also we used the Abeka videos that you can buy online/hrly now ($50 for five hrs, I think? ). The 6th grade teacher was pretty funny. It's so nice because the teacher is referencing your book. We don't like when the video students read though, boring...so we read that on our own, but we enjoy the original lectures, big charts on the blackboard, props, games. We can hear 2-3 lectures for one hr of rented time.
ZannaTheGreat I wish I could remember, but I don’t. Our daughter graduated 5 yrs ago. We used Apologia her 9th gr year and my daughter (who likes science)found it boring and I didn’t like the way the tests were worded. It seemed like the author took a complex subject and tried to make it even more complex. We stayed with it the entire year because we had invested the money in it but moved to something entirely different for the next years. She went on to college and did well in her science courses. One thing she loved and learned so much from was “The Anatomy & Physiology coloring book”. It can be used for people going into the medical field (which she wasn’t) or can be used by a high school student. It was fun, engaging, and she learned things about the human body that would benefit anyone their entire life. Wish I could have been more help. But that’s all I remember.
I like to look for something that is hands-on and fun, but also informational. I think the biggest struggle right now is finding a good mix. Seems like most that are hands-on aren't as full of info, but the ones that are all info don't have as much hands-on experiments. A good balance is what I'm after :)
I'm thrilled to see that you really do your homework, sorry no pun. Instead of just using what they want to send you...AND it's Christian based. Question?? I know you have to hear from people after the vlogmas..?? Maybe a last day of school video day....????? Don't forget Bandit!! Lol.
No vile chemicals, just vials of chemicals :) Can you recommend a chemistry course in Spanish? Learning the chemical suffixes in English gives you no clue what the genders are in Spanish or French.
I am so thrilled to have found your channel. I have learned so much for all your reviews on different curriculum. I have a question regarding the Rainbow science. I noticed that they have different lab kits for their program. I am confused as to which one to pick. Which kit so you recommend? Also, my girls are starting 7th grade and it's our first time homeschooling will Rainbow science be something you recommend for 7th grade? I know you mentioned that it is good for middle and high school but does taking this during "middle school years" fulfill a high school credit already or is it best to use this curriculum in high school? Thank you for all the time you take to post videos.
You have to pick the kit that goes with the book/year you're doing. So for example for The Rainbow there is a 1st year kit and a 2nd year kit. As well as a 1st and 2nd year student lab book.
Thank you so much Erica for answering back. I really appreciate it. Your information is extremely helpful. I think i'll save this curriculum for next year when my girls are in 8th, it seems very interesting and engaging and actually I was happy yo have seen you review it because Dr. Wile mentioned this book at the Orlando convention and it was something I wanted to gain more knowledge about , thank you for reviewing it. I will continue to search for a science for this year that they will begin 7th grade. Gosh this is hard.... especially for a newbie like myself. I want something fun for them since all other subjects are more "serious" I wanted science to be fun while learning. Thanks again and I happy have to be a subscriber to your channel. Its helped me a lot.
I have, but haven't used it, you might post your question on our community, I'm sure someone out there has tried it! community.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/
I really like Abeka for early grades. It's pretty simple and straight to the point. It's not super hands-on, but it does have activities you can do and I combined it with some of the Usborne Science books and we did experiments from there that applied to what we were learning about. Check out Usborne Science in the Kitchen, Outdoors Things, Science with Air, Science with Plants, they're all pretty simple and fun :)
We are working with the good and the beautiful with my 3 year old. She is in the primer k level. Next year when she is in kindergarten I wanted to start a science lesson but I am confused on how families do this. So I teach it again later when she is older and will pick up on different things? Or should I just wait all together and teach later.
I didn't do much science when we were in prek other than fun experiments etc. I usually add more formal science in Kinder or first. I'm not sure how the Good and Beautiful does it though :)
Hello Erika I'm using abeka for my 3rd grader too. And we love abeka for the same reason that you mention in the other side my son complains that they don't do a lot of hands on. I'm trying to find something like abeka but more hands one that we can enjoy they my other kids for next year. I'm trying to do history and science for 2nd and 4th grader next school year any suggestions?
My Expedition Earth and Road Trip USA are perfect for your grades :) You might look into those. I am also liking the Story of the World and Homeschool in the Woods as well this year. The Story of the World has a lot of hands on activities. The HITW is a lapbook type thing and also has fun activities.
Same reason I mentioned above, it's too much of one subject, so we went with The Rainbow Science, also because it satisfies the lab requirements for HS.
I did get them them, and I was pretty good at pulling them out for awhile there, but the books have pictures for everything as well, so we honestly don't use them very often.
My wife is trying to choose a new science cirriculum for our kids (K-4). Based upon our previous experiences she is definitely looking for something with some hands-on work (experiments etc) but which also requires less teacher involvement. We have tried ACE in the past, which freed up my wife's time, but it wasn't hands-on enough for our kids. Do either Answers in Genesis or Abeka meet these criteria?
Hello I would like to know if you arw are familiar with A Reason For Science? I have been using Apologia and I love it but I was looking for something different thanks?
Hi! We tried A Reason for Handwriting and loved it! I haven't used A Reason for Science but a friend of mine has and they really liked it! You might pose your question on our COAH Community and see what other people say :) community.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/
We liked science in the beginning. My understading is it’s the same author of the older apologia series. I loved the notebook journal for apologia, but thought such a strong focus on one subject should’ve been saved for older grades only. I think all elementary and middle school sciences have more benefit from at least touching on a couple subjects. We like Science in the Beginning a lot. Now if only had the beautiful notebooks that Apologia has! 😇
We just discovered Real Science 4 kids. It's secular. BUT I do not believe anything objectable for Christians (like evolution or old earth theory) is mentioned. Just straight forward science. PROS: short easy lessons Excellent labs Each book can be easily finished in a semester I absolutely love how easily a 1st grader can grasp chemistry and physics with this curriculum.
I was a victim of abeka. You can't teach in depth biology without evolution. World history should not mention noahs ark. The highschool books don't go nearly as in depth as they should even on the stuff that they can be honest about.
Thanks for your insights, we haven't used Abeka for HS, but I did think they covered evolution. Bju Press does cover evolution, so maybe if you're a fan of traditional style curriculum that would be a better option.
2 books a year for (elementary) alologia is doable. AND they have audio cd for their tezt books. But magic school bus video set, always a good price at costco, and Wild Krats free on Amazon, are our go to for the early elementary years. When my age 3-5 are done napping till 4th grade they get one or two shows a day between 2 & 3 in the afternoon. Amazed at what they learn.
My kids love Wild Krats!
Real science 4 kids (focus on version) is the best elementary science, in my opinion. And Apologia is hands down the best for middle and high school, again in my opinion. Love the video! Thanks for the great content!
Why specifically do you like Apologia for your high schooler? My daughter will be in 9th grade next year, and I'm already looking into curriculum. Apologia looks promising for science!
@@angelacushing7053 apologia is unbelievably thorough and I see high school as a preparation for college and I think apologia truly gives students a full picture of what studying science in college will be like. For kids who think they want to go down a medical or scientific road it will either confirm that desire or make it clear that another path is more wise, and I rather them figure that out before it's costing them the big bucks at university. Plus, after apologia they'll easily pass any college level general science class they may need for a different degree.
I do prep my kids for real science from the start though, in 2nd grade they begin with the Focus On series from Real Science 4 Kids, then in 4th grade they start with apologia curriculums. I don't like "fluffy" core subject curriculums.
Why Focus and not Building Blocks?
@pinkorganichorse focus is one discipline at a time, ei one book on chemistry, one book on biology, etc. And I prefer that approach to the building blocks, which is a little bit of each discipline in each book mixed together.
I have seen so many videos for the good and the beautiful curriculum just this week. I swear it popped up out of nowhere. I know you aren’t using it this year, the any chances you would be trying it, or possibly be sent materials to review? I watched almost every review video there is, but nobody knows their curriculum like you, or breaks it down as thoroughly as you. I also love how you compare and contrast different curricula. I read that the language arts program is equivalent to all about reading, all about spelling, and a few others. I just can’t believe it.
Thanks so much, unfortunately I don't have any plans to review that curriculum. Have you looked on Cathy Duffy's site? I'm sure she has a review.
We did TGTB K this year along with AAS 1 and AAR1. They are very different programs. They don't have many similarities. TGTB la was not a good fit and we won't use it again. I have heard lots of rave reviews though!
The Dove's Nest we use the good and the beautiful science units. I really like them and my kids love them . We tried apologia but it was a bit too heavy on one subject. So we will probably use apologia for the kids who want more depth.
I am so happy to hear that you put the Lord first. Even in their school curriculum! My family for a few generations went to parochial schools. You rock Erica!
Thanks for your thorough info! I am using Apologia Chemistry with my 10th grader - it’s good and quite challenging. My 8th grader is doing The Good and the Beautiful science supplemented with the Everything You Need to Know about science book for middle school. It’s working pretty well.
I am thinking about apologia chem for my high schooler. Did you purchase the videos for lessons or just the books?? I can't decide !
Great advice about the best curriculum being the one you will do!! SO TRUE!! Great video. Thank you!!
I found that the Apologia’s elementary physical / Chem book is geared towards older kids, like 5th or 6th grade. Also they only have 1 book compared to 3 Zoology, 1 Astronomy and 2 Health and Anatomy books. I really wanted to my young boys do the physical and chem stuff. This year we are going to try AIG.
I feel the exact same about Apologia.. I love it but it was too much repetition of subject matter for my 4th and 1st grader haha I think they would be excellent for high schoolers though! A high schooler that had a real interest in astronomy, land animals, etc., just dive in all year. I would definitely recommend the audio CD and no workbook for that age group.
Your vídeos is amazing!!!! Thank you so much for share information and your opinion about curriculums!! You help so much!!!
i thought i was set on Apologia for 1st,4th and 6th grader and then you mentioned Abeka ;) I do like the fact that the kids can learn on their own if needed. I have 4 children and sometimes less is more. I don't mind reading to my children we use Beautiful feet for History, but when it comes to science we have not found something we love and want to do. I am very confused, and torn between Apologia and Abeka.
I buy the teacher edition for Abeka science and my son uses the book. We like that it's spiral bound. I take the book and verbally quiz him. Also we used the Abeka videos that you can buy online/hrly now ($50 for five hrs, I think? ). The 6th grade teacher was pretty funny. It's so nice because the teacher is referencing your book. We don't like when the video students read though, boring...so we read that on our own, but we enjoy the original lectures, big charts on the blackboard, props, games. We can hear 2-3 lectures for one hr of rented time.
Yes!!!! I agree Gods creation is amazing!
I always enjoy your vlog. I think I’m the only person on the planet who absolutely doesn’t like Apologia science.
Dixie Double what science do you love? I'm always on the look out :)
ZannaTheGreat I wish I could remember, but I don’t. Our daughter graduated 5 yrs ago. We used Apologia her 9th gr year and my daughter (who likes science)found it boring and I didn’t like the way the tests were worded. It seemed like the author took a complex subject and tried to make it even more complex. We stayed with it the entire year because we had invested the money in it but moved to something entirely different for the next years. She went on to college and did well in her science courses. One thing she loved and learned so much from was “The Anatomy & Physiology coloring book”. It can be used for people going into the medical field (which she wasn’t) or can be used by a high school student. It was fun, engaging, and she learned things about the human body that would benefit anyone their entire life. Wish I could have been more help. But that’s all I remember.
What do you look for in a science curriculum? What are the biggest problems with the ones currently on the market?
I like to look for something that is hands-on and fun, but also informational. I think the biggest struggle right now is finding a good mix. Seems like most that are hands-on aren't as full of info, but the ones that are all info don't have as much hands-on experiments. A good balance is what I'm after :)
Have you looked at Berean builders science textbooks written by Dr. Jay Wile? These books combine history and science.
I'm sorry, no, I haven't used that curriculum.
I'm thrilled to see that you really do your homework, sorry no pun. Instead of just using what they want to send you...AND it's Christian based. Question?? I know you have to hear from people after the vlogmas..?? Maybe a last day of school video day....????? Don't forget Bandit!! Lol.
We do plan to do some more vlogs this year, but we were sick right off the bat and are just now getting everyone healthy! Vlogs coming soon :)
Praying for everyone to be on the mend....
No vile chemicals, just vials of chemicals :)
Can you recommend a chemistry course in Spanish? Learning the chemical suffixes in English gives you no clue what the genders are in Spanish or French.
LOL correct! I'm sorry, I don't know of a Chemistry course in Spanish sorry!
I am so thrilled to have found your channel. I have learned so much for all your reviews on different curriculum. I have a question regarding the Rainbow science. I noticed that they have different lab kits for their program. I am confused as to which one to pick. Which kit so you recommend? Also, my girls are starting 7th grade and it's our first time homeschooling will Rainbow science be something you recommend for 7th grade? I know you mentioned that it is good for middle and high school but does taking this during "middle school years" fulfill a high school credit already or is it best to use this curriculum in high school? Thank you for all the time you take to post videos.
You have to pick the kit that goes with the book/year you're doing. So for example for The Rainbow there is a 1st year kit and a 2nd year kit. As well as a 1st and 2nd year student lab book.
We did the first year in 8th grade, and then the biology/chemistry section in 9th grade so that one will count for her high school.
Thank you so much Erica for answering back. I really appreciate it. Your information is extremely helpful. I think i'll save this curriculum for next year when my girls are in 8th, it seems very interesting and engaging and actually I was happy yo have seen you review it because Dr. Wile mentioned this book at the Orlando convention and it was something I wanted to gain more knowledge about , thank you for reviewing it. I will continue to search for a science for this year that they will begin 7th grade. Gosh this is hard.... especially for a newbie like myself. I want something fun for them since all other subjects are more "serious" I wanted science to be fun while learning. Thanks again and I happy have to be a subscriber to your channel. Its helped me a lot.
have you heard of or used The good and the Beautiful Science?
I have, but haven't used it, you might post your question on our community, I'm sure someone out there has tried it! community.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/
What would you suggest for the 1st-3rd grade crowd? Seems most of these are geared toward the older set.
I really like Abeka for early grades. It's pretty simple and straight to the point. It's not super hands-on, but it does have activities you can do and I combined it with some of the Usborne Science books and we did experiments from there that applied to what we were learning about. Check out Usborne Science in the Kitchen, Outdoors Things, Science with Air, Science with Plants, they're all pretty simple and fun :)
We are working with the good and the beautiful with my 3 year old. She is in the primer k level. Next year when she is in kindergarten I wanted to start a science lesson but I am confused on how families do this. So I teach it again later when she is older and will pick up on different things? Or should I just wait all together and teach later.
I didn't do much science when we were in prek other than fun experiments etc. I usually add more formal science in Kinder or first. I'm not sure how the Good and Beautiful does it though :)
Hello Erika I'm using abeka for my 3rd grader too. And we love abeka for the same reason that you mention in the other side my son complains that they don't do a lot of hands on. I'm trying to find something like abeka but more hands one that we can enjoy they my other kids for next year. I'm trying to do history and science for 2nd and 4th grader next school year any suggestions?
My Expedition Earth and Road Trip USA are perfect for your grades :) You might look into those. I am also liking the Story of the World and Homeschool in the Woods as well this year. The Story of the World has a lot of hands on activities. The HITW is a lapbook type thing and also has fun activities.
Why did you choose not to use Apologia for high school?
Same reason I mentioned above, it's too much of one subject, so we went with The Rainbow Science, also because it satisfies the lab requirements for HS.
Erica Arndt, thanks!
Regarding Abeka, did you purchase the teaching charts? If so did you find them worth the extra money?
I did get them them, and I was pretty good at pulling them out for awhile there, but the books have pictures for everything as well, so we honestly don't use them very often.
My wife is trying to choose a new science cirriculum for our kids (K-4). Based upon our previous experiences she is definitely looking for something with some hands-on work (experiments etc) but which also requires less teacher involvement. We have tried ACE in the past, which freed up my wife's time, but it wasn't hands-on enough for our kids. Do either Answers in Genesis or Abeka meet these criteria?
Abeka is more hands off but I do still grade daily and help with experiments. I think Answers in Genesis is a bit more hands on in my opinion.
Thanks so much for replying. I'll forward this info to her.
Hello I would like to know if you arw are familiar with A Reason For Science? I have been using Apologia and I love it but I was looking for something different thanks?
Hi! We tried A Reason for Handwriting and loved it! I haven't used A Reason for Science but a friend of mine has and they really liked it! You might pose your question on our COAH Community and see what other people say :) community.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/
Very simplistic
We liked science in the beginning. My understading is it’s the same author of the older apologia series. I loved the notebook journal for apologia, but thought such a strong focus on one subject should’ve been saved for older grades only. I think all elementary and middle school sciences have more benefit from at least touching on a couple subjects. We like Science in the Beginning a lot. Now if only had the beautiful notebooks that Apologia has! 😇
They have notebooks now :) Not as pretty, but better organized in my opinion (from the samples I saw on Rainbow Resource).
We just discovered Real Science 4 kids. It's secular. BUT I do not believe anything objectable for Christians (like evolution or old earth theory) is mentioned. Just straight forward science.
PROS: short easy lessons
Excellent labs
Each book can be easily finished in a semester
I absolutely love how easily a 1st grader can grasp chemistry and physics with this curriculum.
So the Rainbow wouldn’t count for a High School credit?
Yes, it does count for HS credit, they have the info on their website.
I was a victim of abeka. You can't teach in depth biology without evolution. World history should not mention noahs ark. The highschool books don't go nearly as in depth as they should even on the stuff that they can be honest about.
Thanks for your insights, we haven't used Abeka for HS, but I did think they covered evolution. Bju Press does cover evolution, so maybe if you're a fan of traditional style curriculum that would be a better option.