Middle School Science sequence

[howiecram]

Hello! I need some specific help for my kiddo. She has really only done Mammals and Astronomy. She is a rising 6th grader. I own all the MP science (insects, birds, trees) and both Novare Earth and Physical science. I'm trying to decide what to do for 6th, 7th and 8th. She's doing R&S 6th this year and seems to be doing ok, but is more of an A- B+ student. She has the most trouble with multiple digit multiplication and of course the dreaded long division. She can do it, but after several problems she starts making mistakes. She's pretty fast at fractions, decimals and percentages. Anyway, I plan to follow the MP math sequence, but I'm not convniced yet that Algebra 1 in 8th will "work". We'll try it of course! Her reading comprehension is good. So, any suggestions for what I should do each year for science over the next 3 years?

[howiecram]

I should note, we are also doing a mix of the 5th grade and 6th grade cores. (Second Form Latin, 6th Grade Math) (5th Grade Literature, CC, Spelling, Famous Men of Rome, Christian Studies II)

[enbateau]

We were kind of dragging at the end of Insects. The syrupy narrative of the reader was not a favorite, but my eldest finished strong because the material to memorize was straightforward and uncomplicated. I would like Birds/Medicine for 6th and Trees/World of Bio for 7th and figure out 8th as you get a better picture of her math abilities in 8th. For Birds, my eldest appreciates the shorter chapters and details without flowery ponderings and imaginative worlds of animal characters. YMMV.

[DiannaKennedy]

With my math averse daughter, we followed the MPOA path ---

MS Science I (6th) Tiner Books - Medicine, Astronomy, Earth
As I recall, Astronomy is history of astronomy? You can likely look at samples of Tiner online to check TOC
The only math I recall was maybe a little bit in Astronomy or Earth? Maybe figuring distance?

MS Science II (7th) Tiner Books - Bio, Chem, Physics
Physics definitely had some calculations involved

Physical Science (8th)
Math kicks in here in the latter part of the year as I recall. It actually meshed REALLY well with pre-algebra at the time, since both classes were doing conversions.

Biology (9th)
We paired this with Alg I, and honestly, I didn't even check in with R at all. She took Bio in the MPOA and I never heard a complaint until dissection time.

To finish up high school, we're doing Chemistry this year, Physics for junior year and will likely consider A&P her senior year.

[smithamykat]

My rising 8th grader is not an enthusiastic math student, although he tests well. He did pre-algebra last year, but I'm having him do another year of pre-algebra (different book, many of the same topics). I see no point in rushing into Algebra 1 this year and I know he will benefit from spending more time on the concepts introduced last year. He did birds/Tiner medicine in 6th, trees/Tiner biology in 7th, and will do Novare Physical Science this year in 8th.

For your daughter, I would recommend the same sequence. Birds is so much more fun than insects, in my opinion, and you definitely don't want to miss it! If one of your younger kids does insects some year, maybe she can join in memorizing the names of the orders and the basic facts about insects.

[pickandgrin]

It looks like you are getting a lot of great advice here already. We've done similar things to those above (birds/med in 5th, trees/bio in 6th). I do like a switch to Novare Earth and Physical in 7 & 8, but HEAR ME, this is at cottage school with other teachers. I just oversee homework (is it done?) and mark quizzes and tests (and there are sooooo many with Novare). I would have a very hard time doing these at home. I would hand the book to my kids and they would do the assessments for me. It would not be stellar.

That may be another good distinction to the conversation happening here. Are you looking to do science at home with you teaching/assigning for the next few years? Are you planning to get outside help from another teacher (in person or online)? And of what people have shared from above--was this at home or away, solo or with help?

I do agree with enbateau above to keep 8th wide open depending on math abilities and opportunities. Many non-sciencey kiddos will count a solid 8th grade science with lab for high school credit. It's not recommended if you're going hard-core into the natural sciences, but for those who are "three credits and done" that door opens for counting things in 8th. This is true for Tennessee. I know it varies by state for graduation requirements. College entrance requirements are an entirely different conversation, as always! Ha!

[howiecram]

Soldi advice everyone! . Looks like the MP plan of birds, trees, Physical science is probably the way to go with this child. My next child I might shoot for the birds, trees, physical, earth sequence.

[jenniferjb]

We did nothing other than astronomy, insects, birds and trees until 8th grade when we did physical science. IMO the most important preparation for science is a strong foundation in math and reading. I would take the time to focus on those things and, in the meantime, enjoy insects, birds, and trees. I wouldn’t fret about skipping earth science. If it interests one of your children go for it, but it is not integral to the standard HS sequence as physical science is. I have the earth science text and it looks nice, but every time I open it I think how boring and back to the shelf it goes (and I love science).

[pickandgrin]

jenniferjb
This just goes to show how different we can be from each other. Some of those Earth Science chapters bring tears to my eyes with the majesty of the content. Haha!

I am totally on board with your math-as-prep observation.

[jenniferjb]

jenniferjb
This just goes to show how different we can be from each other. Some of those Earth Science chapters bring tears to my eyes with the majesty of the content. Haha!

I am totally on board with your math-as-prep observation.

Yes, we are all different. For me it is genetics and molecular biology. I wonder how anyone can study DNA and doubt that it was purposefully created. I certainly did not intend to say that earth science is unworthy of study. It is, and if you can get to it great, but no need to stress if you cannot. My opinion on it is quite irrelevant. Mea culpa.

[Beorn]

I want to just add a point, I attended the Teacher Training for Upper School Science and Math this summer. There is some work being done to create a 7th grade level science class at HLS but it is in fairly early stages. My guess is it is at least a year or probably two from being something tangible that could be done at home. More of a General Science feel from what I could gather than an Earth or Physical Science. Just to put that on your radar for down the road, howiecram.

[pickandgrin]

Yes, we are all different. For me it is genetics and molecular biology. I wonder how anyone can study DNA and doubt that it was purposefully created. I certainly did not intend to say that earth science is unworthy of study. It is, and if you can get to it great, but no need to stress if you cannot. My opinion on it is quite irrelevant. Mea culpa.

No worries at all. I love that you delight in genetics and molecular biology!