Homeschooling is years of trial and error.

My oldest had Saxon Algebra2 and Saxon Physics this year. We did the first lesson in Physics and realized it was impossible for him to do. He got a 40% on the first lesson, and we have a video teacher to go with it too. The Algebra2 he's been managing so far (1 week) with.

I discovered the Physics actually needed to come after Advanced Math...which is after Alg2. oops. I just went by all the curriculums that state Physics is the 12th grade Science. It was not a good fit.

So it all got packaged up and sent back to CBD. That was a $100 program. So now what for science?

Well, I have a set of paperback books by an author named Tiner that haven't been read yet by anyone but dh. They are on Physics, mathematics, Earth Science, Medicine, Chemistry, and Biology. They are overviews of each subject with chapter quizzes. So we will make good use out of those for now and it might just fill out this semester. Next semester I'll have to think of something else. Ds has had physical science, biology and then Marine Biology in his high school years.

The one plus I found to buying new books instead of used (which typically I do) is that at least I can return them. If used, I have to try to resell them.

I have purchased materials and realised it didn't work. I hate wasting money this way. It happens though as we wade through educational choices and try to match things to our children. Having children with different needs or one who changes/looses motivation only makes that harder.

Speaking of not wanting to waste money. I have considered the books from Master Books but was not sure if they were worth it.  We like using literature or books that can be read through instead of texts for various subjects so these appealed to me. What do you think of the set you have?

Dd needed a fourth science credit and I knew physics was a no-go.  We chose Dr. Wile's, "The Human Body - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" by Apologia and loved it.  It's considered a college course and is very thorough, don't let the title fool you.  Also, nothing is candy-coated, not the pictures nor the terms or bodily processes, so if you're squeamish or emarrased easily, it may not be for you.  It took most of the year for her to finish it as it's a big book.

She's kept the book for reference as she's considering nursing school...Liz.

 over the past few years I have brought books that dont work  our homeschool  co -op is excellent about buying and selling . my DH takes care of Phyics and Chemistry and the other sciences that I could teach but he is 100% better at it than I am .. 

TizzyLizzy:

Dd needed a fourth science credit and I knew physics was a no-go.  We chose Dr. Wile's, "The Human Body - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" by Apologia and loved it.  It's considered a college course and is very thorough, don't let the title fool you.  Also, nothing is candy-coated, not the pictures nor the terms or bodily processes, so if you're squeamish or emarrased easily, it may not be for you.  It took most of the year for her to finish it as it's a big book.

She's kept the book for reference as she's considering nursing school...Liz.

That's the exact book I was looking at!!!!!! It was reccomended to us. However, it says it needs ...I think...a Chemistry prerequisite and another prereq that I can't remmeber now. So I didn't buy it.

Was it very difficult? Could it be done without the prereqs?

Brandy, here's a amazon link to some of the books: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=John+Hudson+Tiner&x=12&y=21

They are much more enjoyable than a dry textbook, and yes Saxon is very dry although thorough. The Tiner books give a good overview of each subject, but not enough for a complete course in my opinion. Ds has already had 3 years of science, if I fudge this one a little I don't think it'll hurt him in the long run.

Cinnamonhuskies:

They are much more enjoyable than a dry textbook

That is a must for us, especially for the child who struggles with learning. He is more likely to read and learn if it grabs and keeps his attention. Long books are hard for him to get through so I have been doing a bit of the reading. Textbooks are too hard to do as much of this with though.

I follow the suggested topic list from The Well-trained Mind and use the Kingfisher's Encyclopedia of Science as a spine for lessons. I seek out books, articles and websites that offer more information on specific things and add in projects/experiments when I can.

Would additional books or sources be beneficial to your son with the books you have?

I think we'll use the Tiner science books as long as possible, then switch to maybe a Geology or Astronomy book afterwards. I think the Apologia Human Anatomy book would be a little overwhelming right now.

He has: Science w/Tiner books

            History Lifepacs

            Bible Lifepacs

           Lang. Arts Lifepacs

           Foundations for Living Lifepacs  (entering the adult world with a Christian worldview)

           Saxon Algebra 2

           Book to read (we are requiring him to be reading a book at least 1/2 hour a day)

           German Class once a week with the homeschool group

           Speech class once a week with the homeschool group

If I found an Apologia book dirt cheap enough I would use certain chapters to fill out the year rather than a regimented course, just because we have done everything possible to keep him busy, and it has allowed enough time to play on the Xbox360 on online Runescape. He is determining whether to go out for the Homeschool basketball team or not. the last time he was on it was 6th grade, he enjoyed it but he wasn't the best and there were expenses incurred. But a sport would be helpful.

The pyscho exgirlfriend is hitting on one of his friends now; she talked to the friend and hour and a half the other night threatening to kill herself. Then i find out that all through their dating this was a common ploy to get attention. She really needs professional help.

Cinnamonhuskies:

The pyscho exgirlfriend is hitting on one of his friends now; she talked to the friend and hour and a half the other night threatening to kill herself. Then i find out that all through their dating this was a common ploy to get attention. She really needs professional help.

Let's hope your son finds someone healthier to spend his time with.

Apologia is pricey. I don't often see those around either.

The used ones are almost as expensive as new on ebay....it IS a good science curriclum, though.

When ds did Marine Biology with Apologia last year, we got the full course cd version on sale for $35 when 2 textbooks were $59 and up. The pricey part was the dissection stuff which was about $50 or so.

I never knew my son could be such idiot when it came to girls. The more I find out about what she was like while he was seeing her, the more I want to bop him in the head 'cause he should know better!