6th grade science curriculum choices?

I have one child just finishing up his grade 6 science. We have used the Wonders of Creation series (www.answersingenesis.org) . He really likes it and the books themselves are beautiful, high quality texts that provoke thoughtful learning.

I realize that doesn't really answer your question, but consider this: What is your child's learning style? what is your lifestyle? do you prefer workbooks or texts? What are your child's interests? If you really can't decide which to buy, and it doesn't matter to you, perhaps your child could decide. This would help him or her to have a sense of ownership in his education, possibly being a motivation.

Do you have younger ones who will use the materials? Maybe nonconsumable is best for you. Are you a very busy mom? then workbooks might make your life a little easier.

Personally, I think that at this age, workbooks aren't the answer, unless they are used only for one or two subjects. The student should be learning to take notes, write short papers on given topics, doing research on his own. Filling in blanks and multiple choice isn't really thoughtful learning - it's testing to find what they can remember.

Sorry to not have answered your question directly. Hope I helped anyway! Reviews online will always be contradicting, because different things work with different families. That's one of the blessings of home education. We have so many choices. Choose what's right for YOUR family!

I have used Exploring Creation with general and physical science. I would say, if your kids do not like a lot of reading, this may not be the one to choose. The way Dr. Wile has the text set up is kind of irritating, but I got over it quickly. If you are not a science person though, I would definitely reccommend it! My mom is not a science person either, but Dr. Wile made it very fun and interesting! The level of difficulty isn't really difficult. He explains things so well, anyone can honestly read and understand it.

The science experiments are fun, except for a particular one in physical science. You have to write down all of your observations and what you did during the experiment. Then after the experiment, he tells you why this happens, etc. At the end of a section (which is maybe 4 or 5 paragraphs), there is a section called "On Your Own" and there are maybe 2 or 3 questions to answer. After the end of a module, you have a study guide (more like a review) and then you answer all of the questions. Once you are ready, you take a test.I usually go over the study guide after we learn the lesson, so it will stay fresh in my mind. He gives you a list of all the materials you need in the front of the book for each module. I don't have the book with me, but most of it was basic household items. Baking soda, distilled white vinegar, empty soda bottle, etc.

Apologia also has a sample module on their website, so you can form your own opinion. There is also a list of all the science experiment materials you will need.

https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?m...

I hope I helped, and good luck!

Life Pac is great if, and only if, your child likes workbooks. They are written for the average child, not a science geek. (Unless the geeky kid is is so self-directed that he is reading several grade levels ahead just for fun--and I know one that did.) Most worktexts include simple experiments easily done at home. The advantage is that it is well-planned for you. One side-benefit is that because the worktext is consumable, you start a new one every three to four weeks; that can be a big help with motivation because you do get to feel like you are accomplishing stuff.

Exploring Creation With... will take a lot more teacher involvement. If you like "doing" class with your kids, it is very good. It can also be more easily adapted to teach several kids at the same time, even if they are a few years apart. The level of difficulty is more of whatever you make it. It is a lot looser in its style than LifePac, and probably better for a kinesthetic learner.

Exploring Science with... is good information with lots of experiments and activities, but...

We did the botany one and it was fine, as far as religion goes. The flying things one, we quit. We do not home school for religious reasons, and the older student books are so good I tried these. Too much religion. I couldn't get past the "dinosaurs on the ark" in the flying things edition. So, if you are a fundamentalist christian, then go for the Apologia books. But, if not, some have way too much to skip.