Apologia Science

"Apologia" - What does it mean?
(pictures are the 1st Edition of Physical Science; links to bookmarks and schedule are to General Science) 
Apologia Science for Jr. High and High School is written by a scientist, Dr. Jay Wile, especially for homeschoolers, and for those whose parents may not know a whole lot about science.  (that's me!)
There is a toll-free number that students can call if they need help.  They'll be transferred to the correct teacher.  =)
1-888-524-4724
I've already called this number many times with questions about the curriculum, and it is now on my speed-dial!  =D

Apologia science is written in a conversational way for the student to understand, so there is no teacher book.  I've heard it seems wordy, but I've read several chapters, and it doesn't seem that way to me.   =)  I especially love that he thoroughly explains the experiments and what they are intended to teach.  I have understood things reading through the first couple of chapters that I never really had before.  After 3 days, my 9^th grade daughter said she no longer dreads science.  YEAH!!!  Two cousins are using it also, and after one day, one told me now she really “gets it” about atoms and molecules.  The cousins and my daughter are all doing Physical Science, so we are doing experiments at my house!  =)
5/5/12 ETA: One of my daughters' friends joined us for science this past year, and she said she never used to like science.  She has asked twice if I'm continuing classes this fall, and her sister will be joining us. =)

Some people call this science “easy.”  Yes, it is very clear, and easy to understand, but not too easy.
Make no mistake; your child will need to study.  Some have even called it “college prep.”  Don’t let this scare you, either.  It is a great course to prepare your child.  It is so clearly presented, they will have an excellent understanding if they read carefully and study well.
I still want to get a couple of the elementary books when I get the money.  Anatomy, and maybe Botany and/or Astronomy.  (10/2011 - I now have Anatomy and Botany!)

This science is taught from a Creationist perspective, and yes, it is mentioned often throughout the book.  That is why the books are titled Exploring Creation through Physical Science/Biology, etc. (I’ve read reviews where some people did not like God being “thrown in all the time”.  I would think from the title they would expect this…)
I do love this because it is teaching my children that God is the reason everything exists, and He knows what He’s doing!  What better way to explain this than through Biblical science!  The teachings not only have thorough scientific explanations, they also help disprove evolution and other misconceptions.  I do not want my kids to be swayed by only being presented one view by the media, which often does not present all the facts...  Too many people believe something because “it was on the news.”  My children should know the Biblical and scientific answers for these kinds of things. 
I’m probably stepping on some toes here!  =)

Another blogger's review.  I like this paragraph: "My daughter used this text last year. While she had been exposed to many science topics through books, short-term studies, classes and workshops, Exploring Creation with General Science was the first time I used a comprehensive program for the entire year. It was also my daughter's first exposure to tests, in-home labs and lab reports. In a way, General Science pulled all her previous science experiences together for a big picture view and preparation for more rigorous study."
All I can say is ditto!  I realized as we progressed into the book (we are now finishing Module 6 of Physical Science), other curriculum are more spiral in their year-to-year approach, whereas Apologia is very thorough within one year.  =)

Here is the link for the General Science that Apologia suggests for 7^th grade, but some use it for 8th or even 9th.
The chapters are called Modules.
You can click on Sample Module for the first chapter.
For other grades, go to Apologia.com, click on Products, Science, Jr. High & High School, and click on the course you want.
(The elementary grades are written by a different author, and the best I understand they are mainly one topic per year. There is Zoology 1, 2, and 3, Astronomy, Botany, and Anatomy - not to be confused with the highschool Anatomy.)

Here is another website.  Apologia does not have a schedule; they just say do a module in about 2 weeks. 
Donna Young has a schedule made out.  Yay!  I have to have a schedule!  Under the link I gave here, scroll down and see the two schedule types and descriptions.  On the right, under Schedule 1 or Schedule 2, click on a Module (chapter) to see the schedule.
This schedule has a few suggestions for various experiments.  These are very helpful.
I punched holes and put this in a binder.

Also on the Donna Young website there are printable bookmarks for the student to use (see links on the right of her website).  One bookmark per module (chapter).  The General Science seems to only have bookmarks corresponding to Schedule 2.
The bookmarks have the vocabulary and abbreviated schedule for each module.  I print mine on cardstock (3 bookmarks to a page), and punch holes on the right side of the page so I can cut off the upcoming chapters’ bookmarks one at a time.
The schedule and bookmark links go with General Science, the first edition.  Also note that each grade seems to have different layouts on the website page.  Probably created at different times.
For other grades or editions, go to DonnaYoung.org, click on Science, Apologia Science, and the course you want.  You may need to scroll down and/or click on another tab to find the edition you want.  Each page for each course is not laid out in exactly the same way.


Here is another link that I have found to be extremely helpful.  A homeschool Mom who teaches Apologia Science in a co-op has written this blog.  At the top, just click on Physical Science, or Apologia Biology.  There are links here that show experiments throughout the year with suggestions.
ApplieJuice.wordpress.com


I'm using the books, not the CD-ROM, and I’m using the 1st edition because I can find it cheaper on Amazon than buying new 2nd edition.  =)
With Biology, we used the Audio CDs since I think the kids need to hear the pronunciations as the book is read.  Also... Since the Biology only had Audio CDs available for 2nd edition, we had to use the 2nd edition textbooks as well.  I knew my mildly dyslexic ds would need this!
If you need Audio CDs, before purchasing a 1st edition textbook, check with Apologia to see if any 1st edition are still available.


There are 5 main components to Apologia Science, but you can do it with just the first 2 listed here:
1. The student text book ($65) has questions throughout the chapter called On Your Own.  The answers to these questions are at the end of each chapter. 
Also at the end of each chapter, there is a Study Guide, much like a Chapter Review.
2. There is a Solutions and Test book,($20) that has the answers to the Study Guide. This book also has the tests and answer key to the test.  If you purchase it new, they include a packet of tests separate from the book.  I'm making copies of the tests from my used book. (this is allowed)
3.  There is also a Companion CD ($15) that has word pronunciation, animated illustrations and I think video clips that go along with the text.  I do not have one of these yet.

~OR~ you can get the Full Course CD-Rom ($65) which replaces 1, 2, and 3!  The text is on the computer for the student to read, and the illustrations, pronunciations, etc. are integrated in the text.
--There are 2 CD’s with the Full Course.  One is the student text with integrated Companion CD, and one is the Solutions and Tests.
--It does not read the text aloud.  If you don’t mind a computer-sounding voice, you can download NaturalSoft Reader (free) to read the text for you.  Or get the paid version.  I like Paul's voice!  =)

4.  If you have a child that is dyslexic, you may be able to receive the audio CD ($15) free.  =)
The audio reads the text only, not the tables/pictures, experiments, or questions, so you would still need the student text.
5.  There is also a tutorial DVD for the computer.  (Computer must be able to play DVDs.)  Price varies, depending on where you buy it.  (about $100-150) 


►Read more about each component here.

As always, products/prices change.  
Before buying, check the info.