{Virtual Curriculum Fair 2014} Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science in our Classical Homeschool

January 13, 2014

{Virtual Curriculum Fair 2014} Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science in our Classical Homeschool

For Week Two of the Virtual Curriculum Fair, we are discussing Mathematics, Science, and Logic.

Mathematics

Elementary:
At the elementary level, my nephew is using Math-U-See Alpha. He enjoys working on math skills and we use a lot of manipulatives. Additionally, we are in process of reviewing CTC Math which is an online math tutorial program for elementary through high school.

We supplement our core text studies with educational math apps. A few of my nephew's favorite apps include:
Splash Math
Yodel-Oh Math Mountain
Sushi Monster
Adding Apples

Middle School:
Math was once a source of anxiety and frustration for us. A few years ago, it was our least favorite subject and now it is a favorite with our daughter. We attribute the change of heart to the many engaging math apps that we have available on our iPad. Our daughter learned to love math through the strategy and drill educational games available that presented mathematical skills in a fun format.

This year, our daughter's core math curriculum is Saxon 76. We appreciate the incremental learning which lays the solid foundation for higher math of the high school years.

A few of our daughter's favorite math apps include:
Operation Math
iTooch 6th Grade Math
McGraw Hill Math

Both Elementary/Middle School:
We are in our third year of studies using the Classical Conversations Foundations guide. This guide covers 24 weeks of memory work in 3 different cycles of studies that last one year. This year we are working on Cycle 2. The memory work covered includes geography, history, Latin, math, science, English grammar, historical timeline events. It also covers science projects and fine arts. We use this guide for K-6th grade to memorize 24 weeks of essential math facts.

This guide covers memory work in Geography, History, Latin, Math, Science, English Grammar, and Historical Timeline Events. It also provides additional studies in Science Projects and Fine Arts. - See more at: http://www.thehomeschoolmarm.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_11.html#sthash.g9qgkTJ0.dpuf

We are in our third year of studies with Classical Conversations (CC) Foundations. This guide covers memory work in Geography, History, Latin, Math, Science, English Grammar, and Historical Timeline Events. It also provides additional studies in Science Projects and Fine Arts. - See more at: http://www.thehomeschoolmarm.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_11.html#sthash.g9qgkTJ0.dpuf

Science

Next week, for Week 3 of the Virtual Curriculum Fair, I will share more information about our core science curriculum Science in the Beginning by Dr. Jay Wile. This week, we are exploring science fields such as physics and chemistry.

Both Elementary/Middle School:
At the Elementary and Middle School level, we are memorizing 24 weeks of science facts with the Classical Conversations Foundations guide. In Cycle 2, the memory work covers biomes, planets, laws of motion, and laws of thermodynamics.

As a blogger and curriculum reviewer, I am introduced to quite a bit of educational resources. Currently, our family is reviewing a DVD science curriculum series by Aurora Lipper of Supercharged Science. I will post a full review in the near future!

Here are some brief highlights of what we are reviewing in the Ultimate Science Curriculum.

Astronomy 1

12 week course
17 instructional videos
12 lessons
67 page workbook
Grades K-3

Magnetism

34 instructional videos
23 lessons
109 page workbook
Grades 2-8

Electricity

37 instructional videos
26 lessons
109 page workbook
Grades 2-8

- See more at: http://www.thehomeschoolmarm.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_11.html#sthash.g9qgkTJ0.dpuf

Logic

Middle School:
This year, we are not using a full formal logic program. We do use some logic resources on an introductory basis such as the Logic in 100 Minutes by the Bluedorns of Fallacy Detective.

Next year, we plan to take a formal logic program and I am researching options. Here are a few logic resources that I am checking out:
Art of Argument
Traditional Logic I by Memoria Press

What are your favorite resources for Mathematics, Science, and Logic?