Budding engineers, listen up! Engineering is a LOT fun, but a future in engineering requires some math and science.
My 14 year old will be participating in the First Lego League in which he will 1) Build and program a small robot to accomplish challenges and 2) investigate a research topic then prepare a presentation. Both activities culminate in a competition with other teams at a regional tournament. This is to build build science, engineering and technology skills.
My question is what exact subjects do I categorize this into: obviously science, but which science exactly and since he will be researching and speaking, would it be considered English or Social Studies as well? And how will this look on his transcripts?
Thank you for your help.
~Esther in Washington
Dear Esther,
My son did a class much like that as an Introduction to Engineering. He took the class in COLLEGE
I would call the class an Introduction to Engineering class. Use all of the experiences within that league as one single class to make it a big, beefy credit. At the end, estimate how many hours he spent with it. 120-180 hours is one high school credit. All the papers and speaking will all be part of his science credit.
One word of warning. When kids like engineering, they do need to cover the basics of biology, chemistry, and physics while they are in high school, so eventually he will need to cover those things as well. This is sort of an elective-science, but he will also need the regular sciences in order to do well in college engineering. Science, engineering, and technology degrees also require a lot of math. Make sure you are working consistently on math every day during the school year, so a lack of math doesn’t become an impediment later on.
How did they teach themselves Biology? Did they do dissections and was it a lab course? I am planning to teach them Apologia Biology this year, but it’s the one subject I didn’t think they could teach themselves, even though they’re waaay more gifted in science than I am. Did you just give them the book and a schedule and let them go for it? I would really love to know, as I’m feeling very intimidated by the time requirements of Biology! Thanks so much! ~ Lisa
Dear Lisa,
Learning to be independent is a process, and biology usually comes along pretty early in that process. I’ve seen children successfully learn biology on their own, but we were just beginning the process of independence at that point. I’ll be glad to share how we did it – just remember that every child and family is unique.
We used Apologia Biology as well. I did have a list of assignments that told them what pages to read or what lab or test to complete. I prepared that during the summer months. It was in a checklist format, so I could easily see if it was checked off each day.
With biology we had a morning meeting like I described in a earlier blog post: Homeschool Accountability – Try a “Morning Meeting”. During that meeting, I went over their vocabulary words, and would sometimes ask them questions found in the book (not very often – I didn’t have it all together that much!) They were responsible for reading the chapter on their own. I think going over the vocabulary helped the most. That’s a tip I read in a book about college success; if you know the vocabulary words you can pass most college tests.
The labs were a little different. I’m a nurse, and I love biology. I loved every dissection and every microscopy lab. Sometimes I had trouble giving the microscope to my children to use, but I don’t believe I taught them anything. I was present in the room when they did their experiments. With biology labs kids are either working with expensive microscope equipment or are wielding sharp dissection tools. Not wanting them to get hurt, I was always in the room. They read the labs on their own. They followed the directions, and I watched – usually while getting some laundry folded.
Once complete, I would leave them alone to complete the lab write-ups. I asked them for a paragraph of what they did and learned, and a drawing, graph or chart explaining the lab. At the end of the day I would look at their lab report to make sure they truly had a paragraph (not a sentence) and they had some sort of chart or drawing. If those things were present and I understood from their lab report the purpose of the experiment and what happened, then I gave them 100%.
When it was time for a test, I simply handed them the test, confiscated the solution manual and walked away. I corrected the tests when they were working on their next course. I gave them the grade, and wrote it on a piece of notebook paper I kept in their binder. Then had them correct their answers.
I suppose you could say they were learning independently. They did all the reading, and I didn’t lecture (except about how expensive the microscope was. ) They did the experiments with an adult standing by. Perhaps I did try to teach them how fun and exciting biology is, because I remember I did a lot of squealing, but it didn’t work. Of all the sciences, they liked biology the least.
I know other successful mothers who took a much more hands-on approach. Dealing with learning challenges, they may read the entire chapter, or carefully assist them in following directions for labs. It’s important to remember to do what works for YOUR family. Some parents may want to judge others, and call it “spoon-feeding.” I think it’s important to remember that some students will learn and thrive with one-on-one tutoring because of challenges that others don’t understand, so do what works for your student,
regardless of what others say or think.
In the four years of high school I became less involved each year. The following year I found that chemistry didn’t require as much help, so we didn’t include it in our morning meeting. The labs were rarely dangerous, so many times I would just peak in. With physics I felt completely overwhelmed, and I didn’t understand any of it. They worked completely independently with that science.
I hope that helps! Learning to become independent is a process that has to start somewhere and then build.
Although I took calculus in college…. OK, that’s not completely true. I actually took calculus TWICE in college because I failed it the first time!
Allow me to start again…
Although I have taken calculus repeatedly, I don’t actually know any calculus now. In fact, from the time my kids were in Algebra 2, I was completely lost. My boys both used Saxon Math with DIVE CD’s for Advanced Math and Calculus, and we supplemented that with The Teaching Company course called “Calculus Made Clear”. The boys managed to learn calculus without me. I watched them do the assignments. I smiled when they told me about complex concepts. I nodded wisely as they would work out tough problems, I observed them use the solution manual to work out each problem. I did everything supportive I could … except teach.
I primarily added value by confiscating the answer key when I gave them tests, but they did great on the tests even without it. The hardest part was correcting their tests. I didn’t even know what the symbols meant! Using skills I had mastered in Kindergarten, I just made sure their answers looked exactly like the answer key. They basically taught themselves Calculus! Unbelievable!
The upper subjects like Calculus and Physics can be very intimidating, but it IS possible. If you are facing an obstacle, whether it’s upper math or whatever, be brave! You will be amazed at what your kids can learn! Give them the opportunity and see if they can fly!
Saxon does a fine job with math. My nephew is a high school calculus instructor, and he is a HUGE fan of Saxon math. If Saxon is a fit for your child, it’s a great curriculum. I do have an article on choosing math which may help decide on a math curriculum: For the Love of Math.
Here is a link for a great sale on Saxon math. It runs now through August 31.
Do you like getting this sort of help for homeschooling high school? Gold Care Club members get extended answers to their most challenging high school issues.
“Do you have a recommendation for a high school statistics curriculum?”
Cheri
Dear Cheri,
The programs I’m most familiar with are usually used as electives, rather than a standard math course.
I love the Teaching Company Course called Statistics Made Clear. It’s best for visual learners, or when you don’t need it as a math class I also like Statistics the Easy Way, by my son’s mentor Dr. Doug Downing.
It’s best for kids that learn through literature, and again, it’s not a perfect math class.
That would be fun for a child that enjoys politics and current events. Life of Fred Statistics is another literary book, but a fuller math class. Since it covers a whole year of college statistics, sometimes it’s a little bit too much.
Some textbooks do it one way, and some do it the other way. They all try to convince you that THEIR way is the RIGHT way! It doesn’t matter mathematically which one comes first, to be honest.
High school children might benefit if they have geometry before 11th grade, for purposes of the PSAT and SAT.
There is quite a bit of geometry on the PSAT. In order to get the National Merit Scholarship, you have to have completed geometry by 10th grade. But you know, the National Merit Scholarship is only ONE reason to take the PSAT. Very, VERY few people get the scholarship. You have to be in the top 1/2 of 1 percent in the nation (in general.) The other purpose for taking the PSAT is just for the practice needed for the SAT. It gives kids practice with sitting in a large group and filling out bubbles, it gives them practice with a test where they can’t know all the answers, and it gives them practice with the format of the SAT. In other words, the PSAT has two purposes; for fun, and for profit. Here is an article that can clarify it a bit more.
Taking geometry FIRST when kids are in 10th grade makes sense. It can increase your test scores, thereby increasing financial aid from colleges. Geometry and algebra are quite different skills. But geometry includes some algebra 1 skills, so it’s sort of a nice year-long review of algebra, giving kids a chance to really digest and “become one” with algebra 1 concepts.
For most people, what comes first doesn’t matter. The most important think is that your child is learning math consistently each year.
I have a new homeschool high school Twitter site. Get all the homeschool posts of parents homeschooling high school by joining my Twibe.
Do not shy away from the creation-evolution debate. While not critical for younger children, high school students need to have some understanding on both sides of the debate. Although we didn’t shy away from the debate in our homeschool, I wish I had covered the topic even more.
Students need to become informed so they can provide reasoned arguments for their beliefs. Without understanding the issue, they can’t reasonably form their own belief system. They need the information for some tests, particularly the biology AP and CLEP exams.
As they leave your home, they may begin to question their beliefs. I felt that I had done a good job of covering the issues. We had numerous books on the topic at home, and we used Apologia sciences, which has an explanation of the creationist viewpoint. We didn’t shy away from evolution, and some of our school books had an assumption of evolution. My children understood the concepts of evolution, and could explain their beliefs to others.
Even so, one of my children has since wondered if I didn’t cover evolution enough. I carefully explained (again) our many discussions and books on the issue. I think he was remembering only the creationist material, and had forgotten the other material. it was interesting to me that he would have preferred MORE information on evolution. He felt that it could have prepared him better in college.
If you are concerned about evolution in your home, consider carefully the age of your student. At some point you want them to become an adult, and learn about variety of different opinions so they can develop their own. You want them to face the culture with their beliefs firmly attached – beliefs based on fact, rather than ignorance. With information and discussion you can strengthen your child’s ability to stand firm.
I’m a huge fan of Apologia sciences! I believe it’s wonderful college preparation, and that their Biology, Chemistry, and Physics can provide the highest quality college prep education.
On the other hand, I have heard mixed results from their General Science and Physical Science curriculum. These are recent additions to Apologia, actually. Years ago, they only provided Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Prior to that, the author Jay Wile recommended using unit studies to encourage the love of science in middle school. He suggested saving textbooks for high school.
Home school lab sciences can mean almost anything. There is no true definition of what a lab science is. You can read more about the definition of a lab science in this blog post
Lab science equipment can be purchased from many sources. Most often I recommend purchasing the Sonlight science kits; Apologia Biology with everything you need for experiments Or www.hometrainingtools.com
We did our labs at home, using materials from Sonlight, HomeTrainingTools, and Apologia. My children were well prepared for college, and both earned “As” in their first year of college sciences. I really do think that homeschooling science labs can give a great foundation!
Although you can use General Science and Physical Science for high school credit when taken at high school age, I do not recommend giving high school credit when the courses are done during middle school.
Click here to read more about why teaching your high schooler is highly overrated.
Any suggestions on how to incorporate cartooning into completing math assignments? So far, my son has come up with 1001 ways to destroy a math book. You can do anything in cartoons, but in reality, you can learn algebraic concepts.
I have no ideas for actually incorporating cartooning into algebra (LOL!)
I have seen cartooning as an art, as occupational education (when you make it a business) and as a technology credit (when you do it though computer programming rather than drawing.)
I know that each parent can determine what is right for their own child. My job is to support independent homeschooling, however. When I get questions about alternative education programs, I don’t want parents to feel that I’m being judgmental. On the other hand, I do try to point out alternatives that retain independence, so you can ensure the successful education of your child.
What about online lab material. Have you seen anything like this available for “private” homeschoolers? What do you think about the virtual labs? My son thinks they are very cool and has heard online college classes are using them.
~Kelly in Colorado
Online and alternative education classes may be appealing because they are often free. The big problem is that this kind of material is only financially free – there are other costs involved. Online classes with accredited programs often are rigid and inflexible, with strict rules requiring certain things. That can limit your ability to teach your child in the way they learn best. It’s important to recognize that while classrooms progress in a plodding, standard speed, children don’t learn that way. Kids learn in spurts. In classroom setting (physical or online classrooms) kids may get frustrated when the class goes to fast or bored when the class goes too slow.
If you are feeling tempted by online science materials, consider free materials that are available to independent homeschoolers. There are many colleges that offer online classes in a variety of subjects. MIT is just one example, with their free online classes called “Open CourseWare”
You can also find high quality science lectures in the library. Although not a lab science, the learning is fabulous! The Teaching Company course are available in most libraries. You can find a course you like here.
A simple google search of “online virtual labs” will provide abundant material for every branch of science, with labs tied to many different books. Some online virtual labs are intended for high schools, and others are tied to particular textbooks. There is some amazing free material that anyone can enjoy!
I have recently had a few clients contacting me about alternative education and accredited programs. A few of them have had their children fail online classes due to illness, and are now facing a devastating-yet-official grade point average. One mother paid for an expensive program, and her daughter earned a 1.75 GPA for her first year of high school. Ouch! The appeal is easy to see, but the costs may be hidden until a year later. My advice is to tread carefully, and search for alternative that support your independence as a homeschooler.
The HomeScholar Gold Care Club will give you the comprehensive help you need homeschooling high school.
New Location: First Evangelical Presbyterian Church
You are invited to attend the third annual “Washington Homeschool Science & Engineering Fair” on 3/20/10 from 2-5 p.m. in Renton, WA.
Attached is a Student Registration Form due 2/28/10. Each student needs an Adult Volunteer available at the fair to listen to other students’ projects. Additional volunteers are needed for families with more than two children participating. Each student will give four presentations to four different adult volunteers. Each Adult Volunteer will listen to four presentations and fill out feedback forms.
Visitors are welcome, but must remain quiet during presentations and during the awards ceremony. *The best way to observe the fair is to volunteer to listen to students’ projects as an Adult Volunteer.* It’s very easy and will give you ideas to help your own children. Please contact me at WHSEF@dorealthings.com if you would like to volunteer, but do not have a student participating.
A brief training for Adult Volunteers will be held from 2:15 – 2:30 p.m. All Adult Volunteers must attend this training.
The new fair location is larger and easier to find. Unfortunately, there is a facility fee so the participation cost is $10 per student. Please let us know if this would provide a hardship for your family.
WHSEF Schedule:
2:00 – 2:15 Project Setup
2:15 – 2:30 Adult Volunteer Training
2:30 – 4:30 Student Presentations
4:30 – 5:00 Awards Ceremony
Each student participant will receive a medallion during the Awards Ceremony. Students will not be judged against each other nor receive placement awards at this fair.
Participation in the Washington State Science Fair March 26 & 27 is strongly encouraged . Registration deadline for the State Science Fair is March 13th. (If you live in Pierce or Thurston Counties you would attend the Regional Fair instead of the State Fair on the same dates. http://www.plu.edu/~scifair .
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