aplogia science? (astronomy)

[carolineb]

I'm looking into getting the astronomy science to use with my boys. I figured it might be good to start using in now as the weather slowly improves and maybe if there's any night viewing we can do that this summer.

Anyway, is the notebook important? Can I use one book for both my kids? They are going to be K and 2nd grade next fall. Will this be over their heads? They love space stuff.

ETA: also, what about the Lab kit? It's about $70+. Do I need it?

[tallanvor]

We haven't done the astronomy book yet, but as far as the notebook, I would consider the junior notebooks. The notebooks are nice because it helps to reinforce what they have learned. It has pages for them to draw pictures and take notes, there's review questions, a crossword, and other activities. Hold that -- that is in the regular notebooks. We haven't used the junior notebooks, so I don't know specifically what's in them, just that it would also include extra activities to help make the information stick. Now, as far as the lab kit. If you have the money, it is nice to get because then you know you have everything together. However, Apologia labs at this age typically use things you either already have at home or can get for next to nothing and easily -- toilet paper tubes, empty soda bottles, string, boxes, etc.

[Hitchkids]

The notebooks are not necessary but nice. They were an add-on product a few years into the program. You can make your own following the textbook but it might be easier to have one already made depending on what you have more of: time and creativity or funding. As for the lab kits, I do always buy those because everything is included and in one place so I don't have to hunt for anything. Even everyday household stuff because sometimes things disappear around here. If the price is a bit much, there are several different companies that make the lab kits. Some include more than others so search around a bit and see if you can find one that fits your needs better. It's so much nicer for our family if I already have everything for the lab experiments because I'm not always great about reading ahead and planning to have everything on hand.

Another resource I might suggest is the lapbook kits and lesson plans available through Rainbow Resource for the apologia books. Depending on how your kids learn and how much laid out planning you might want/need, they might be helpful.

[ACSNMama]

I had the same question as you, the Astronomy text & Jr journal just arrived last week! I don't regret for a single second on purchasing the jr. notebook. I really feel this will be a good thing to have, like someone else said, to help retain the information, not to mention, it's something they can apply to what has been read.

For me though, I'm not big on planning, and if I "wing" things, I tend to not follow through frequently, so with the jr. notebook being a book full of activities, I can just open and go!!

[2queens&1princenmyhouse]

I haven't seen the Jr notebook, but we got the regular version and I'm considering buying a second notebook for DD2.

[carolineb]

Thanks! If I have 2 students would I need to get 2 notebooks? I'll get the junior since they are 5 and 7.

[ACSNMama]

I'd probably get 2, unless you just split up the work, or have them work together on the questions and or cutting/pasting activities!

[2queens&1princenmyhouse]

My original plan was to have them share one, but once I got the journal and looked at it, I can always see one kid being upset that they got the copy and not the original. That's a $16 battle I'm avoiding.