When it comes to homeschool co-ops, science is always the most popular class. Parents like it because many are fearful of science or just uncomfortable with the experiments. Co-op classes can ensure science is getting done and (hopefully) done right. Students like science at co-ops because experiments are usually more fun with friends!
What Makes or Breaks a Co-op Class
I have found that as both a teacher and as a parent, both the instructor and the curriculum can make or break the homeschool co-op science experience.
An instructor who loves science and is excited about it, can spark or fuel the love of science in their students. They don’t have to have all the answers, but they need to at least have a grasp of the subject and not be afraid to get their hands dirty. Science is a hands-on study!
If you have an instructor that is apprehensive, doesn’t know the material or is just plain boring, they can kill the excitement and the students’ love of science. Choose your instructors wisely!
A good curriculum is essential to a successful co-op science experience. The curriculum should have a text portion that explains the subject well, but doesn’t overwhelm. It should have lots of hands-on activities to support the text and improve understanding.
Many co-ops will assign the reading during the week and will review and do the experiments in class. I like curriculum that have a few hands-on activities that students can do on their own at home, as well. Being able to follow the directions is an important part of the process of science.
Why Apologia Science Works For Co-ops
In my experience, Apologia Science works really well in a co-op setting. It contains all the things I look for in a good co-op science program.
- Apologia is written in a conversational style that explains the material well, doesn’t overwhelm, and works across age groups.
- There are lots of hands-on projects throughout. All can be done easily at home, but some lend themselves to be more fun and interesting in a group.
- The Apologia Notebooking Journals can ensure that the students did indeed read their material from week to week. Not keeping up with the text can be an issue.
- Study Guides at the end of each module keep everyone on the same page. These study guides are very comprehensive and are an excellent way to prepare for a test.
Find More Science Resources
Head over to Apologia’s blog for the Homeschool Science Share and Tell link up for more homeschool science resources!
I teach science in a co-op using (Human anatomy and physiology). This has worked well as it means that all the children can have the same background reading before class and start on an even playing field. The format is attractive. The only issues have been people joining the group later in the year (I’m in the UK where groups are much smaller)- should those people buy the book or not and the cost of the books. Very few people have the notebooking journal although it is useful due to the added cost. We plan to use another Apologia elementary book next year.
YES! I’m using Land Animals for the co-op I teach weekly. Kids are learning so much!!
Our co op uses Apologia for elementary years, but BJU for middle/high. Can you explain how you use Apologia at the middle/high school levels?