Make science fun again, please

This has been my 1st year homeschooling my girls. We used the abeka curriculum, and found that it was a lot of memorization and tests. I would like something that would be more hands on, and experiment oriented. Can someone recommend a more hands on science curriculum, and one that won't break the bank?? thanks.

 

oops- forgot to mention that my girls will be in the 7th grade next year, thanks.

 

I'm trying "Christian Kids Explore Biology". Can't really recommend it, because we haven't done it yet, but it looks promising!

 

for that age have you looked into supplementing with science int a nutshell kits?

 

My dd did Christian Kids Explore Chemistry Level 2 and loved it! (I have the book for sale if you're interested) She is now VERY interested in Chemistry because of that book! She thought it was fun, and was able to do most of it herself. Here's a review: http://www.eclectichomeschool.org/reviews/individual_review2.asp?revid=2431

She wanted to do Chemistry again, so this year we're going with NOEO Chemistry. http://www.noeoscience.com/chemII.html

One that WOULD break the bank, but looks good, is Rainbow science. http://www.beginningspublishing.com/

 

thanks I will check out all the suggestions.

 

Hslda told me about a science at http://www.tchg.com I am looking at that.

 

we are doing apologia physical science for 7th grade. My dd loves it, and it, and there are lots of experiments/hands on activities

 

Deena, when I looked at the noeo site, it looked to me like up to grade 6 only? Or have I misunderstood?

 

Science? We're supposed to teach them science, too?? :shock:

 

thanks

Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate the feedback. After a year of going through reading and memorization- we need some hands on activities and labs. I think because we were trying to reinforce reading comp. that it was good, but I can see they would get bored quickly.
I will check out the apologia physical science for 7th grade and what a coincidence---I had found the tank from another web search that I did online..so maybe the confirmation I need? I just couldn't figure out how many tanks we would need...etc.
One of my girls is ADD like her mom and needs hands on activities to learn, she learns through doing. My other is sight oriented. I'm still trying to figure me out...lol.
This year because it's my 1st I've used a package curriculum, and it did help, but need to find more individual fittings for us.
thanks for all your help- what a neat place to come.:lol:

 

Has anyone suggested Considering God's creation science? Eagle Wings puts it out, we got it cause it has everythign you need for teaching it in the teaccher book, it has stuff to say, and extra stuff, fun stuff ideas etc. Then the kids work book has cut and paste stuff that may seem young but is really good for my 10 year old this year! He loves art,
Plus there are detective pages that he loves cause you get to be a science detective and figure stuff out.
check it out on CBD.com and there are pages you can look at.

 

I found a cool website called home training tools and they have lots of cool supplies for doing experiments, everything from frogs to disect to electric circuit boards. Looks fun!

 

Yes, we've gotten the stuff for science experiments from them for a few years---they're good!