What type of "labs" or "activities" are suggested in these books? We are currently doing Apologia, I purchased the lab kit, journal and text, and so far, so good. I do see how the journal isn't needed because of the activities listed in the book, but I really do like the journal! So far, we think Apologia is FUN! However, I noticed that God's Design is cheaper. Quite a bit cheaper, though I don't know how much cheaper it would be if having to buy supplies for their suggested labs?
We've only done one of the God's Design books...about 3 years ago. It was part of the My Father's World curricula, so I don't think we used it the way originally designed. Truly, I liked the reading, but the follow up activities were not stellar....my kids did not enjoy them at all. Of course, we used it how MFW laid it out, not how GD laid it out, so that could have been the problem. My oldest uses the upper level Apologias and we LOVE it. She takes a class with an incredible woman, so that they get the labs in a classroom environment. It's just perfect fit for her. I've never used the younger Apologia's, but have heard, like you, that people really like it. Our coop uses Real Science For Kids by Rebecca Keller - this year they're doing the Chemistry (they use Pre Level 1 for 1-3 and Level 1 for 4-6). My middle has done several of them thru the coop and likes them a lot. This is our first experience with the PreLevel ones, but so far, she's having fun. And the labs seem simple enough that if I had to do them at home, I could.
I'll stick with Apologia I think! I've read countless reviews of people recommending Apologia over God's design, and we LOVE Apologia thus far. I just wanted to save some money if I could! But I'll be using these books for 3 kids, so I guess I'll get my money's worth!
