Where can I find an elementary science curriculum placement test? How can I pace my 6 year old?

Question

My son is homeschooled and all his curriculum is 2nd or 3rd grade except for science. He is 6 years old and flying through the textbooks. We are finishing up his 1st grade science book as he quickly learned all the concepts (I didn't want to skip 1st grade science, as it has essential concepts like "matter" and "friction" that are a foundation for higher grades.) Keep in mind that we have gone through this book in 4 weeks. He is literally begging me to give him something more interesting. He selects books from the library about machinary, volcanoes, hurricanes, cells, anatomy, etc. He always wants to go deeper.

I am concerned about buying a 2nd grade science curriculum because it is EXPENSIVE and I don't want to have to buy yet another book in two months. Does anyone have suggestions for what I can do to make sure my son gets all the essential vocabulary and topics covered yet feed his seemingly unending thirst for science? Any good placement tests out there?

Answer 1

I agree with iahp_mom not only for the pricing issue, but also for the content.  K12's science content is *incredible*.  I've done these courses with my son - Science 1-4 and now Physical Science ("8th" grade).  We skipped Sci 5 b/c he knew it already, and jumped over Life & Earth Science for now to concentrate on physics & chemistry (the middle school classes can be done in any order - as long as the child has had Pre-Algebra A before Physical Science).

http://www.k12.com

As others have also said, go to the library and get books.  If you haven't already, go through the many, many Magic School Bus books (easy reader & chapter books), videos, and "guides".  Scholastic Book Clubs also has a MSB home club.

If your DS is 6 and doing 2nd/3rd and flying through science, have you ever had him tested for gifted ability?  I would contact your local school district for testing.

Oh, and The Homeschool Buyers Co-op (free membership) is having another group buy on CyberEd science courses.  My son is doing the Earth Science & Physical Science for fun, independent work in addtion to K12 (I can't feed him science fast enough - like your DS).

http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org

Here is a good site with information on gifted issues:

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org

You find some great ideas there for all sorts of courses, books, etc.

HTH!

Answer 2

Since he is moving so quickly I would go with www.k12.com

With their independent homeschool curriculum you pay by the month ($29 per subject per month or if you sign a 1 year contract it's $22 or bigger discounts for multiple subjects or 2 year contracts) and when you need to move up you do. Their texts are online (you can print them if you wish) and their experiments are great. Take a look.

Answer 3

I've never heard of such thing as a placement test for science. It's not like a sequence of concepts that one can only learn in one order. Science is about topics and concepts and exploration, not about vocabulary that has to be learned in sequence. There is no such thing as "essential vocabulary and topics" for elementary grades. If the science program you are using has a set sequence that builds up, then that's THEIR program; it's not how it usually works. If you look at state curriculums, I'd be willing to bet that different states cover different topics. It's not about essential knowledge.

Make more use of your public library. They will have tons of books geared for kids, including science experiments, projects and more. You don't need a formal program.

Answer 4

What a glorious "problem."  You are reaping the harvest from a job well done.  You have instilled in your baby, a thirst for knowledge.  You've nurtured that God given curiousity.  

If your child has accomplished all the tasks or goals you have set for the year.......try letting HIM guide the rest of the year. Your role would be to follow his lead and facilitate his investigations.   Talk about those things that make him curious.  Investigate them.  You don't need a curriculum.  You have the internet, nature, toys, library books, field trips, and any number of alternative resources.  Let him investigate to his heart's desire.  Take lots of photos of him learning, ask questions and guide him to do experiments.  Plant a garden and watch what happens, go creeking, make  wooden race cars and an adjustable ramp and race your cars while adjusting the incline.  Put the cars on a gravel path, put them on smooth concrete.  See what happens.  

He has done the work to satisfy the "requirements".  Now let the REAL learning begin.  You may want to read some books or articles about Charlotte Mason method or unschooling.  Sounds like you can incorporate some of these ideas and techniques into your homeschooling plans.

And CONGRATULATIONS.  You have done a great job.  Now enjoy!!!!!