I was wondering if anyone has used alpha omega lifepac science. I am looking into using that this year. I use Seton for the majority of the subjects, but was a little bored with their science books. I also didn’t feel that the books had enough subject material in them.
If you did use the course, how did you like it, and would you recommend getting the science kits with it? These are the kits that you can use for the experiments so that you don’t have to go looking for the materials yourself.
I did for K and first grade. I think it is only ok. Have you used Lifepac for anything? It’s all work books really. If you like that then it will be good, but I’m not that into them. I’m using Sonlight for science now, experiments each week, more reading less writing. I like it a lot more. But I do think that you get a lot of good information from the Lifepac science, I’m just not sure it will help with the boring factor.
I guess I was just thinking that because it comes with tests it will help with being able to see if my children are actually learning anything. The Seton book was just reading and a lot of experiments of which we ended up not doing because I didn’t have and couldn’t find a lot of the materials needed to do them. I think that at least with workbooks there is more writing, which I think helps them to retain more than just reading. These are just my thoughts, and that is why I was looking for (name removed by moderator)ut from people who have used it.
So, thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut.
O.K…how about this…can anyone give me any recommendations on a good science curriculum that gives detailed lessons on each subject and has good explanations? Also, one that does not have A LOT of experiments? I’m really having a hard time deciding what to do.
here’s the link to their FAQ on grades and number of students. I think it’d be great for the 4th grader, pretty good for 2nd grade, a fun osmosis learning event for the 1st grader.
BUT I really don’t think kids below 4th grade need a textbook, heavy science program. Exploring nature and how it works is the best thing, imho. Some great nature books, like Jim Arnosky, a little net, a little cage, and a little fun in the sun has done more for my kids early science education than any curriculum.
Those Home Science Adventures are very much a structured form of that and we enjoyed them greatly. Several children were inspired for years afterward. One still loves to bird watch and 2 others have been begging for years for a really good telescope (we bought one but it broke) and a microscope.
Well, you’re right on the testing in LIfepac, there is one bigger test per workbook, and I want to say a couple shorter ones at the end of certain areas, I could be wrong on that though… But I’m not really big on testing, I know others are, no big deal, just difference of approach. And yes it is a lot of writing. It was a big change to go from that to Sonlight, we read about a subject and they answer a few questions. The reading is the focus, not the writing. Again, it’s all about which approach you like (or what the kiddos do well with). You could, if you want the experiments, simply add in experiments with Lifepac to make it more fun. I have a book with a ton of experiments in it, I’m sure if you got a book like that, or simply looked stuff up online, you could find an experiement to go along with the things you’re learning.
I’m new, and am looking for help. Your discussion seems to be the closest to what I’m looking for.
I’m not from the US, but am thinking of homeschooling my kid. Here, we have the option of literally *home *- schooling them or sending them to a center to follow a “homeschool” curriculum.
We do have some limitations though…
My country does not recognise homeschooling.
There are, so far, 3 main-stream homeschooling curriculum here only - Alpha Omega (Lifepac), ACE (Pace) and the Cambridge programme (UK based).
The currency conversion rate into USD is high, so everything is very expensive. Thus, we can’t afford to purchase them directly from the publishers as shipping itself will cost one third of the materials’s cost.
Standard of living where I live is very expensive, thus, both my husband and I need to work in order to maintain a simple lifestyle, and to ensure my kid will have a proper education. We cannot move due to family ties and obligations.
Anyway, I am very upset with my country’s education system and is very keen to take my kid out of it (it being a public school). My kid is also having problems adjusting after one year. She’s now 8 years old. We cannot afford private schools because it is mainly for expatriates and they cost a king’s ransom. There is no more Catholic schools in my country as the government has been working hard in abolishing them.
I am keen on the Alpha Omega Lifepac program which is offered by a “homeschool center” after having read about ACE, and the affordability of Cambridge’s program. However, recently I came across this article keepingitcatholic.org/reviewintro.html on Lifepac, and it’s making me very worried.
I read in your thread that you have been using Alpha Omega. Does it seem as adverse to the Catholic faith as was written in the link? Please share your experiences and observations of your kids with me…thanks…
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And yes it is a lot of writing. It was a big change to go from that to Sonlight, we read about a subject and they answer a few questions. The reading is the focus, not the writing. Again, it’s all about which approach you like (or what the kiddos do well with). You could, if you want the experiments, simply add in experiments with Lifepac to make it more fun. I have a book with a ton of experiments in it, I’m sure if you got a book like that, or simply looked stuff up online, you could find an experiement to go along with the things you’re learning. 
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