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HOMESCHOOL REVIEWS
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Saxon Math 54 through Calculus
 Saxon Math 54 through Calculus See the complete review in 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum. The Saxon Math series is hugely popular among homeschoolers, largely because it works so well for students working independently. It is very different in the upper elementary grades through high school from the Saxon program for K-3. See the detailed reviews of each book in Top Picks. There is an extended review of the Calculus course on this website. Saxon two-digit grade level designations can help you figure out the correct grade level for each book, although free placement tests are available at their website. Typically the second of the two digits indicates the grade level usage for average to bright students. The first digit indicates the grade for students working a little below level. For example, Math 76 would be for average to bright sixth graders or for slower seventh graders. Books available are: Also see the review of Saxon Teacher, CD-ROM teaching presentations by an experienced teacher for selected Saxon textbooks. Saxon GeometryHigh school geometry has sometimes been an issue for students using the Saxon texts since Saxon teaches geometry within Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Advanced Math rather than in a separate course. In some situations, students have needed or preferrred to take a separate year-long geometry course, which meant jumping to another publisher. With Saxon Geometry, students now have an option that works in the same fashion as do the other Saxon high school texts. The publisher recommends using it after Algebra 2 since a significant amount of geometry is taught at the end of that text. It makes a natural point at which students can switch over to the full-year course, possibly skipping geometry lessons in Algebra 2. Students taking Algebra 1 in ninth grade might want to use Saxon Geometry in tenth grade in preparation for the PSAT test in their junior year or possibly for other test situations. This, too, will work, but not quite as easily as after Algebra 2. As with the other Saxon texts, Saxon Geometry is written to the student so it is possible for them to work independently. However, it can also be used in traditional classrooms. Anciliary items, including a teacher's edition are available for those who might want to use the text with a class. (These items are not essential!) The text sometimes refers to "working with a partner," although those situations are easily adapted. The text is missing a few points of explanation: asterisks next to some questions indicate problems that should be done in a "classroom setting" with the parent/teacher nearby while other problems can be assigned for independent homework. Obviously, this makes little difference for most homeschoolers. Also, "Geometry Sketching Software" is referenced in a number of the lab activities with instructions for its use, but it is not part of the homeschool kit. This is The Geometer's Sketchpad from Key Curriculum Press. Homeschoolers can purchase it if they wish, but it is a bit pricey. The publisher tells me that it is not essential—students can skip those lab activities. However, students who will go on to higher math, especially computer based math activities, would benefit from use of the software. (Information on The Geometer's Sketchpad and other details regarding Saxon Geometry are not yet available on the Harcourt website, but it should be soon.) Also, one "lab" activity uses a graphing calculator; it walks students through step-by-step from the very beginning for this particular assignment having to do with scatterplots, but it does not really teach broader use of the calculator. Again, you could skip this lesson, but for students continuing on to higher math courses, it might be a useful time to introduce use of a graphing calculator. One feature that assists students with self instruction is the inclusion of sidebars with helpful instructional tips. (Some sidebars throughout the text reference teacher resources available at www.SaxonMathResources.com, but nothing other than standards alignment information is posted at this time. I expect that will change soon as the text reaches a broader market.) There are plenty of word problems and practical applications throughout the text, and many problems incorporate algebra to help keep those skills current. Incremental instruction and continual review are also inherent to the Geometry text. Italicized numbers next to problems indicate the original lesson where the concept was originally taught, so students can easily review. Some concepts are reviewed in the Skills Bank at the back of the book and have "SB" in front of the number. (Note: I couldn't find any explanation of the "SB" to the student so this might need to be pointed out to them.) The content coverage is similar to other geometry courses, although it has a bit more trigonometry than some. Proofs are taught very early and used throughout the course. Constructions with straight edge and compass are taught as labs within the pertinent lessons. Other labs have students do such things as make and use a hypsometer, cut and trace triangles to investigate symmetry and patterns, create and use a spinner to conduct a probability experiment, and use the Geometry Sketching Software. Saxon Geometry is a challenging course. It really draws on higher level thinking skills more than some other courses... another reason why it might better suit students who have already completed Algebra 2. The Solutions Manual provides complete solutions to all textbook problems. The Homeschool Testing Book has tests for every five lessons beginning after lesson 10. The same booklet includes answers along with some detailed explanations, but it does not have complete solutions. The Testing Booklet has three reproducible solution/answer forms that you might have a student use to show both their work and their answers for the tests. The Solutions Manual and Homeschool Testing Book are included with the text in the homeschool kit. Although Saxon Geometry lacks John Saxon's humorous touch, it does provide much more solid geometry instruction than is found in the other Saxon texts. In addition, the extensive work with proofs, challenging applications and skill development suit the needs of students. While the original Saxon series will retain all the geometry and not require the use of this text, it is great to have this option. Geometry review posted July 2009.
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