<p>My DD is in 8th grade and intends to go to Boarding School next year. She is in a public school and has available time in the evenings. She would like to accelerate her Math from her current Alg 1 Honors to Alg 2 in boarding school, and to self-study Geometry next semester (1 year compressed into 1 semester). She would also like to goose her SSAT on Jan 10 by attempting one or two geometry problems, and is willing to start her studies right now. Any suggestions for self-study? Khan Academy? We would prefer something that covers a full geometry curriculum and has assessment tools (i.e. a home school curriculum), as this is our first attempt at home-schooling/self-study.</p>
<p>I would recommend a geometry textbook in addition to online tools if you want to be sure you cover everything. I sort of skipped geometry (middle school math was very messy for me), so I’m not familiar with what textbook would be better, but you could ask your school what book they use to ensure you’re teaching the same topics.</p>
<p>Online sites / other things that I’ve used or heard people use:
[ul]
[li]**Khan Academy:<a href=“khanacademy.org”>/b</a> I use it only for specific topics, since their organization is still somewhat chaotic, but it’s very useful. I believe most people use it in addition to a textbook, math class, or something else.[/li][li]**Maths is Fun:<a href=“mathsisfun.com”>/b</a> Again for specific topics, but they’re typed webpages which I find easier to understand than videos. They cover algebra to calculus (I think), and are colorful and easy to understand.[/li][li]**Purple Math:<a href=“purplemath.com”>/b</a> More in depth and proof based, but not as easy to read, so I used it sparingly.[/li][li]**Paul’s Online Math Notes:<a href=“tutorial.math.lamar.edu”>/b</a> It’s good for differential equations / calculus, and I think they have algebra too. I’m not sure about geometry, but I’ll leave it here just in case it’s useful for something.[/li][li]**Life of Fred:<a href=“series%20of” title=“textbooks”>/b</a> I really disliked it, but I’ve heard some parents say it’s the only way their kids would do math. They’re a series of “stories” where Fred does stuff and teaches math. It’s easy to read and very informal, and there’re also no actual assessment tools, as far as I know.[/li][/ul]</p>
<p>I hope that helped you a bit, and good luck with self-learning geometry!</p>
<p>Take a look at Chalkdust geometry. It is DVD/textbook based, not online. But it is very thorough and challenging. My 8th grade daughter is using it. It is expensive but can occasionally be found used.</p>
<p>Does SSAT really ask question about highschool geometry? If not then it’s maybe better for her to review some basic geometry in SSAT prep book. The geometry section in the College Board official SAT prep book could work too. It’s short.</p>
<p>For long term study of geometry with challenging problems, the Intro to Geometry book written by AoPS is a good book. She can also take AoPS online class.</p>
<p>@coolweather, there is basic geometry, and then there is some more advanced geometry on the SSAT. Just reviewing the study guides is probably enough to give her a couple more points and enhance her score.</p>
<p>My thought is to continue it for the semester if I start it, since she does love math, but doesn’t take time for self study (do any of us?). It could be a ‘project.’</p>
<p>I had not thought of AoPS for plain-vanilla geometry. Great suggestion, thank you.</p>
<p>Math U See, Saxon, or Singapore might work for you too. I don’t know how your daughter likes to learn or what topics you would like to cover, but those books could help you out. </p>
Personally I hate Khan Academy. I think they’re so dry they suck any love out of the subject.
Aside from what’s on any test, a big part of the beauty of Geometry-- particularly for someone who love math-- is the study of mathematical proof. But it’s hard to learn on your own.
To be honest, while I’m sure your daughter will learn enough to do well on tests, my personal opinion is that she would be missing out on what I love most about Geometry.
I used Thinkwell for Algebra 1. It goes very deep into the lessons and covers more than what you would get in a physical classroom. I used it as a supplement in the summer to prepare for 8th grade. It’s relatively cheap and has multiple courses covering every high school math class and calculus. The video lessons and quizzes are in depth and go into everything. The geometry course is taught by Dr. Edward Burger. He is the same guy that taught the Algebra 1 course I took, so I know your daughter would learn a lot like I did. There is a free trial available if you want to test the quality. When I eventually skipped geometry I used a course from Duke TIP, but I believe Thinkwell is a much better option.
I bought the AoPS Intro to Geometry for my son and he self-studied it. It took him a year of doing it off and on, mostly on, but he learned a ton. In order to do it, the kid must be pretty disciplined.
Thank you @bjkmom. I am just looking for a little boost to her SSAT at this point, not to supplant the learning of proofs. I do agree with you that geometry is very important even if only for that reason alone.
Thanks @Hamion and @yearstogo! The self-discipline thing is always difficult.
Self-study isn’t the only option for AoPS. They have classes, and they’re wonderful, and very reasonably priced. My daughter did all of her high school math through their courses.
