Planning update... Unit topics

We aren't using a traditional unit study set up this next year. We're deviating from it a tad since dd is getting older and her interests are so wide spread. It isn't practical for her to have one set topic that we pull history, science, and lit (among the other subjects) out. Though, I do have a feeling we'll be back to that in the future. For now, she wants to focus on specific interests within the walls of a subject, so this is what we've ended up with.

I let dd help me select most of the topics, and where we had space or where I had requirements I filled them in. However, true to our form, we give the kid a high level of involvement when choosing what to study (and what materials to use!) Our kids all responded better when they had a bit of themselves invested in the choice. I'm not sure if it is as simple as having topics that interest them, or if it is partially because that investment builds responsibility. Either way, it works. :)

Here's our "Round One"... topics might be edited or changed as I begin planning.

Science: 9 units (4 weeks each)
A Brief History of Science (major discoveries, scientists, movements, etc)
Chemistry
Physics
Astronomy
Genetics
Geology
Archeology/Paleontology
Zoology
Oceanography

History: 9 units (4 weeks each)
Old Testament History (Creation to the Flood)
The Rise of Civilization
Egypt and the Exodus
Ancient Israel
Assyria and Babylon (Mesopotamia)
Persia and the Medes
Greece
Rome
Time of Christ and the Early Church

Home Ec: 9 units (4 weeks each) - undecided on order yet
Fabric Arts:
Sewing
Handicrafts (knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, etc)
Clothing (design and construction to care, thrifting, reusing/recycling, vintage costumes, etc)
*Not to be confused with fashion... my kid isn't a fashion nut. But, she loves designing practical clothes so this is the perspective we're looking from. She also loves looking at historical costumes, so we'll touch on that, too.

Culinary Arts:
Meal Planning
Vegetarian/Vegan/Raw diets
Baking (including decorating, etc)
Food as Medicine

Miscellaneous:
Modesty, Manners, and Etiquette
Unit of Choice (gotta give the kid some room to wiggle!)

Fine Arts: Art will have 9 4-week units following the same structure as the other subjects. Piano lessons will begin. (The kid also wants to pick up the flute again this year, so we'll see how long that lasts!) Art History will be tied into our history unit and touched on during field trips to the local art museum, etc as we learn different techniques. Music Appreciation will be as simple as selecting a style or composer to listen to during the month. I'm sure we'll include some loose learning about the composer simply because curiosity will win and we'll look them up. :) But, it won't be a scheduled subject at all.
Drawing
Painting
Sculpture
Folk Art
Printmaking
Textiles
Recycled Art
Drama
Movie Making/Animation

So far so good. I'm working on my basic outlines for each topic now. It will be slow going. Very slow going. ;)

But, I found a great resource! Paula's Archive has a web page that lists wonderful book selections for math, science, and history! She also has a page of videos (fiction and nonfiction) that corresponds with the basic divisions in history. It's a treasure trove! Some of the resources are even marked as to if they would be better for older or younger kids! It's great. Pop over and look.