Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation

25 Great Homeschool High School Science Curriculum

| 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Several years before I chose a homeschool high school science curriculum, I was feeling anything but calm. Fast forward 20 years and I’ve learned there are many options to teaching high school science right. Check out my how to homeschool high school page for awesome tips.

And it’s hard to go too wrong when narrowing down the options for homeschool high school science.

However, before you can choose the right homeschool science curriculum for your teen you need to determine the answers to these 7 questions.

25 Great Homeschool High School Science Curriculum
  • Will your high school teen pursue a science career and want to dive deep or are you wanting to give him a broad overview?
  • What is your teen’s current attitude toward science? More on that in a minute.
  • How will your goals or expectations affect your teen? For example, will hands-on activities be priority over completing the science text or will a completed text be the only way to count a grade?

Science Curriculum for Teens

And here are the next four questions.

  • Determining the lab component is important. So, will you devote time to understanding how to count labs. By the way, I have you covered. Grab some tips here at my post How to Easily Meet the Lab Component of Homeschool High School Science.
  • Also, because homeschool high school science curriculum has exploded, do you want a Christian-based, secular or even faith-neutral science curriculum?
  • In addition, while not being totally fixated on grades, determine how you will grade? Will you grade only daily work and tests or will participation in discussions with you and hands-on activities be a big part of the grade? And finally,
  • what goals does your teen have? Ask him or her what they want to learn or get from the course.

It won’t take long to think about those seven questions and don’t forget some of this will change depending on the age of your teen.

If your teen is just entering high school, he may change his goals from ninth grade to twelfth grade.

Stay flexible and don’t forget to have fun. The high school years were some of the best years of my journey.

What are the Branches of Science

First begin with understanding course descriptions.

For those of us who are not science majors sorting out the branches of science can be confusing.

All I knew was that in high school, I chose topics I loved for all four years.

Even if the topics are considered subtopics of the main branches of science, it’s still considered a study of science for high school.

I love these simple definitions from Study.Com where it says, “Physical science is the study of non-living things and the laws that describe them. The life sciences, which can also be called biology, have many subsets. The most common ones include botany, zoology, genetics, human biology, nutrition, and medicine. Earth sciences include geology, paleontology, meteorology, oceanography, and ecology.”

Homeschool High School Science Curriculum Sequence

Next, what is important to consider is the sequence.

As I mentioned before whether your teen is pursuing a college track or career track is a deciding factor for the sequence of courses.

For instance, if your teen is pursuing a college track, it’s important that you check first with the college to determine the science sequence and credits needed.

A good rule of thumb is to have your teen do all fours years and a lab. This way the science doors stay open. A teen may decide to pursue a science career five years after completing high school. A solid science background would be important then.

If your child is not pursuing a science career, then probably two or three years of science with a lab is enough. Look below at a couple of sequences for high school science courses.

High School Science Curriculum Sequence

  • 3 years and 1 lab
  • physical science
  • biology and
  • chemistry
  • 4 years and 1 lab
  • biology
  • chemistry
  • earth science
  • physics or an elective

And when I started homeschooling 20+ years ago, below were some of the sequences.

I think they’re still wonderful for our current day.

This one comes from Home Learning Year by Year by Rebecca Rupp. It still stands solid.

And this sequence comes from College-Prep Homeschooling by David and Chandra Bryers.

  • Grade 9 Earth/Space Science
  • Grade 10 Biology
  • Grade 11 Chemistry
  • Grade 12 Physics
  • Grade 9 Physical Science
  • Grade 10 Biology Lab 1/2 credit
  • Grade 11 Chemistry Lab 1/2 credit
  • Grade 12 Physics

Next, something else to not forget is to think about your child’s mathematical abilities.

When you choose courses like biology or earth science first your teen has time to strengthen his math foundation.

My opinion is the sequence depends on your child’s math abilities.

I don’t think there is a right or wrong. If your child needs more time to strengthen his algebra skills, do earth science or biology first.

However, if your teen’s algebra skills are solid by 9th grade, then jump into physics right away.

As you can see there are many paths to cover the 3 main branches of science physical sciences, life sciences, and earth sciences.

Furthermore, look through these high school science curriculum to see the wonderful choices.

And a few pointers will help you in choosing a high school curriculum which meets your needs.

More Homeschool High School Teen Elective Resources

Whether you’re looking for a faith-based resource like Apologia or you are looking for a resource like Abeka’s physical creation, you’ll find a resource here.

In addition, if you prefer more of a secular or faith-neutral approach, look at R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey.

25 Great Homeschool High School Science Curriculum

More Creative Solutions for High School Posts

Equally important is to compare prices and prep time.

For instance, if you choose a course online, would your teen feel pressured to keep up or enjoy being with other teens?

Again, you and your teen’s goals matter. So, don’t let a scope and sequence of any course be the only guide.

High School Homeschool Curriculum

Further, some curriculum are worktexts for students who may not want labs. PAC Works or Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum below are straight worktexts.

Furthermore, rabbit trails or subtopics under the main branches of science can be so fascinating.

Whether your teen wants to study marine biology or take a year studying the night sky it’s still science.

For example, anatomy, zoology, botany, and geology are more fascinating subtopics.

As I mentioned at the outset, you can see why your teen’s interest matter.

More important to me is the experience and hands-on activity. And nurturing my teen’s love for any branch of science.

Sure, we must record keep and maintain credits, but don’t choose completing a textbook over the experience.

I still don’t view myself as a science mom, but I am a science lover and all three homeschooled grads still love science.

What do you think, can you find an option for your teen here?

In conclusion, you’ll love my other high school tips:

10 Best Science Movies for Middle School

| 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’ve rounded up some of the best science movies for middle school. Also, look at my page homeschool middle school for more fun tips.

Whether it’s science fiction or life science, or any other branch, learning through movies nurtures a love of science.

10 Best Science Movies for Middle School

For example, while viewing science fiction movies, students can think about the future or make a prediction about it.

Best Science Movies for Middle School

However, science movies can help your middle school students in more than one way.

  • Movies can introduce topics which may spark an interest prior to high school.
  • Whether you use movies occasionally or more often, your students perception of science events can be changed.
  • In addition, students love a diversion from a routine which may now be boring.
  • And lastly a movie can refresh your student’s mind while sneaking in fun science.

Look at these fun science movies for middle school.

1.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

First, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is also a movie and a book. This could be a complete unit study for both your middle and high school teens. This movie is on Netflix.

Here is what it is about. Against all the odds, a thirteen-year-old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine

Too, this self-paced language arts class based on the book is a great way to get credit for a language arts course. Remember you can get credit in middle school too. In addition, add topics about deforestation and biology to this study.

Look at my Rain Forest – Amazon Unit Study and Lapbook and Carnivorous Plants Unit Study and Lapbook.

Next, another fun movie series is Planet Earth.

2.
Planet Earth

We could literally watch each one several times over. The series is on Amazon Prime if you have it. It’s so worth it. And to hear David Attenborough narrate is well worth the watch.

Below, I have a round up of my unit studies here which will go with the different movies.

The third one is a science fiction move – The Time Machine. It also is on Amazon.

3.
The Time Machine

If you want to have your student learn about time travel or ponder what your viewpoint is on the age of the earth this is a fun movie to use.

You’ll love my lapbook Free Earth Science Lapbook to go along with the movie.

More Homeschooling in Middle School Resources

Next, one of our all-time favorites is Star Trek.

4.
Star Trek

Whether you want to teach about black holes or space, Star Trek is a great movie to ponder those topics.

Science Movies for Middle School

Another fun one we love is Spiderman 2.

5.
Spiderman 2

And learning about a nuclear fusion reaction is a fun topic to consider for a middle school student. Investigating ways to have limitless energy and about the sun make for great writing topics too.

Then Robot and Frank is the next one.

6.
Robot and Frank

Moreover, Robot and Frank make for great discussion and topics about the future will change. What will be considered relics and who will use artificial intelligence are great ideas for your student to consider.

7.
Charlotte’s Web

Additionally, Charlotte’s Web is the next one.

The version on Amazon prime is good to begin a biology topic. Beyond the topic of friendship, pigs and spiders can make for unit studies.

8.
Galileo : On the Shoulders of Giants

In addition, learning about famous scientist makes for a great series. Although the movie is fiction, it nurtures your future scientist’s love for learning about astronomy.

9.
Gorillas in the Mist

Whether you have a budding veterinarian, want to learn about Dian Fossey or about Africa, Gorillas in the Mist is a fun way to learn about science.

10 Best Science Movies for Middle School

10.
Swiss Family Robinson

Lastly, Swiss Family Robinson has to be the original survival study movie. Add these hands-on ideas here to make your science day fun.

For more science fun, look at these other posts:

10 Popular High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

| 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’m sharing ten popular high school chemistry homeschool curriculum. Sorting through popular chemistry homeschool curriculum can be daunting. Check out my how to homeschool high school page for awesome tips.

However, a practical high school chemistry homeschool curriculum should be easy to understand.

Both a non-science oriented teen and strong science oriented teen can find a curriculum to match their interests.

10 Popular High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

Also, I’ve included choices for homeschool chemistry curriculum whether your teen is on a college track or career track.

The beginning of teaching chemistry can seem scary; I’m not sure how a fear of teaching chemistry began.

I know, I felt that way at first too.

However, as a non-science mom and after three homeschooled grads, my love and education for chemistry has grown.

With the right choices of curriculum and ideas, you and your teen can really enjoy the study of chemistry.

Besides, we practice or use chemistry every day.

From the food we eat to watching lightning produce fire, chemistry can be a fun subject to learn.

Once I moved past thinking it was only for science majors, my teens and I could dive into learning even beyond the basics.

The point is chemistry can be fun and should always be hands-on.

And one of my favorite parts is that any science study can be tied to learning the history of it. Chemistry is no different.

5 Pointers Before Choosing High School Chemistry Curriculum

And as you sort through each one, here are a few points to be aware of:

  • A lot of the major providers suggest prerequisites like having completed Algebra 1 and/or Geometry before chemistry;
  • And some providers integrate physics and chemistry because they feel all science subjects are intertwined and best taught together;
  • Still other providers which integrate physics and chemistry don’t require complex math to encourage student curiosity;
  • Too, some courses are a honor course and still others are basic chemistry; and
  • Lastly, pay attention to the credits assigned, if any, and the worldview. Some are secular and some Christian.

High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

Next, look at these ten popular high school chemistry homeschool curriculum.

1. BOB JONES CHEMISTRY

BJU Press offers Chemistry in the 11th grade. They recommend that students should be taking Algebra 2 and Chemistry at the same time. According to their site, students in Chemistry have already completed Algebra 1 and Geometry.

This set is an example of an all-in-one. The complete set has a student edition, teacher’s manual, lab manual, assessments, and answer key. And like their other courses at this level, it is a solid college prep course and strong Christian worldview.

2. DISCOVERING DESIGN WITH CHEMISTRY for non-science student

3. DISCOVERING DESIGN WITH CHEMISTRY, SUPPLEMENT 2 for science student

Then, Discovering Design With Chemistry series were designed for use in 10th grade and require Algebra 1 math level. Too, they have a strong Christian worldview.

Designed as an all-in-one, they also offer video on demand classes.

4. FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY

Another awesome option is Focus On High School Chemistry.

When Real Science 4 Kids came on the homeschooling scene homeschoolers swooned. They’re still swooning at the ease and options offered.

Focus On High School Chemistry is offered for grades 9 to 12. It introduces students to high school basic chemistry and some concepts found in college-level chemistry.

This curriculum goes into more depth than a lot of chemistry high school programs, but does not cover all topics.

You’ll love how the experiments are broken down and easy to implement.

This original series is a one-semester course and can count as half of a high school credit. One more note of detail is that this course has a secular slant.

If your student is wanting a basic overview of chemistry, is undecided about chemistry as a science major, or wants just an overview, this curriculum keeps all options open.

5.FRIENDLY CHEMISTRY

Further, there is a reason this next chemistry option is called Friendly Chemistry.

This high school chemistry curriculum uses friendly language and introduces chemistry in a fun way.

I’ve not looked at the current editions, but some of the first editions had several typos. To some this can diminish the weight of the content.

Although I don’t like typos, I know it happens. I have a higher standard for curriculum providers. But I do not think it is a reflection of the content and the way the chemistry is taught.

Many homeschoolers love using it because their teens can use it independently.

The same lessons are taught in like a traditional high school course.

Unlike some other courses, motivated junior high-aged children complete the lessons in Friendly Chemistry.

Because this is a high school level course, you can count it as a credit because it’s intended to be completed in a year.

6. CHEMEXPLAINED

Next, if your teen prefers to learn online and take a college-prep course, then ChemExplained may be a good option.

Taught by a chemistry teacher, the videos are short and explanations are well.

Too, you’ll want to encourage your teen to take notes while learning.

Additionally, it’s hard to find faith-neutral curriculum.

A faith-neutral curriculum strives to leave religious or secular slants out of their curriculum. If you want to teach your own worldview, this is an option.

7. INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY

Not to be overlooked is Integrated Physics and Chemistry by Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum. I’ve used several of their worktexts and my teens have loved the different courses.

Unlike other programs, the pacs are separate worktexts.

Encouraging the teen to learn independently with minimal supervision is the focus on their courses.

The course has twelve chapters of text and twelve companion student activities.

Whether your student chooses 9th or 10th grade to study Integrated Physics and Chemistry by Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum, it introduces students to the people, places and principles of physics and chemistry.

Also, it is a secular curriculum, but I found it easy to add faith-based ideas.

8. CONCEPTUAL CHEMISTRY

Then another solid choice is Conceptual Chemistry.

As the title of the textbook states there is emphasis on concepts, but with a fun conversational quality.

Non-science majors will love the practical part of the explanations in easy to learn language.

Introducing easy hands-on activities is another strength of this curriculum. With structure to encourage an independent learner, there is enough content to also foster critical thinking skills.

If your will teen will be a non-chemistry major or has a solid, but basic understanding of math, this is a great option. It can be used for any grade in high school.

9. Chemistry in the Kitchen

In addition, Chemistry in the Kitchen by Guest Hollow is a fun slant on chemistry.

Cooking their way through learning chemistry, teens in 9t to 12th grade don’t have to have higher levels of math.

Just a love of science and to learn in a different way are all that are required.

10. Homeschool Buyer’s Selection.

Finally, another popular option is the assortment which Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op offers each year. It’s popular because who doesn’t like to save money when you can.

Each year, Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op will list chemistry options and supplements. Be sure to check what is discounted there too.

10 Popular High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

Be sure to look at my fun ideas for all ages to add to supplement your curriculum.

What do think? Are you feeling a little less intimidated about choosing a homeschool high school chemistry curriculum?

Chemistry Homeschool Ideas

If have some other chemistry homeschool ideas to help make teaching this subject fun like it should be.

12 Great Options of High School Literature Curriculum

| 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Next to math, deciding high school literature curriculum for my first high school teen was scary for me. Today, I will share practical pointers in choosing high school literature curriculum. Also, look at How to Homeschool High School for more ideas.

Looking back after three homeschooled grads, I’ve learned you need to be absolutely clear of your goal.

Choosing curriculum versus stand alone components was confusing as well.

So, I want to help you make a better choice.

12 Great Options of High School Literature Curriculum

First, confusing to me in the beginning was what to teach from high school literature.

Also, how to transition from teaching your child reading to literature wasn’t clear.

Quickly, I learned there is a shift in high school to not just reading a variety of literature, but to analyzing it.

What to Teach With High School Literature

As you can see, the elements you look for in a high school literature curriculum will vary depending on your goals.

If your teen is on a college track, analyzing literature is a basic requirement for most colleges.

However, if your child is on a career track, you decide if analyzing literature will benefit your teen.

That was the part that confused me. My English teacher in high school taught me like I was in an AP Lit class. I was not, but her love for literature was obvious.

The very basic reason why you teach high school literature is to move your child beyond the reading is fun stage. Appreciating why literature moves us, how to be involved in the great conversation, and how to analyze literature is one goal.

Another goal is to help your child appreciate the variety of genre. Think about it.

You have doing this all along as you taught your child to read.

Teaching a love of reading doesn’t stop in high school, but you want your child to now dig into the literature.

In addition, one more thing to be aware of before choosing curriculum is to decide if you need the other components of language arts.

Besides literature, grammar, vocabulary, composition, and writing are other components of language arts.

Teens are normally all over the place on each component of language arts, I encourage you to try to choose just literature curriculum.

High School Literature Curriculum Goals

One huge advantage to choosing just high school literature curriculum which is not tied together with the other components is to save time.

I don’t think teens should get bogged down with the other components when focusing on beautiful pieces of literature.

However, some options I share below is curriculum which does not make deep dives into analyzing.

That too has been a great option some quarters in high school when your teen needs a change of pace from analyzing in depth.

Covering all the components together may be your goal.

The point is your teen, your choices, and your goals should stay front and center when poring over options.

Furthermore, tying literature to history is another fun way to bring both subjects to life.

This is a slant that many teens enjoy.

On top of that, some choices will be more faith-based and others with a secular focus.

Keep all those facts in mind as you compare curriculum below.

12 High School Literature Curriculum

Finally, look at these twelve high school literature curriculum.

  • Progeny Press is another favorite because of how many activities they have and ease of use.
  • Learning Language Arts Through Literature is not as well know today as it used to be. I love it because it’s gentle and has a Charlotte Mason flair. Some years, we just needed light language arts and literature. So, I’m listing it as option. There is both American and British literature options. It’s just a beautiful option
  • Sonlight has been around for years. Started by a homeschool family like some of other companies, it too has a comprehensive language arts program.
  • Total Language Plus is just what it says. All the components of language arts when you want to cover them at one time. We love this curriculum as well.
  • The Art of Poetry is a resource we just absolutely loved. If your teen is wanting to dive deeper into poetry, you’ll love this resource. In addition, this resource can be used for middle school kids too.

These are not all the resources available for you, but they are ones I know will work.

They give your teen guidance; And the best part is they create a love of literature and push your teen out of his comfort zone.

Which ones have you tried?

12 Great Options of High School Literature Curriculum

Look at some more posts which will help you:

Best High School Homeschool Curriculum Packages (Accredited and Not Accredited)

| Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

With the explosion of homeschooling, more families need access to high school homeschool curriculum packages. Check out my how to homeschool high school page for awesome tips.

If a student chooses to do a boxed or all-in-one homeschool program, there is still enough room in lesson planning to make it uniquely yours.

Best High School Homeschool Curriculum Packages (Accredited and Not Accredited)

Let’s face it, life can throw you a curve ball like it did me and I needed the help of laid out plans for my teen.

Besides, using a high school curriculum package doesn’t mean you have to use it exactly the way it’s laid out. That is unless you are using an accredited school.

First, let’s sort out this mystery about the term accredited.

High School Homeschool Curriculum Packages

Back in the day when I coached families whose student wanted to go to the military they had to have a diploma from an accredited school.

That has now changed.

Accredited has NOTHING to do with curriculum. The term accredited applies to a school which voluntarily decided to meet learning standards with certain agencies.

However, if you choose an accredited high school, your teen has to complete and have graded by the school certain parts of the courses.

This is the only way for the school to maintain their accredited status.

Accredited is a way that some parents know that a certain standard is being maintained.

Whether it’s teaching to excellence, credentialed teachers, or higher critical thinking ability, some families are of the opinion that accreditation is a higher standard.

More Homeschool High School Teen Elective Resources

It’s up to you to determine if that standard is high or as high as a private school which is not accredited.

In my 25 years of homeschooling, I’ve seen accredited schools which have too much busy work for my standard.

More Creative Solutions for High School Posts

The same can be said about a parent who has busy work for a teen that is not using an accredited school. A parent may feel that more is best and try to push a kid to be an overachiever.

Accredited and Not Accredited High Schools

On the other hand, I’ve also seen families who do not use accredited schools and their children entered college on full scholarships. As well, teens can enter 4 year universities without accreditation.

Homeschoolers who use accredited schools normally have particular reasons.

  • Because record keeping is done, you may need to show records to an ex-spouse.
  • Some families want to maintain certain standards between schools.
  • In addition, some homeschoolers have had problems getting into technical schools because they didn’t use an accredited school. Although, it’s not required, some technical schools are not informed and want diplomas only from an accredited school. Your best bet is to ask ahead of time if your teen pursues this track.
  • Also, some teens want the accountability with teachers, grading, and deadlines.

Next, let’s dive right into homeschool high school curriculum packages.

High School Curriculum Packages By Schools Not Accredited

The list below are high school packages from companies or a school which is not accredited.

A few more things to know is that with online or print curriculum companies you remain the teacher to guide your students. With accredited schools you use their teachers and adjust to the school’s schedule.

Granted, online schools have added in more flexibility, but again the pace is set to the online accredited school.

In addition, some homeschool companies have set up an online school which is accredited so that they could offer their curriculum through it.

Option for Either Accredited or Not Accredited

Look below at some of the companies who have set up online schools so that their curriculum can be used in the accredited schools. You have choices when you visit the sites.

Your teen can do an independent type of study using their packages.

Or choose a company’s online schools which are accredited.

Accredited High Schools

Then, below are online accredited high schools. There are packages where your child makes a choice for electives.

Each school is different when they offer high school curriculum packages. Some allow you to choose a language arts portion and math portion; other schools have guidelines for what they consider the essentials.

Too, I know some families including myself used an online school when tragedy hit my family. Even so I added in my own subjects too. It was a way for us to pursue what my teen’s goals were at the time, but to have guidance as well.

Best High School Homeschool Curriculum Packages (Accredited and Not Accredited)

Look at the total credits to graduate when selecting a school; choose a school with lower number of credits to graduate if you want to add in your own credits.

This will keep it a doable load for you and your teen.

As you can see there are many paths in high school. Exploring options is key to fulfilling what a successful high school homeschool curriculum package looks like for each of your grads.

You love these other tips and resources: