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Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation

An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Biology Lab Supplies High School

October 21, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Here is an easy beginners guide to biology lab supplies high school items that are must haves for any biology curriculum you opt to use. And look at my page How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science for more fun teen ideas.

Biology in high school can be one of the most exciting science subjects, especially when you add hands-on experiments.

An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Biology Lab Supplies High School

Dissections, microscope slides, plant studies, and chemical tests help students truly understand how life works, rather than just reading about it.

But when you’re homeschooling, stocking up on biology lab supplies can feel a little overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need a full professional laboratory to give your high schooler a rich biology experience.

With the right basic tools, safety gear, and materials, you can run nearly all the experiments in most homeschool biology curricula.

This guide will walk you through the essentials, nice-to-have extras, and budget-friendly tips for building your own homeschool biology lab that will last throughout your child’s high school.

MORE HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HOMESCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE

  • How To Combine High School Homeschool Marine Biology Curriculum & Notebooking
  • Fun High School Science Games About Ocean Life
  • High School Marine Life Art Ideas & Easy Eagle Ray Art
  • Marine Science Experiments For High School Made Easy
  • High School Science Movies for Homeschoolers
  • An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Biology Lab Supplies High School
  • A Beginner’s Guide To 1st Year High School Science Subject
  • How To Build High School Environmental Science Homeschool Curriculum
  • Online High School Science Courses For Homeschoolers Who Love Choices
  • Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model
  • Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project
  • How To Create A Botany High School Curriculum & Career Ideas
  • Biology Kits for High School & How to Do a Shark Dissection

5 BUDGET-FRIENDLY TIPS FOR HOMESCHOOL BIOLOGY LAB

Also, look at my post How to Easily Meet the Lab Component of High School Science.

First, look at these budget friendly tips.

1. BUY A COMPLETE HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY KIT

Many homeschool suppliers (like Home Science Tools) sell kits matched to popular curricula that include everything you need.

2. SHARE WITH ANOTHER FAMILY

Split costs on big items like microscopes.

3. USE KITCHEN TOOLS FOR SIMPLE EXPERIMENTS

Items like measuring cups, spoons, and mixing bowls can substitute in some cases.

4. CHECK SECONDHAND STORES

Lab supplies sometimes appears at thrift stores, school surplus sales, and online used curriculum forums.

An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Biology Lab Supplies High School

5. CHECK YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY

Some lab items, like microscopes, are available to check out at your local library at no cost.

Next, look at this list organized by supplies.

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BIOLOGY LAB SUPPLIES

Before handling a microscope or dissecting a frog, ensure you have the proper safety gear.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Even small-scale experiments require protection. Teach your student proper lab safety rules before beginning any experiment.

  • Safety goggles– Choose impact-resistant goggles that fit comfortably over glasses if needed.
  • Gloves-Nitrile or latex-free gloves protect against chemicals and biological specimens.
  • Lab coat or apron- Keeps clothing safe from stains or damage.
  • First aid kit- Accidents happen, so have bandages, antiseptic wipes, and burn gel handy.
  • Ventilation – If your experiments involve fumes (like formaldehyde in preserved specimens), use a well-ventilated space or a small fume hood.

MICROSCOPE & ACCESSORIES

A good microscope is the heart of a biology lab. High school biology often requires viewing cells, microorganisms, and prepared slides.

An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Biology Lab Supplies High School
  • Compound microscope– Look for one with at least 400x magnification (1000x is better for bacterial studies).
  • Prepared slide set– These often include samples of plant tissue, insect parts, animal cells, and bacteria.
  • Blank slides & cover slips– For making your own samples.
  • Stains & droppers- Methylene blue and iodine are common for highlighting cell structures.
  • Lens paper- To clean optics without scratching them.

If budget is a concern, a mid-range microscope can last all through high school and even into college-level work.

Avoid the very cheap models, as they often give blurry results and frustrate students.

DISSECTION SUPPLIES

Dissection helps students learn anatomy and understand how organs work together.

Most high school biology courses include at least one unit on it whether it is human anatomy or marine biology.

An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Biology Lab Supplies High School
  • Dissection kit-Should include scissors, scalpel, forceps, probe, and pins.
  • Dissection tray & pad– Hold the specimen steady while protecting your work surface.
  • Specimens– Common options are frog, fish, earthworm, and cow eye. Buy preserved specimens individually or as a set.
  • Gloves-  Single-use nitrile gloves are a must for handling specimens.

Some students are squeamish about animal dissection. You can substitute with virtual dissection software or models.

GENERAL LAB TOOLS

Beyond microscopes and scalpels, biology experiments often require simple but useful tools.

Having these on hand means you can do everything from growing bacteria cultures to testing plant pigments.

An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Biology Lab Supplies High School
  • Beakers (various sizes)
  • Graduated cylinders (for measuring liquids)
  • Test tubes & rack
  • Pipettes or droppers
  • Petri dishes– plastic or glass
  • Tweezers/forceps
  • Small digital scale- for weighing powders and specimens
  • Thermometer-for water baths or temperature-sensitive experiments

CHEMICALS & BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS

You’ll use chemicals for staining slides, testing for starch, or extracting DNA from fruit. Always store them safely.

An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Biology Lab Supplies High School

Common biology chemicals include:

  • Methylene blue (cell staining)
  • Iodine solution (plant starch test)
  • Hydrogen peroxide (enzyme experiments)
  • Ethanol or isopropyl alcohol (DNA extraction, sterilization)
  • Baking soda, vinegar, salt (safe for many home-friendly experiments)

For biological studies:

  • Seeds- bean, radish, or other fast-growing plants
  • Agar powder -for growing bacteria
An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Biology Lab Supplies High School

STORAGE & ORGANIZATION

An organized lab is a safe lab. Keep chemicals in a locked cabinet, glassware on sturdy shelves, and tools in labeled containers.

Encourage your student to treat their lab space with the same care a professional scientist would.

  • Plastic bins for grouping experiment materials
  • Lockable cabinet for chemicals
  • Microscope dust cover
  • Notebook or binder for lab notes and experiment logs

EXTRA ENRICHMENT TOOLS

If you want to go beyond the basics, these aren’t required, but they can make learning more interactive and fun.

  • pH meter or pH test strips
  • Digital microscope
  • Human anatomy models
  • DNA model kit

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation Tagged With: high school, high school science, science lab

Marine Science Experiments For High School Made Easy

October 19, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Marine science experiments for high school are a wonderful way to teach your child about life in the vast oceans. And look at my page How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science for more fun teen ideas.

Also, look at my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook and Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook for more fun ideas.

Homeschooling high school marine biology may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Much like the younger years, your child can benefit from fun hands-on activities.

Marine Science Experiments For High School Made Easy

But instead of ocean-themed sensory bins, it might look more like dissecting a starfish, testing the salinity of water, or experimenting with the effects of sunscreen on coral.

Marine science is an important topic because the ocean covers more than 70% of Earth’s surface and is home to countless fascinating creatures and ecosystems.

For high school students, studying marine science opens a window into biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.

MORE HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HOMESCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE

  • How To Combine High School Homeschool Marine Biology Curriculum & Notebooking
  • Fun High School Science Games About Ocean Life
  • High School Marine Life Art Ideas & Easy Eagle Ray Art
  • Marine Science Experiments For High School Made Easy
  • High School Science Movies for Homeschoolers
  • An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Biology Lab Supplies High School
  • A Beginner’s Guide To 1st Year High School Science Subject
  • How To Build High School Environmental Science Homeschool Curriculum
  • Online High School Science Courses For Homeschoolers Who Love Choices
  • Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model
  • Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project
  • How To Create A Botany High School Curriculum & Career Ideas
  • Biology Kits for High School & How to Do a Shark Dissection

MARINE BIOLOGY BOOKS FOR HIGH SCHOOL

First, look at some of these books to add to your marine science experiments.

8 Marine Biology Books for Teens

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

Image for New Ocean Book, the (Wonders of Creation)

New Ocean Book, the (Wonders of Creation)

For Grade Level 7-12. The oceans may well be Earth’s final frontier. These dark and sometimes mysterious waters cover 71 percent of the surface area of the globe and have yet to be fully explored. Under the waves, a watery world of frail splendor, foreboding creatures, vast mountains, and sights beyond imagination awaits. Now this powerful resource has been developed for three educational levels!

Image for Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Image for Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

Image for The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness

The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness

In pursuit of the wild, solitary, predatory octopus, popular naturalist Sy Montgomery has practiced true immersion journalism. From New England aquarium tanks to the reefs of French Polynesia and the Gulf of Mexico, she has befriended octopuses with strikingly different personalities—gentle Athena, assertive Octavia, curious Kali, and joyful Karma. Each creature shows her cleverness in myriad ways: escaping enclosures like an orangutan; jetting water to bounce balls; and endlessly tricking companions with multiple “sleights of hand” to get food.Scientists have only recently accepted the intelligence of dogs, birds, and chimpanzees but now are watching octopuses solve problems and are trying to decipher the meaning of the animal’s color-changing techniques. With her “joyful passion for these intelligent and fascinating creatures” (Library Journal Editors’ Spring Pick), Montgomery chronicles the growing appreciation of this mollusk as she tells a unique love story. By turns funny, entertaining, touching, and profound, The Soul of an Octopus reveals what octopuses can teach us about the meeting of two very different minds.

Image for Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Image for Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

Image for Life Between the Tides

Life Between the Tides

In Life Between the Tides, Adam Nicolson investigates one of the most revelatory habitats on earth. Under his microscope, we see a prawn’s head become a medieval helmet and a group of “winkles” transform into a Dickensian social scene, with mollusks munching on Stilton and glancing at their pocket watches. Or, rather, is a winkle more like Achilles, an ancient hero, throwing himself toward death for the sake of glory? For Nicolson, who writes “with scientific rigor and a poet’s sense of wonder” (The American Scholar), the world of the rock pools is infinite and as intricate as our own.As Nicolson journeys between the tides, both in the pools he builds along the coast of Scotland and through the timeline of scientific discovery, he is accompanied by great thinkers―no one can escape the pull of the sea. We meet Virginia Woolf and her Waves; a young T. S. Eliot peering into his own rock pool in Massachusetts; even Nicolson’s father-in-law, a classical scholar who would hunt for amethysts along the shoreline, his mind on Heraclitus and the other philosophers of ancient Greece. And, of course, scientists populate the pages; not only their discoveries, but also their doubts and errors, their moments of quiet observation and their thrilling realizations.Everything is within the rock pools, where you can look beyond your own reflection and find the miraculous an inch beneath your nose. “The soul wants to be wet,” Heraclitus said in Ephesus twenty-five hundred years ago. This marvelous book demonstrates why it is so.

Image for The Sea Around Us

The Sea Around Us

The Sea Around Us remains as fresh today as when it first appeared over six decades ago. Carson's genius for evoking the power and primacy of the world's bodies of water, combining the cosmic and the intimate, remains almost unmatched: the newly formed Earth cooling beneath an endlessly overcast sky; the centuries of nonstop rain that created the oceans; giant squids battling sperm whales hundreds of fathoms below the surface; the power of the tides moving 100 billion tons of water daily in one bay alone; the seismic waves known as tsunamis that periodically remind us of the oceans' overwhelmingly destructive power. The seas sustain human life and imperil it. Today, with the oceans endangered by the dumping of medical waste and ecological disasters such as the Exxon oil spill in Alaska, the gradual death of the Great Barrier Reef, and the melting of the polar ice caps, Carson's book provides a timely reminder of both the fragility and the centrality of the ocean and the life that abounds within it. Anyone who loves the sea, or who is concerned about our natural environment, will want to read, or re-read, this classic work.

Marine science helps students understand how oceans shape our planet. The ocean regulates weather, supports diverse food webs, and produces more than half of the oxygen we breathe.

Too, marine science develops skills in critical thinking, data collection, and observation, which are core components of scientific inquiry.

Further, marine science doesn’t require a full lab or ocean access—just creativity. High school students can design their own experiments using basic household items, record their observations, and discuss their findings.

Encourage them to keep a lab notebook, take photos of each stage, and connect their results to real-world marine issues like coral bleaching or pollution.

MARINE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL

Now look at some marine science experiments.

There are many fun hands-on experiments out there that your high school teen can perform to learn about the ocean and the life within.

 For our marine biology this year, the main one we opted for was Marine Biology Dissection Specimens and another kit we had to investigate firsthand the structure inside and out of a few ocean creatures.

We also added a Dissection Kit because our specimens did not included any tools.

Our specimens included a dogfish shark, a starfish, a clam, as well as Brine shrimp eggs, a natural sponge, a coral specimen, and dried sea fireflies.

I am going to give you a few ides for how to experiment each one.

Dogfish Shark- The dogfish shark is a small species of shark commonly used in marine biology because it’s easy to handle and offers a clear view of many organ systems.

  • Examine the gills-note how water flows over them to extract oxygen.
  • Follow the path from mouth to stomach to spiral intestine and learn how this carnivorous fish digests its food.
  • How do a shark’s adaptations-like fins, teeth, and sensory organs—show careful design for life as a predator?

Starfish- Starfish, or sea stars, are incredible examples of regeneration and radial symmetry.

  • Observe the five arms radiating from the center and locate the tiny tube feet underneath.
  • Water Vascular System: This unique system controls movement and feeding using water pressure, an amazing engineering feature.
  • Discuss how starfish can regrow lost arms, and what that says about resilience in marine ecosystems.
  • Dissect one arm to trace how the water vascular canals extend through the body.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR TEENS

Clam- The clam gives students a look at mollusk anatomy—creatures that live inside protective shells and use muscular feet to burrow into sand or mud.

  • Examine the two shells (valves) and the strong hinge that keeps them closed.
  • Inside, identify the gills, foot, and mantle.
  • Clams are filter feeders; watch how their gills are designed to trap tiny food particles from the water.
  • Have students sketch the clam’s internal organs and label each part. Compare how a clam’s slow, protected lifestyle contrasts with the active dogfish shark.

Coral- Coral might look like a rock, but it’s actually made of tiny living animals called polyps that build calcium carbonate skeletons.

Explore why coral reefs are threatened by pollution and climate change, and brainstorm small ways your family can help protect marine life.

Use a magnifying glass to examine the tiny holes where polyps once lived.

Discuss how coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots, providing shelter and food for countless species.

Marine Science Experiments For High School Made Easy

MORE MARINE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL

Marine Biology and Ecosystems

  •  Use a clear 2-liter bottle, gravel, saltwater, small plants, and brine shrimp or snails to create a small self-sustaining ecosystem.
  • Add layers of sand and gravel, fill with saltwater, and include small aquatic plants.
  • Introduce tiny marine animals and observe how they interact over time.

Students learn about food chains, oxygen production, and how ecosystems rely on balance to survive.

Ocean Acidification and Chemistry

  • Fill two jars: one with plain water and one with vinegar.
  • Place seashells or bits of chalk in both.
  • Compare how they change over several days.

This simulates how increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to more acidic oceans, harming shell-building organisms like coral and clams.

Marine Pollution and Environmental Science

  • Fill a container with water, add a few drops of vegetable oil, and try to clean it using cotton balls, spoons, or dish soap.
  • Experiment with different methods and record which works best.

This activity helps students understand how difficult it is to clean up oil spills and the importance of prevention and environmental care.

  • Watch ocean documentaries (like Blue Planet or The Deep).
  • Explore virtual marine labs or ocean databases (NOAA, Smithsonian Ocean Portal).
  • Research marine careers—biologists, oceanographers, and conservationists.

Sciencing has rounded up some great ideas for lab activities, experiments, and college credits.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, high school, high school science, homeschool, homeschool highschool, homeschoolhighschool, life science, marine animals

How to Use Hamilton: An American Musical Literature Guide

October 9, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Wait until you see all the amazing features of a literature guide, though we are using a unique one that covers a musical rather than a book this time. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool High School.

If you’re homeschooling middle or high school students, chances are you’ve heard of Hamilton: An American Musical.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway phenomenon has stolen the hearts and minds of history buffs, theater lovers, and teenagers.

How to Use Hamilton: An American Musical Literature Guide

But did you know that you can turn the excitement of Hamilton into a rich literature and history study for your homeschooler?

The Hamilton Literature Guide is designed specifically for this purpose; it blends history, music, and language arts into one engaging curriculum.

With its detailed lesson prompts, creative projects, and cross-curricular ideas, the guide transforms a popular Broadway musical into a rich and memorable educational experience.

HAMILTON LITERATURE GUIDE

Hamilton: An American Musical - An Instructional Guide for Literature

Novel Study Guide for 6th-12th Grade Literature with Close Reading and Writing Activities 
Image for Hamilton: An American Musical - An Instructional Guide for Literature - Novel Study Guide

Hamilton: An American Musical - An Instructional Guide for Literature - Novel Study Guide

Excite and engage your students with this instructional guide for Hamilton: An American Musical. This classroom resource provides rigorous activities and questions for students studying Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit Broadway musical. Students will develop critical literacy and comprehension skills, learn how to analyze story elements, develop vocabulary, and integrate higher-order thinking skills as they practice close reading and text-dependent questions. A rubric and cross-curricular questions are included to assess student comprehension in the classroom. The questions in the comprehension assessment section are modeled after standardized tests to help students analyze what they've read, and prepare for tests they may see in their classrooms. Strengthen your students' critical literacy skills by implementing this resource in your classroom.

What I really loved about this guide is that it weaves in many of the assignments in the form of tweets, comics, text messages, and writing your own rap to make them relatable and relevant to our teenagers today.

*I do want to note if you have not already seen this play, it does contain mature content and profanity throughout the songs, so you may want to preview them before beginning.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR HAMILTON

  • Of course, you will want to watch the Hamilton Musical on Disney+.
  • Grab a copy of Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow which was the inspiration for the Broadway musical.
  • Here is the literature guide I am referencing throughout the study- The Hamilton: An American Musical Literature Guide.
  • Younger independent readers might enjoy reading Who Was Alexander Hamilton?
  • A fun, almost caricature-like version of Hamilton, this step-by-step tutorial on How to Draw Alexander Hamilton.
  • Alexander Hamilton: The Fighting Founding Father! (Show Me History!)
  • This DIY Alexander Hamilton Costume can be used for elementary through high school students.
  • Grab these free printable Hamilton coloring pages.
How to Use Hamilton: An American Musical Literature Guide

Then, look at more literature guides.

LITERATURE GUIDES FOR TEENS

  • Homeschool High School Literature Guides
  • Best High School Literature Suggestions For Teens
  • Online High School Poetry (No Teaching Involved)
  • Free Middle and High School Homeschool Language Arts

Now, let’s take a look at how you can use the guide step by step in your homeschool…

HOW TO USE HAMILTON: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL LITERATURE GUIDE

1. SET THE STAGE: BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The guide begins with an overview of the Author Lin-Manuel Miranda, other plays and texts for comparison, and a summary of the musical itself.  The guide breaks down the musical into 4 sections based on the songs.

Before diving into the lessons, review the background notes and recommended readings included in the guide. These provide you and your child with a clear foundation for understanding the story as they listen to the songs and work through activities.

  • Create a timeline of Hamilton’s life and the major events featured in the musical.

2. STUDY THE LYRICS AS LITERATURE

One of the unique strengths of this guide is its focus on the musical’s lyrics as literature. Students are invited to treat the songs like poetry, analyzing wordplay, rhythm, and metaphor. The guide includes questions that point out literary devices and challenge students to interpret meaning.

  • Ask your learner to identify foreshadowing in Burr’s opening number, “Wait for It” or analyze how repetition adds intensity in “Non-Stop.”

3. COMPARE STORYTELLING WITH HISTORY

Discussion questions help students think critically about historical accuracy and artistic license. Have your child compare and contrast where the musical aligns with or differs from historical fact.

  •  Compare how Thomas Jefferson is portrayed in Hamilton with his actual role in shaping American politics.
  • What events from Hamilton’s life were left out, and why might Miranda have chosen to omit them?

4. CREATIVE CONNECTIONS AND PROJECTS

The guide itself includes project-based assignments that allow students to make personal and creative connections with the material.

  • Write an original rap or spoken-word poem about a Founding Father.
  • The guide encourages you to create a staging and lighting plan for the scene “Burn” if you were to recreate it yourself.
  • There are creative prompts for creating with the story elements-characters, setting, music, and plot.

You can also challenge your learner to…

  • Create a costume sketch for one of the characters.
  • Design a modern poster advertising Hamilton as if it were a new Broadway release.

These assignments keep the lessons fun and interactive, especially for our creative learners.

5. STRENGTHEN WRITING SKILLS

The Hamilton Literature Guide provides essay prompts and writing activities for both formal and creative writing. Students can practice persuasive writing, analysis, and reflection while also exploring Hamilton’s life. The deeper dives into vocabulary and figurative language also helps develop writing skills.

6. EXPAND ACROSS SUBJECTS

The guide doesn’t stop at literature. It offers cross-curricular connections that tie the musical into multiple subjects.

In addition to the ideas in the guide, have your child…

  • Study excerpts from the Federalist Papers.
  • Discuss Hamilton’s financial system and national debt plan.
  • Explore how hip-hop, rap, and Broadway traditions influenced the show.

7. END WITH REFLECTION

By the end of the study, students not only gain knowledge of history but also learn how storytelling and art shape our understanding of the past.

One of the features I really liked from this literature guide was the final activity called  ”Who Tells Their Story?” where students are encouraged to choose another founding person from early American history and research them.

Then, a challenge to pick a major event and write a song or scene from their life.

Host a family or homeschool group showcase where students share their essays, art projects, or performances inspired by the guide. Of course, you will want to encourage them to create a costume for a character from the musical.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation Tagged With: handson, handsonhomeschooling, high school literature, homeschool, literary devices, literature

6 Resources for Making Homeschool High School Science Easy

June 19, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 6 resources for making homeschool high school science easy. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool High School.

Science has been a subject that we have always tried to add naturally into our day.

Too, I folded it into our unit studies even at the high school level.

However, we do love spending our time reading about history and geography.

So, I wanted to be sure as the boys entered high school that they received more formal training in science.

6 Resources for Making Homeschool High School Science Easy

It didn’t mean we had to give up our hands-on things we were doing with our unit studies, but I wanted to be sure our activities were high school level because I wanted our transcript to reflect that.

Like history, science is a subject that you and your teen need to determine how in depth to cover it.

Though my boys loved science, like me, they had a bent toward history and geography so that did affect their choice as to curriculum.

If you’re a science minded family, its important which science track your teens takes.

Even if your teen is not choosing a career in science, the advantages of covering science at the high school level go far beyond just college or career.

5 Questions Before Purchasing A High School Science Program

Before I mention those advantages for us, look at these things to mull over before you pull the trigger on a high school science program.

  • Do you want to only cover the  major sciences like biology, chemistry and physics?
  • Do you want to cover subjects outside the traditional subjects, like astronomy or botany? Having homeschooled from the beginning, this is what appealed to my sons. They could feed their minds on subjects they were passionate about. So not only does science stir up a deep appreciation for creation, but the logical thought process that science teaches sticks with your child lifelong.
  • Does a Christian or secular view matter?
  • Is any teacher prep involved?
  • What kind of costs are involved for hands-on and lab? We stuck to curriculum that just used items we could find around the house and purchased a few other things like microscopes and lab things, but for the most part, we just used what we had.

Mr. Senior 2013, enjoyed the textbook approach of Apologia during his junior years but when it came to high school, he wanted a change.

He was pursuing some electives like public speaking that he wanted to focus on and writing.

But first, look at some of these how to homeschool high school books.

How to Homeschool High School Books & Resources

How to homeschool high school can be daunting at first. With a little help and these great resources, you’ll be a homeschool pro in no time.

Image for Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don't Know Where to Begin

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don't Know Where to Begin

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling. Reading each chapter’s highlights will give you encouragement, knowledge, guidance, and peace of mind to homeschool with confidence. The best part is that you’ll be educating the person who loves your kids the most in this world--YOU! Armed with the knowledge to make better choices in curriculum will empower you to continue the path of home education. Unlike many books based on one family’s experience, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is also based on Tina’s many years of mentoring hundreds and hundreds of new homeschoolers at live workshops. When you don’t know where to begin Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers equips you to successfully homeschool your children.

Image for Cure the Fear of Homeschooling High School: A Step-by-Step Handbook for Research & Planning

Cure the Fear of Homeschooling High School: A Step-by-Step Handbook for Research & Planning

Are you afraid of homeschooling high school? Do you think you’ll ruin your teen’s life? Are you afraid you’ll miss an important requirement for getting into college? Are you confused about credits and coursework? Or are you just downright overwhelmed and don’t even know where to start?

This book will take you step-by-step through the process of planning your child’s high school coursework all the way through to graduation, in such a way that you will KNOW that you are not missing anything! You truly can feel absolutely confident that you are doing the best thing for your child and your family. You can make informed decisions knowing you have done the correct research to do so. You can be FEARLESS!

Image for Planning High School Courses: Charting the Course Toward Homeschool Graduation

Planning High School Courses: Charting the Course Toward Homeschool Graduation

Experienced hikers know to never begin a demanding journey without a good map and a strong plan. For homeschooling parents, it’s even more important to establish a solid homeschool plans toward high school graduation.

So, What Are Your Homeschool Plans?

  • Do you know how to homeschool high school?
  • Do you know how to prepare for college?
  • Do you know the high school courses essential to preparing for graduation, college and career?
Image for Essential Electives for Homeschooling High School: How to Craft Courses That Exceed College Expectations

Essential Electives for Homeschooling High School: How to Craft Courses That Exceed College Expectations

Homeschool Electives are the Secret Sauce for College Admission and Scholarships!

Learn How Homeschool Electives Can Make Teens, Parents, and Colleges Happy!

Homeschool electives are fun! Teens love them because electives involve a lot of what they want to do anyway. Parents love them because a happy teen makes for a happy family! Colleges love them because it helps them understand your teen so they can make good admission and scholarship decisions.

Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, shares the joy of homeschool electives. You will learn strategies to help you choose elective homeschool high school curriculum and document electives colleges will value. Don't put your homeschool in a box. Use electives and let your homeschool soar!

Image for Graduate Your Homeschooler in Style: Make Your Homeschool Graduation Memorable

Graduate Your Homeschooler in Style: Make Your Homeschool Graduation Memorable

You’ve worked hard homeschooling your child, and now you’re near the goal line... homeschool graduation. Your plan your graduation takes forethought, not just for the culminating graduation ceremony, but also to ensure your child has accomplished everything you want them to before
leaving the nest.

Too, Apologia had advanced courses like Advanced Physics that I knew we could come back to later if he wanted to pursue science in more depth.

So after reading about the interactive content Switched-on Schoolhouse used, he decided to use SOS Integrated Physics & Chemistry.He enjoyed the video clips, animations and games.

He ended up really liking their courses because they had courses that were outside of the traditional approach and kept science fun for him.

That program was discontinued but I find that 1) Glencoe Science Integrated Physics and Chemistry was similar and used with my second son.

Too, courses like 2) family consumer science are offered. Such practical courses in preparation for adulthood are sometimes not easy to find.

So, my next son didn’t follow a traditional approach either.

Random Efforts Can Pay Off

He liked more of a simplified approach to science and wanted to study only subjects that interested him like the stars.

So we used 3) Lift Up Your Eyes On High: Understanding the Stars (Christian Liberty Press High School Curriculum) .

And he also liked 4) Biology: A Search For Order in Complexity, 2nd Edition.

Too, Christian Liberty Press borrows some of their books from A Beka and Bob Jones.

Then for Mr. Awesome 2015 we also used part of 5) Biology by Bob Jones and then back to Christian Liberty Press for part of Chemistry or it was really by Bob Jones.

Lastly, we loved the straightforward approach of 6) Lifepacs. They are like worktexts which are good for independent learners. We loved Lifepac Biology.

Mr. Senior 2015 stayed on just one or two science providers.

Mr. Awesome 2015 was all over the place on subjects but liked the combinations.

Too, the process of scientific investigation is critical to higher thinking skills and logical thinking ability is a lost art not just among teens, but among adults too.

These are skill sets my boys should have.

So we didn’t follow a traditional approach by a family that would be pursuing a science career.

But we enjoyed having the variety of topics that fed my sons’ curiosity at the high school level,

However, it kept their passion for science.

What has worked for your family or what are you mulling over?

More High School Science Tips

  • 25 Great High School Science Curriculum
  • How to Easily Meet the Lab Component of High School Science
  • 10 Popular High School Chemistry Curriculum
  • How to Teach Science Through A Story – Middle & High School
6 Resources for Making Homeschool High School Science Easy @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation, Teach Homeschool Science Tagged With: high school, high school science, homeschool, homeschool curriculum, homeschoolhighschool, science, sciencecurriculum

Homeschool High School Literature Guides

June 1, 2024 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love these homeschool high school literature guides which make teaching easy. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool High School for more ideas.

Though I was over the top giddy at accomplishing the feat of teaching my first son how to read, deep down I was anxious because I was already thinking about the upper grades.

Homeschool High School Literature Guides

The thought of teaching literature at the high school level made me feel defeated before I even started.

Many years later and after teaching all of my sons how to read well, I learned that one secret tool (not a secret anymore because you now know) to teaching literature in the upper grades is a simple, but well-thought-out high school literature guide.

Have you seen the nifty high school literature guides by Dover Publications? They are the Dover Thrift Study Editions. More on that in a minute.

I was given free books from Dover Publications and I was compensated for my time. However, paid for my time does not mean paid off.  ALL opinions are my own and for sure I will always tell you what is on my mind. When I do accept a product it’s because I’m giddy to tell you about it. Read my full disclosure here. Now on to the fun stuff!

Why You Should Teach Classic Literature

First, to clear up any confusion, there is not an exact grade where reading turns to literature.

Somewhere during the middle and high school years, reading turns from learning to read to reading to learn. A big difference.

Like the early grades, classic literature plays a huge role in reading to learn.

When teaching a beginner reader, the focus is on phonics, comprehension and vocabulary.

Some of those elements don’t completely go away in the high school years, but reading to learn is about peering closer at literature.

high school literature guides 1

Look at a few of the common elements of reading to learn that a high school student will want to cover.

  • Understand an author’s background or biography;
  • Understand an author’s message;
  • Understand literary analysis; and
  • Explore examples of literary terms like plot, theme, point of view and even complicated ones like similes and metaphors.

Why It’s Important to Go from Broad to Focused

Also, one more significant difference in teaching literature at the high school level is that a reader moves from being exposed to a variety of genres in the younger grades to a more focused look at one genre or time period of literature.

For example, a student will do a yearlong study of American, British or even World literature.

We recently started using high school literature guides by Dover Publications because not only did I want something that Tiny could do independently, but I wanted to contain the overflowing amount of high school curriculum.

Focusing on British literature, I was tickled that I got in my bundle the following books.

 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Homeschool High School Literature Guides

Look at some of the reasons why we are using the comprehensive study guides.

  • The unabridged book and comprehensive study guide are together in one book.
  • There is an analysis of the chapter.
  • There are study guides with answers, thank you. I loathe extra bulk in curriculum and sometimes it’s unavoidable with high school curriculum, but an all in one book where the questions and answers are together is very useful.
  • There are suggested essay topics. I love that I don’t even have to think about topics for him to write about.
  • One more detail worth noting about the essays is that not only are there suggested topics, but also suggestions for the type of essay. For example, in reading The Scarlet Letter, there is a suggestion for a compare and contrast essay. Can you just say practical help for the new high school mom?
  • There is a biography of the author at the beginning, which gives Tiny a fuller understanding of the story. For example, in reading Frankenstein, Mary Shelley is a young author with a lot of unhappiness early on in her life. She goes on to write Frankenstein, which is Gothic fiction and it is the early beginnings of science fiction. Did she write to console herself or to escape? Are the two reasons really any different? The guide and book together allow for some great debate conversation with my teen.
  • Having used very comprehensive study guides before, I wanted something that gives me a framework instead of dissecting every literary element. Maintaining the love of reading at the high school level is paramount to the technicalities of elements. The Dover Thrift Study Editions have been just the right amount of balance for us.

Too, my roots have been classical though I love the freedom and mastery that learning through unit studies engenders.

Classic novels are a mainstay I expect my boys to cover in high school, but I love the fact too that studying a whole novel can be quickly turned into a unit study.

Homeschool High School Literature Guides @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

For example, when we read an abridged version of A Tale of Two Cities, in the early years, Tiny can draw from what he knows about studying the geography and culture of France and England.

It wasn’t necessary at that time to develop the underlying theme that no historical period will be free of serious problems.

However, now in the high school years by reading an unabridged version of A Tale of Two Cities he can connect what he knows previously and turn the book into a high school level unit study.

Focus is on the ugly side of war or the French Revolution.

Of course, for us, you know any time period we read about history has us always thinking about a unit study.

The point I’m making is that it’s so much easier making the jump to language arts, science and history when the books are classic.

Homeschool literature guides do not have to be cold, austere and overwhelming, but helpful, compact and motivating.

Not only can they teach critical thinking skills to your high school student, which helps him to dig deep to find the hidden message in a story, but study guides help you to move to the reading to learn stage of literature.

Finally, look at this short list I created. Grab one or two!

Dover Thrift Study Editions For Easy High School Literature Guides

The guides are literature and analysis in one book. the guide includes:

• Scene-by-scene summaries

• Explanations and discussions of the plot

• Question-and-answer sections

• an author’s biography

• List of characters and more

Dover Thrift Study Editions feature everything that students need to undertake a confident reading of a classic text, as well as to prepare themselves for class discussions, essays, and exams.

Image for Julius Caesar (Dover Thrift Study Edition)

Julius Caesar (Dover Thrift Study Edition)

A charismatic politician's assassination leads to a civil war in Shakespeare's drama of ancient Rome. Written in 1599 about an event from more than 2,000 years ago, this historical play continues to captivate modern audiences with its memorable characters, poetic speeches, and profound examination of the conflicting claims of ambition, ethics, and loyalty.

Image for Frankenstein Thrift Study Edition (Dover Thrift Study Edition)

Frankenstein Thrift Study Edition (Dover Thrift Study Edition)

Obsessed with creating life in a laboratory, a medical student haunts graveyards and dissecting rooms in search of the materials for his experiments. But when he achieves success, he rejects his ghastly creation. The creature — longing for love but shunned by all — turns evil and exacts revenge. Two centuries after its initial publication, Frankenstein endures as a synonym for "monster." The first modern horror novel as well as the first science-fiction novel, Mary Shelley's Gothic romance has intrigued generations of readers. A definitive survey, this Dover Thrift Study Edition offers the novel's complete and unabridged text, plus a comprehensive study guide.

Image for Romeo and Juliet (Dover Thrift Study Edition)

Romeo and Juliet (Dover Thrift Study Edition)

Even those who have never read or seen Romeo and Juliet recognize the star-crossed lovers' names as symbols of forbidden romance. Shakespeare's enduring drama takes place during a sultry Italian summer, in a city already boiling with the enmity between two families. Tensions rise further when an irresistible passion develops between members of opposite sides and the play's mood alternates between hope and despair. Romeo and Juliet was among the author's most popular plays during his lifetime, and it remains one of his most frequently produced dramas. Furthermore, its youthful characters and romantic plot make it an appealing introduction to Shakespeare for younger readers.

Image for Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Dover Thrift Study Edition)

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Dover Thrift Study Edition)

All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn. It's the best book we've had," declared Ernest Hemingway. Millions of readers around the world would agree, having climbed aboard the raft with young Huck and Jim, the runaway slave, to drift along the Mississippi on a voyage of adventure and self-discovery. This economical two-part edition includes the complete text of Twain's classic novel plus a student-friendly study guide. Created to help the reader quickly gain a thorough understanding of the content and context of Huckleberry Finn,

Image for Pride and Prejudice (Dover Thrift Study Edition)

Pride and Prejudice (Dover Thrift Study Edition)

This sparkling tale of one of literature's most famous courtships focuses on a spirited family of sisters and their marriage-minded mother's attempts to see them well settled. Jane Austen's wit and shrewd observations elevate her tale of rural romance to the heights of the world's great literature. A timeless satire of nineteenth-century English country life and manners, Pride and Prejudice is the most popular of Austen's novels. Warmly received upon its 1813 publication, it remains universally admired two centuries years later.

Image for Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights

Includes the unabridged text of Brontë's classic novel plus a complete study guide that helps readers gain a thorough understanding of the work's content and context. The comprehensive guide includes chapter-by-chapter summaries, explanations and discussions of the plot, question-and-answer sections, author biography, analytical paper topics, list of characters, bibliography, and more.

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2 CommentsFiled Under: Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation, Product Review, Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: homeschoolcurriculum, homeschoolhighschool, homeschoolreading, teens

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