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The Best Ninth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations

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Let’s look at some of the best ninth grade homeschool curriculum to help make this year your best one yet. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas and grade level curriculum and my page How to Homeschool High School.

Ninth grade aka freshman year is the kickoff to the high school years.

And it is a pretty big jump from middle school, but is also filled with exciting milestones like getting a driver’s license.

The Best Ninth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations

Technology will likely play a big part in your child’s education by this time from using online calculators to classes, music appreciation, language apps, and more.

It is a time of growing independence and branching out into more electives or at least learning more adult life skills.

If they are not mostly independent in their daily work already, they will be able to take on more of their own work load whether their school takes place online, in books, or even in the woods.

Homeschool 9th Grade Tips and Recommendations

College and Career-This is the optimal time to start thinking about a career track for your student, leaning heavily into extra classes, maybe even dual enrollment to be sure that they have all the things that they need.

That is not to say college is the only, or even the best option for your child. They may intend to go into cosmetology, guess what?

They can start learning that skill now through online tutorials, friends, and even on the job training.

 Do you have a Marine Biologist on your hands? Be sure to load up on science classes and incorporate field trips that teach and feed that interest.

Flexible Scheduling-If your child has a job now make sure that you adjust their school schedule to accommodate work hours. Flexible doesn’t have to mean you cut way back on schooling at all, it might just mean that they do math in the evening instead of the morning or double up biology on the weekend.

Field Trips-As new interests will be developing at this level, long standing ones might increase or fade away all together.

Field trips, while they will look different than that early visit to a local farm, they are a wonderful way to support their interests and possible career choices.

Additionally, field trips can be a visit to a location for their career field of choice like the state capital building, behind the scenes at a hair salon or law office.

The Best Ninth Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations

You could visit a local pottery studio or glass blowing studio, watch a Broadway theater performance, or they could be in the form of take your child to work day in the office.

More Ninth Grade Homeschool Curriculum Tips

Best Homeschool Curriculum For All Grades

9th Grade Homeschool Curriculum

Lastly, look at some recommendations and tips.

9th Grade Homeschool Curriculum

Add these fun curriculum recommendations to your 9th grader's homeschool day.

Math-U-See Algebra 1 Student Pack

Graphing, simultaneous equations, exponents, polynomials, unit multipliers, and more. The Algebra 1 Student Pack contains the Student Workbook with lesson-by-lesson worksheets, review pages, and honors pages. It also includes the Algebra 1 Tests.

Workman Publishing Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra I in One Big Fat Notebook (Big Fat Notebooks)

The series Everything You Need to Ace Pre Algebra and Algebra In One Big FatNotebook is fantastic as a reference book when they need a reminder for certain operations or is a good guide for those that prefer to just learn independently.

12 Human Body Games For Middle School & High School

Unless your child is heading for a heavy science based field like doctor, pharmacist, or Marine Biologist you can still get a good deal of their science lessons from games, and  simple courses of interest.

Here is a list of 12Human Body Games For Middle School & High School ideal for fun anatomy lessons.

Mark Twain Forensic Investigations Workbook, Using Science to Solve High Crimes Middle School Books, Critical Thinking for Kids, DNA and Handwriting Analysis Labs

Use this time to start diving into specific areas of science interest like Forensic Science.

Exploring Creation with Physical Science, 2nd Edition

Apologia has long been a go to standard for science and one of the common 9th grade sciences is Physical Science. You can choose from physical books and ebooks, get a concise teacher manual,
audiobooks, test pages,

LIFEPAC 9th Grade History & Geography Box Set

Lifepac has been a go to for many subjects, but I really enjoy the pace and scope of their History & Geography. The 9th grade level includes lessons on the fundamentals of United States heritage, federal, state,and local government, career planning, citizenship, and the study of geography.  Lifepac is designed to be smaller workbooks rather than one huge textbook that helps take some of the stress off.

Photo Credit: www.youtube.com

CrashCourse

 Crash Course World History on Youtube covers quite a few history topics and make for a good solid lesson or even review of previously covered topics.

Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level C Basic Plus [Forever Streaming]

Join Andrew Pudewa as he leads students on a 24-week writing journey using IEW’s Structure and Style approach. Students reading at 9th grade level or higher who are new to IEW will take delight in Mr. Pudewa’s humorous, incremental, and effective writing lessons.

Windows to the World: An Introduction to Literary Analysis Student Book

Why do certain literary works have the power to move us? With step-by-step instructions, Windows to the World teaches students how to analyze elements of literature. This reference also gives numerous examples and suggestions for helping students develop Christian discernment skills. The accompanying Teacher’s Manual is suitable for both new and experienced teachers.

Must Know High School Vocabulary

The 500 words you must know before college!

Must Know High School Vocabulary is more than just a vocabulary workbook. It gives you the edge you’ll need now―from improving your reading comprehension for high school and future college course work to scoring higher on AP and college entrance exams. Its user-friendly approach presents challenging aspects of the topics, exceptions to any rules, and clear answer explanations that will all help you build vocabulary quickly and easily. It’s like a lightning bolt to the brain!

Romeo and Juliet (No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novels) (Volume 3) (No Fear Shakespeare Illustrated)

No Fear Shakespeare Graphic Novel- Even the most reluctant of Raiders will enjoy these graphic novel adaptations of Shakespeare's Classics like Romeo and Juliet.

Road Signs Flash Cards with Detailed Explanations and Safe Driving Tips - Stocking Stuffers for Teens

One of the most exciting aspects of 9th grade year is of course driving!

6 Resources for Making Homeschool High School Science Easy

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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.

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.

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!

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?

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!

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

6 Resources for Making Homeschool High School Science Easy @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

How To Make A Newton’s Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

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

I’m showing you how to make a Newton’s cradle with popsicle sticks for a fun and educational homeschool project.

You have likely seen the contraption with spheres clacking back and forth on desktops.

This is called Newton’s cradle which demonstrates his third law.

It is a device that shows the conservation of momentum and the conservation of energy with swinging spheres.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Newton made amazing contributions to science and math and was considered the father of modern science, and the first physicist.

He was the epitome of STEM long before it ever became a catchphrase.

While STEM/STEAM is an important part of everyday homeschooling, National STEM/STEAM Day is celebrated annually on November 8th.

And I think learning how to make a Newton’s cradle with popsicle sticks is a fantastic way to observe it.

5 Isaac Newton Facts

If you are looking for a great reference book to have on hand that covers scientists from early times to modern Superstars of Science is a fantastic entertaining book.

It is a book for elementary through middle school students to enjoy and learn the people behind the inventions, laws, and more including Newton.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Then, look at these facts about Sir Isaac Newton.

  1. Sir Isaac Newton was an English polymath (someone whose knowledge covers a wide range of subjects in particular arts and sciences) He was a mathematician, physicist, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, and author.
  2. Newton has 2 birthdays. He was born on January 4th, 1643 on the Gregorian calendar, which we use today. Back in the 17th century at the time of his birth the Julian calendar was used and according to that, he was born on December 25 1642.
  3. The story of the apple falling on his head is only partly true, he did witness an apple fall from the tree and it gave him the idea of gravity, but it didn’t hit him on the head.
  4. Newton founded the branch of math called Calculus, mechanics, and optics and was key in the advancement of early modern chemistry.
  5. While he is most famous for his 3 laws, he had many other contributions like being one of the first to make a reflecting telescope.

Books About Sir Isaac Newton for Kids

Next, add some of these books about this famous scientist.

7 Books For Kids Who Love Learning About Sir Isaac Newton

He was one of the most important scientists of his times. Your children will love adding some of these books to their reading day.

Newton's Rainbow: The Revolutionary Discoveries of a Young Scientist

Famed for his supposed encounter with a falling apple that inspired his theory of gravity, Isaac Newton (1642–1727) grew from a quiet and curious boy into one of the most influential scientists of all time. Newton's Rainbow tells the story of young Isaac―always reading, questioning, observing, and inventing―and how he eventually made his way to Cambridge University, where he studied the work of earlier scientists and began building on their accomplishments. This colorful picture book biography celebrates Newton's discoveries that illuminated the mysteries of gravity, motion, and even rainbows, discoveries that gave mankind a new understanding of the natural world, discoveries that changed science forever.

Isaac Newton

A biography of Isaac Newton.

Isaac Newton: Greatest Genius of Science (Genius Scientists and Their Genius Ideas)

A biography of the seventeenth-century English scientist who formulated the theory of gravity.

World History Biographies: Isaac Newton: The Scientist Who Changed Everything

Born in England in 1643, Isaac Newton grew up in the age when Renaissance thinkers were challenging accepted ideas throughout Europe. Fascinated by all earthly science, Newton developed laws of motion and universal gravitation which also furthered our understanding of the movement of celestial bodies. This vibrant biography profiles the famed physicist as an acclaimed mathematician, astronomer, alchemist, philosopher, and inventor as well. Readers will discover the genius who inspired Alexander Pope to write.

The Ocean Of Truth: The Story Of Sir Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton is one of history's most renowned scientists. He independently developed the mathematical technique known as Calculus, wrote a treatise on the properties of light and color that is still consulted by scientists, and worked out the mathematical details of the law of gravity. What is less well known is the depth of his Christian faith, and the amount of writing, speaking, and research he devoted to defenses of the tenets of Biblical belief. This book makes Newton come alive for readers.

Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, Reveal'd

A surprising true story of Isaac Newton’s boyhood suggests an intellectual development owing as much to magic as science. Before Isaac Newton became the father of physics, an accomplished mathematician, or a leader of the scientific revolution, he was a boy living in an apothecary’s house, observing and experimenting, recording his observations of the world in a tiny notebook. As a young genius living in a time before science as we know it existed, Isaac studied the few books he could get his hands on, built handmade machines, and experimented with alchemy—a process of chemical reactions that seemed, at the time, to be magical. Mary Losure’s riveting narrative nonfiction account of Isaac’s early life traces his development as a thinker from his childhood, in friendly prose that will capture the attention of today’s budding scientists—as if by magic. Back matter includes an afterword, an author’s note, source notes, a bibliography, and an index.

Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities (30) (For Kids series)

Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids paints a rich portrait of this brilliant and complex man, including 21 hands-on projects that explore the scientific concepts Newton developed and the times in which he lived. Readers will build a simple waterwheel, create a 17thcentury plague mask, track the phases of the moon, and test Newton’s Three Laws of Motion using coins, a skateboard, and a
model boat they construct themselves. The text includes a time line, online resources, and reading list for further study. And through it all, readers will learn how the son of a Woolsthorpe sheep farmer grew to become the most influential physicist in history.

Additionally, look at Newton’s laws.

Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion

Newton’s First Law – “Law of Inertia” – Every object moves in a straight line unless acted upon by a force. Example- a ball will roll down a hill unless something stops it-friction or another object for example.

Newton’s Second Law – “Law of Acceleration” -The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force exerted and inversely proportional to the object’s mass.

Example- In karate, breaking a board or slab of bricks.

Newton’s Third Law – “Law of Interaction” (also “Law of Action and Reaction”)– For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Example- Firing a bullet, when shot from a gun, the gun puts a force on the bullet and propels it forward.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Also, look at more ideas to learn about Sir Isaac Newton.

More Ideas for Learning About Sir Isaac Newton

How To Make A Newton’s Cradle With Popsicle Sticks

You will need:

  • 12 jumbo craft sticks
  • String
  • 6 marbles
  • Hot glue gun/glue sticks
  • Scrap wood (old Jenga blocks)
How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

First, use hot glue to create a square out of 4 craft sticks.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Take 2 craft sticks and mark every half inch along the stick starting 1 ½” in on each end.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Glue one to the top of another craft stick to form a T, be sure the marks are facing outward.

How To Make A Newton’s Cradle

Add another stick to the bottom of the T to create a capital i.

Make two of these.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Attach one of the capital i’s to the square base with a generous amount of hot glue and use a small piece of scrap wood like the old Jenga block I used here.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

You want to be sure the marks you made on the top stick face in toward the square base center.

Cut 8 six-inch pieces of string.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Fold each string exactly in half.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Hot glue a marble to the very center of each string.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

On the opposite capital i piece that you have not attached to the base yet hot glue each string right over the top of the marks you made.

Line up the tips of the strings with the edge of the top, then cover with another craft stick.

This tidies it up a bit and helps keep the strings more secure.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Attach the second capital i to the opposite side, affixing again with a scrap of wood to stabilize and strengthen it.

When the glue is dry lay down the frame and hot glue the other end of the string over the other marks on the cross piece lining it up with the top.

Place upright and check to make sure that the marbles line up at the same height, once you are satisfied with that, glue another stick over the strings.

To use, pull back on one marble and release, as it hits the second one the kinetic energy is transferred, and it stops while the next one moves to hit the 3rd and it repeats over and over until the energy dies out.

How To Make A Newton's Cradle With Popsicle Sticks | 5 Sir Isaac Newton Facts

Unleash Your Inner Scientist: 12 Amazing Gifts for the Science Lovers

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Here are 12 amazing gifts for the science lovers in your life from preschooler to adult and covering a wide range of science interests as unique as they are.

Do you have a friend or family member with a little bit of a science loving nerdy vibe?

You might have been searching for just the right gift but couldn’t quite settle on what it might be.

Unleash Your Inner Scientist: 12 Amazing Gifts for the Science Lovers

Those with an interest in science can be a little trickier to buy for without loading them down with textbooks and test tubes as your only gift options.

You really have to think outside the box, or the beaker as it were to really wow them.

Science is a pretty broad topic like -Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology, Astronomy, Animals, Botany, and Earth Science.

Whatever your science lover is crazy about there is a great gift out there for them and I have tried to gather them up in one place to help you out with little muss and fuss.

What scientist in your life are you shopping for? Your preschooler? Middle schooler? Spouse? Co-op teacher?  Maybe you want to treat yourself or surprise a friend with a creative gift idea that is a little different.

There are many ways to help them show off a love of science in a fun, silly way that still supports their passion and even encourages it with a thoughtful gift.

Let’s look at some ideas and see if we can find a gift that has the right chemistry and will cause a positive reaction for your favorite scientist to experiment with.

I tried to make sure that there was a variety of topics, prices, and items for different personalities for you to choose from.

Unleash Your Inner Scientist: 12 Amazing Gifts for the Science Lovers

Also, look at more gift guides for your family.

Gift Guides for Families

Amazing Gifts for the Science Lovers

Amazing Gifts for the Science Lovers

These ideas will bring science to life and celebrate their uniqueness through science kits, posters, t-shirts, and even fun science promoting jewelry that they will adore.

Totally Gross: The Game of Science

If you really want to get a science-loving kid even more into science try a really fun board game like this one that covers  biology, chemistry, geology, astronomy, zoology, anatomy, and physics.

The Chemistry of Cola (Curious World of Kitchen Science)

This is one of a series of books on chemistry, biology, physics (and even a math option) that include really fun hands-on experiments to try with easy to understand instructions and explanations.

Graduated Cylinders and Beakers with 5 Pipettes

If you are stocking up for a science lover a nice set of bakers and cylinders is a must for experiments or even just really cool decor

Vintage Entomology Poster

Replica vintage Cavallini posters are available in a variety of science topics and look great on the wall anywhere in the house, office, or school room no matter what the science subject is

Compound monocular Microscope with Microscope Slide Set, Cell Phone Adapter

A must have item for any science fanatic no matter which branch of science they like. This option can be connected to the phone or computer to get an even better look at the specimen.

The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia

While you can use the internet to look up just about anything you want to know, nothing beats a nice science reference book like an encyclopedia that covers the entire span of sciences. I really like the Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia and it is great for upper elementary through high school for reference and inspiration.

Caffeine Beaker Mug

For the adult that loves Chemistry this beaker coffee mug is a fantastic and fun way to enjoy your morning cup of coffee, just make sure they don’t get them confused with the lab one.

Periodic Table with 83 Real Elements Inside

Not your typical wall poster, I enjoy something like this that is not only educational but is a beautiful display that would look just as good on the coffee table as it would a school desk. With real samples of elements and a magnifying glass to have a closer look at each one this is a nice conversation piece.

I Think You're Overreacting Funny Nerd Science Chemistry T-Shirt

Science can be funny and silly shirts like this prove that academia doesn't have to be uptight, it can be downright hilarious to wear.

Forensic Science Lab - Crime Scene Science Kit

An open and go science kit in a box is a great way for kids to explore an interest and there are so many different options to choose from, beyond this cool Forensics lab one. The best thing about them is that usually everything they need, with the exception of a few basic household items is included in the box.

Plant Propagation Station

This is great for the budding botanist and looks so pretty on the desk or in a window. I love that it is also useful because they are able to learn about propagating plants,hydroponics, and watch the roots grow.

Microscope Dangle Earrings

Aren’t these just too cute? They are a great gift idea for a co-op science teacher or any girl scientist you know to show off their love of science with a fashionable flair. They also have atoms, beakers, and DNA strands.

25 Great Homeschool High School Science Curriculum

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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: