high school

Online High School Science Courses For Homeschoolers Who Love Choices

October 24, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Let’s look at some top online high school science courses for your homeschooler who loves to have some decision-making power over their classes. And look at my page How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science for more fun teen ideas.

One of the best things about homeschooling high school is flexibility. Science doesn’t have to look the same for every student.

With online high school science courses, your teen can explore topics that spark their curiosity, learn at their own pace, and even prepare for college and careers in STEM.

Online High School Science Courses For Homeschoolers Who Love Choices

If you’re raising a student who loves choices, online science programs can be a perfect fit for both of you.

If you aren’t sure what the benefits are of online high school science courses, stick around. I have the whys as well as some great suggestions for courses.

Finally, I am going to give you some tips for putting together a basket of science supplies to grab for daily lessons.

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WHY CHOOSE ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE COURSES

1. WIDE VARIETY OF SUBJECTS

First, look at the benefits of online high school science courses.

Traditional schools may only offer biology, chemistry, and physics.

Online platforms expand the menu with courses like marine biology, astronomy, anatomy & physiology, environmental science, robotics, and even forensic science. This allows teens to dig deeper into areas they’re genuinely excited about.

2. LEARNING AT THEIR OWN PACE

Some students love to race ahead, while others need extra time to fully understand a concept.

Online courses let your teen pause, rewind, or replay lessons until the information clicks—without the pressure of keeping up with a classroom schedule.

3. INTERACTIVE & ENGAGING

Many online science programs include virtual labs, simulations, videos, and interactive activities.

These tools make abstract concepts come alive and help visual or hands-on learners engage more deeply with the material.

4. EXPERT INSTRUCTION

If you feel nervous about teaching chemistry equations or running biology experiments, online courses give you access to experienced teachers.

Parents don’t have to be science experts to provide a rigorous, high-quality education.

5. COLLEGE & CAREER PREPARATION

Most online high school science programs are designed to meet college-prep standards. Some even offer honors or AP-level courses, ensuring your student is challenged and ready for the next step.

For career-minded teens, electives like health sciences or engineering can also provide early exposure to future fields of study.

6. FITS DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES

Whether your child prefers reading, videos, labs, or project-based learning, online science courses provide multiple pathways to success.

This flexibility helps students stay motivated and discover how they learn best.

7. ENCOURAGES INDEPENDENCE

Online courses teach teens valuable skills like time management, note-taking, and responsibility.

These are not just academic skills, but life skills they’ll carry into adulthood.

Next, look at these online science courses for high school.

6 AMAZING ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE COURSES

Here is a list of online high school science courses along with the types of science they offer.

You are sure to find something among this group of great companies.

Khan Academy– Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as well as AP college level options.
Journey to Homeschool– Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, and Astronomy.
Apologia– Biology, Marine Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Biology, Physics, and Forensics.
Science Shepherd–Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Astronomy, Chemistry, Life Science, and Physics.
Compass-Creational Science, Devotional Biology,
Easy Peasy All In One Homeschool –Oceanography with Lab, Biology with Lab, Earth Science with Lab, Chemistry with Lab, and Physics with Lab.

Finally, look at how to put together a basket for online high school science courses.

HOW TO PUT TOGETHER A BASKET FOR ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE COURSES

We are using Journey to Homeschool Marine Biology so I am going to refer to that as we talk about what you might include in your basket. We want to have everything for each lesson or each week ready to go in one place.

Start with a pretty basket, pretty can still be functional but also helps school blend well into your everyday decor if you don’t have a designated school room.
Printed materials that your online course comes with, for us that was…

Explorer Guide- lesson outlines with guided note-taking pages, study guides, and instructions for all the activities in the course.

Scope and Sequence- An overview of the lessons and topics covered throughout the course.

We printed those out and put them in a 3-ring notebook. I really loved the notes while watching the online videos; they have blanks and help your student pay attention closely.

NOTES

A good science dictionary or resource to use for additional projects, studies, and great for following “rabbit trails” interests.
Then, from the scope and sequence materials list I had my student collect the items for the first week of lessons, like a microscope, slides, and any other resources they might need, like thermometers, colored pencils for drawing, etc.
Consider throwing in a fun treat that fits the theme, like gummy sharks for a marine biology curriculum, the week you are dissecting a shark.

Then you just need to find a spot for it, under the desk or on a shelf where it is handy but out of the way.

How To Build High School Environmental Science Homeschool Curriculum

October 23, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Let’s look at what it takes to build a high school environmental science homeschool curriculum on your own or using a box curriculum as your base. And look at my page How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science for more fun teen ideas.

When I first started researching this topic, I thought environmental science and ecology were the same thing.

While they do share many similarities and can be part of an interdisciplinary study, they are, in fact, two distinct fields.

How To Build High School Environmental Science Homeschool Curriculum

Here is a simple breakdown of what each cover.

Ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with each other and with their environment, relationships within ecosystems (plants, animals, microbes, habitats).

Ecology is a branch of biology. It is narrower, focusing primarily on natural systems and interactions.

Environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of the environment, combining biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and social sciences to understand both natural systems and human impacts.

How humans interact with the environment, including resource use, pollution, energy, and sustainability.

Environmental science is broader, it includes ecology, but also looks at economics, policy, technology, and ethics.

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7 STEPS TO BUILDING ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM

Now that we have broken down the difference, here are some wonderful resources like books, documentaries, labs, and more to get you on the path to creating a customized environmental science homeschool curriculum.

1. DEFINE YOUR GOALS

Before choosing books or writing lesson plans, decide…

What is the purpose of this course? Is it preparing for college, instilling stewardship, or understanding current environmental issues?
Will this count as a lab science credit?
How in-depth should it be? Standard or Honors level
You may also want to align with your state’s homeschool graduation requirements.

2. CHOOSE A SPINE OR CORE RESOURCE

You can also piece together your own using documentaries, living books, and field experiences if your student prefers a non-textbook approach.

I will give you plenty of hands on ideas, living books, and documentaries to round it out.

3. INCLUDE LABS AND HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

To count as a full science credit, include lab work.

Soil testing kits
Water quality testing (local ponds, streams, or tap water)
Composting and biodegradability experiments
Weather tracking and data collection
Leaf/plant/animal biodiversity surveys
Simulated population ecology with beans or dice
You can also use: Home Science Tools or Cornerstone Educational Supply for homeschool lab kits.
Virtual labs from websites like Gizmo.

4. ORGANIZE TOPICS FOR EACH SEMESTER

Create your Scope & Sequence. Here is a sample that you can use to formulate one or use it as is.

Semester 1:

Introduction to Environmental Science
Ecology & Ecosystems
Populations and Communities
Biomes and Biodiversity
Water Resources & Pollution
Air Quality & Climate

Semester 2:

Soil, Land Use, and Agriculture
Energy Resources (renewable & nonrenewable)
Waste Management & Recycling
Environmental Policy and Ethics
Human Population Growth
Sustainability and Stewardship

5. ADD BOOKS AND DOCUMENTARIES

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Tracking Trash by Loree Griffin Burns
Planet Earth and Our Planet (Netflix)
The Biggest Little Farm
Planet Earth (BBC)
Our Planet (Netflix)
The Story of Stuff (YouTube)
Play the “Tragedy of the Commons” game to teach resource management.

6. PROJECTS, FIELD WORK, AND CITIZEN SCIENCE

Make it fun with these environmental science crosswords.
Start a nature journal to sketch, record data, document local biodiversity, or write reflections.
Create an environmental action plan. How could your student help your community be more sustainable? Start local and grow globally.
Volunteer with a local cleanup, wildlife center, or community garden.
Visit a local recycling center, botanical garden, nature preserve, or farm.
Start a backyard garden and study soil, compost, and pollinators.
Build birdhouses or bat boxes and track inhabitants.
Set up a home energy audit and implement eco-friendly changes.
Attend a city council meeting on zoning or environmental issues.
Volunteer for a river cleanup, wildlife rescue, or community garden.
iNaturalist
Globe Observer
eBird
Test water quality from different sources.
Build a simple solar oven.
Create a mini-ecosystem in a jar or aquarium.
Compost food waste and observe decomposition.
Choose a current issue like coral bleaching and present what they find in a report or video.
Interview a local environmentalist or park ranger.
Make a presentation on environmental heroes – John Muir, Rachel Carson, Wangari Maathai.

7. EVALUATION & RECORD KEEPING

Unit tests or quizzes
Lab reports
Written essays or reports
Project rubrics
Reading logs

In a portfolio or binder keep the following documentation:

A syllabus
Completed assignments
Lab documentation
Photos of projects/field work

This helps with transcripts and potential college applications

8. CUSTOMIZE TO YOUR CHILD

Take what you have gathered and with your child’s input put together a study designed for them.

Make it interest-led: Does your student love animals? Focus more on ecology and conservation.
Turn it into a unit study or integrate it with geography, economics, or writing.
Allow independent research projects, encourage specific passions.

A Beginner’s Guide To 1st Year High School Science Subject

October 22, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you are planning your freshman’s 1st year high school science subjects you are in the right place for loads of great information and resources. And look at my page How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science for more fun teen ideas

Starting high school science at home can feel both exciting and intimidating. Ninth grade marks the transition from middle school’s broad, general science into deeper, more formal studies.

This is where students begin learning science in a structured way with labs, textbooks, and connections to math and critical thinking.

A Beginner's Guide To 1st Year High School Science Subject

Because you’re homeschooling, the good news is that you don’t have to do it exactly like a public school.

You can choose the path that fits your student’s interests, abilities, and future plans, while still giving them a strong academic foundation.

The first year of high school science is about building a foundation, not perfection. Whether your homeschooler starts with Biology, Physical Science, or Earth Science, the goal is to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence.

With the right balance of structured lessons and hands-on exploration, your student will be well-prepared for Chemistry, Physics, and advanced sciences in the years to come.

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WHAT MAKES HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE DIFFERENT

High school science is usually taken in a 3- or 4-year sequence, often beginning with Biology.

Colleges expect to see at least three lab sciences on a transcript: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Some students also add Earth Science, Environmental Science, or Anatomy.

I have put together a beginner’s guide to 1st year high school science for homeschoolers.

I’ve included course options, typical topics, and helpful tips for making science engaging and doable at home, whether you are looking for the basics, family style, or advanced.

The first year sets the tone. It teaches students how to write lab reports, use scientific vocabulary, and connect science with real-world problems.

More importantly, it helps them gain confidence for the harder courses that come later.

Moving into high school science comes with a few big changes:
Critical Thinking & Application – The focus shifts from memorization to analysis, reasoning, and problem-solving.
More Formal Labs – Students should learn to follow lab procedures, record results, and write reports.
Math Skills Matter – While Biology requires less math, Physical Science and Chemistry rely on equations.
Textbooks or Online Curriculum – Students begin reading and learning from structured resources.

COMMON 9TH GRADE SCIENCE OPTIONS

(The most common choice)- Biology is the study of life in all its forms, from tiny bacteria to giant ecosystems.

BIOLOGY

Most schools (and many homeschoolers) choose this as the 9th-grade science course because it doesn’t require advanced math skills.

Suggested Biology Curriculum:

Topics Covered in Biology:

Cell Biology- Learning the structure and function of cells, DNA, and organelles.
Genetics- How traits are passed on, Punnett squares, DNA replication, and mutations.
Evolution & Classification- How species change over time and how organisms are grouped.
Plants & Photosynthesis- Plant systems and how they make food using sunlight.
Human Anatomy & Physiology- Overview of the body’s systems and how they work together.
Ecology- Relationships between organisms, food chains, and environmental impact.
Lab Work- Microscopy, osmosis, DNA extraction, and optional dissections.

* If dissections aren’t appealing, many curriculum providers offer virtual labs, detailed diagrams, or alternatives using models.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Physical Science introduces students to basic physics and chemistry concepts.

Some families choose this as a steppingstone before moving into Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, going more in depth than they did in elementary.

Suggested Physical Science Curriculum

Topics Covered in Physical Science:

Matter & Atoms – Building blocks of matter, atomic structure, and molecules.
The Periodic Table – How elements are organized and why their properties matter.
Forces & Motion – Newton’s laws, gravity, and everyday applications like cars and sports.
Energy – Heat, electricity, magnetism, and conservation of energy.
Waves & Sound – The science of light, sound, and wave properties.
Intro to Chemistry – Simple reactions, acids and bases, balancing equations.

*This course pairs well with lots of hands-on activities—baking soda and vinegar reactions, balloon rockets, homemade electromagnets, and simple circuits.

EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE

Earth Science can also serve as a 9th-grade option, especially for students interested in astronomy, geology, or environmental studies.

Suggested Earth & Space Curriculum

Topics Covered in Earth Science:

Earth’s Structure – Layers of the Earth, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
Rocks & Minerals – Identifying rocks, understanding the rock cycle, and practical uses of minerals.
Weather & Climate – Clouds, storms, air pressure, and climate change basics.
Oceans – Tides, currents, and marine ecosystems.
Astronomy – Solar system, stars, galaxies, and space exploration.
Environmental Science – Human impact on ecosystems and sustainable living.

*Earth Science is a fantastic choice if you enjoy outdoor learning. Rock hunts, stargazing, weather journals, and local field trips make this subject come alive.

Finally, look at these general tips.

FIRST YEAR HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TIPS

Keep Records- Save lab reports, quizzes, and grades to build a strong transcript
Pick the Right Starting Point- Biology is the most common, but if your student struggles with reading-heavy material, starting with Physical Science might be better.
Don’t Stress About Labs- Simple kitchen science, microscope kits, or online virtual labs count! Keep lab notebooks as part of your transcript.
Encourage Independent Learning- High school teens should begin taking responsibility for reading, note-taking, and managing assignments.
Use Resources Beyond the Textbook- Documentaries, YouTube science channels, podcasts, and local science museums make learning engaging.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

High School Science Movies for Homeschoolers

October 20, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

High school science movies for homeschoolers are a great way to set the stage for a new science topic or to bring it to a close. And look at my page How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science for more fun teen ideas.

Science doesn’t have to be confined to a textbook or a worksheet.

Science movies can spark interest, provoke discussion, and offer real-world examples of scientific principles.

High School Science Movies for Homeschoolers

Below is a curated list of science-themed movies that cover biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and more, as well as a quick explanation for what each science encompasses.

Some are documentaries, some just movies made for entertainment, but they open up the floor for wonderful discussions about possibilities, moral dilemmas and spark interest for deeper learning in various science topics.

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**WAYS TO MORE THAN JUST WATCH HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE MOVIES**

Watch & Discuss-Use these movies to spark dialogue, write essays, or even create presentations. Ask questions like “Do you think that was ethical”, “How would you have done this differently?”, “Is there research to prove that?”, etc.…

Create a Movie Notebook- Have your child keep a notebook or journal of their reactions, ratings, summaries, and research follow-up questions.

Assign by Unit-Match movies with units like Space, Genetics, Climate, or Famous Scientists. Have them compare and contrast movies. While its not an exhaustive list I have several suggestions for each topic.