• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

  • HOME
  • How to
    • Preschool
    • Kindergarten
    • Elementary
    • Middle School
    • High School
      • Science 
  • Planner
  • Lapbooks
    • Trioramas
    • History Games
    • LEGO
  • Shop
  • GET STARTED NOW!
    • Learning Styles
  • 7 Step Planner
    • DIY Best Student Planner
    • Free & Easy DIY Home Management Binder
  • Unit Studies
    • Creation to Ancients
    • Middle Ages to Reform
    • Exploring to Revolution
    • World Wars to Today
    • Science
    • Free Art Curriculum Grades 1 – 8
  • Curriculum
    • More Unit Studies
    • Geography
    • Writing PreK to 12th
    • Geronimo Stilton
  • BootCamp
    • Resources
      • Dynamic Subscriber Freebies
      • Exclusive Subscribers Library
      • Ultimate Unit Study Planner

homeschool

How To Create A Botany High School Curriculum & Career Ideas

October 27, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Are you researching how to create a botany high school curriculum & career ideas for science credit? Too, look at my page How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science for more fun teen ideas.

If your teens love plants, gardening, or just spending time outdoors, building a botany-focused high school course is the perfect way to nurture their curiosity.

Botany is the scientific study of plants, and it covers everything from how seeds sprout to how plants help maintain life on Earth.

How To Create A Botany High School Curriculum & Career Ideas

Creating your own homeschool botany curriculum gives you the freedom to tailor learning to your teen’s interests, mix in hands-on activities, and even explore future career options.

Your teen can gain a deep appreciation for the plant world—and maybe even find a calling rooted in green things.

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

HOW TO CREATE A BOTANY HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

It can stand alone or be part of a broader biology credit, you can use a textbook as your base and blend in hands-on activities or put it completely together from scratch,

Just make sure you’re hitting enough hours and topics for it to count toward science requirements in your state.

STEP 1: DECIDE ON YOUR LEARNING GOALS

Before gathering resources, think about what you want your teen to learn by the end of the year.

Some ideas you might want to  include:

  • Conservation and sustainable agriculture
  • Plant anatomy and physiology
  • Photosynthesis and plant nutrition
  • Plant reproduction and life cycles
  • Classification and taxonomy
  • Plant ecology and environmental impact
  • Medicinal and economic uses of plants
How To Create A Botany High School Curriculum & Career Ideas

Next, look at these core resources.

STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR CORE RESOURCES

Pick one or two main books to act as the spine of your curriculum.

Then supplement with reference books, videos, field guides, fieldwork, and experiments.

6 Botany High School Core Resources

Pick one or two main books to act as the spine,

Botany in 8 Lessons

A short, engaging course that breaks plant science into digestible chunks. Great for a one-semester study or as a supplement to a broader biology curriculum. Includes diagrams, activities, and review questions.

Exploring Creation with Botany, Textbook

Although originally written for younger grades, it’s so thorough that it can be adapted for high school with additional research projects, labs, and deeper reading. Covers plant anatomy, classification, reproduction, and ecology with hands-on notebooking activities.

Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification

Great for plant identification using patterns.

Photo Credit: guesthollow.com

Guest Hollow’s Botany Curriculum

This course is for any student who has a love for nature and plants. Use it as a pre-biology course or post-biology. Students will learn the science behind plants and to appreciate the myriad contributions plants make to our lives.

The Botany Coloring Book

Combines art and science for memorization. Plant Identification Terminology by James G. Harris & Melinda Woolf Harris – Reference guide for fieldwork.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

– More illustrated and approachable, great for visual learners.

Also, botany is best learned by getting your hands dirty…literally

STEP 3: ADD IN HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

  • Plant Dissections – Examine flowers, seeds, roots, and leaves under a magnifying glass or microscope.
  • Seed Germination Lab – Compare germination rates of different seeds under varying conditions.
  • Herbarium Creation – Press and preserve plant specimens with proper labeling.
  • Soil Testing – Learn about pH, nutrients, and how soil health affects plants.
  • Grow Your Own Garden – Track growth rates, design layouts, and learn about companion planting.
  • DIY Plant Press – Build your own wooden plant press for preserving specimens. Incorporate them into daily journals/notebooking, or for the end of the year presentation.
  • Field Trips – Visit botanical gardens, nature preserves, or local farms to learn about techniques, pollination, cross-breeding, and more.

Additionally, include videos and online learning for enrichment.

STEP 4: INCLUDE VIDEO & ONLINE LEARNING

Videos can bring concepts to life and are perfect for visual learners to cover complex topics like photosynthesis.

  • Khan Academy Biology – Plant biology sections for free, in-depth lessons.
  • CrashCourse Biology: Plant Videos (YouTube) – Fun and fast-paced overviews.
  • “The Private Life of Plants” by David Attenborough – Stunning BBC series.
  • National Geographic’s Kingdom of Plants – 3D look at plant life.
  • “How Plants Communicate” – TED-Ed short videos on plant behavior.

STEP 5: EXPLORE CAREERS

Botany opens the door to a surprising number of careers. Even if your teen doesn’t want to be a botanist, plant science can lead to work in agriculture, conservation, education, and more.

Potential Careers in Botany:

  • Botanist or Plant Researcher
  • Horticulturist or Greenhouse Manager
  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Plant Geneticist
  • Ethnobotanist (studies plants and human culture)
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Botanical Illustrator or Photographer
  • Forestry Technician
  • Park Ranger or Conservationist

Invite guest speakers (local farmers, master gardeners, or university researchers) to talk about their work.

Job shadowing and internships can give teens a taste of real-world plant careers.

STEP 6: CREATE A PORTFOLIO OR FINAL PROJECT

Having a tangible record of your teen’s work not only makes grading easier but also builds a great homeschool transcript for later on.

Ideas for final projects:

  • Research paper on an endangered plant species
  • Illustrated plant field guide of local flora
  • Garden design portfolio
  • Short documentary video about plant life cycles
  • Science fair-style presentation on an experiment they designed

The final project is wide open, allowing for you and your teen to choose something that incorporates their learning style, time constraints, and state requirements.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: botany, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, high school, high school science, homeschool

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

October 26, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Grab an armful of pool noodles at the dollar tree and let’s craft a high school DNA model project that makes learning what could be a boring subject exciting (and a little silly). And look at my page How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science for more fun teen ideas.

Too, I have this Human Body Crafts page for more hands-on ideas. And this Beautiful Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study.

DNA may be tiny, but it holds the instructions for all living things. Learning about DNA structure can feel abstract when students only see it in diagrams.
 

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

That’s why building a hands-on, life-sized model makes such an impact. With just a few inexpensive supplies, you can create a giant double helix out of pool noodles.

This project is not only fun, but it also helps high schoolers visualize DNA’s shape, base pairs, and functions in a memorable way. And it’s a frugal project too.

By combining the model with other related labs and activities, you can create a full mini-unit on genetics that is engaging and memorable.

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

BOOKS FOR KIDS ABOUT DNA

Also, look at these books which make DNA easy to understand.

Pair them with your high school teen’s biology curriculum for fun easy reads.

4 Books About DNA & Mendel - The Father of Genetics

He was a monk and scientist who studied genetics. He was first to trace characteristics of successive generations.

Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas

How do mothers and fathers—whether they are apple trees, sheep, or humans—pass down traits to their children? This question fascinated Gregor Mendel throughout his life. Regarded as the world’s first geneticist, Mendel overcame poverty and obscurity to discover one of the fundamental aspects of genetic science: animals, plants, and people all inherit and pass down traits through the same process, following the same rules. Living the slow-paced, contemplative life of a friar, Gregor Mendel was able to conceive and put into practice his great experiment: growing multiple generations of peas. From observing yellow peas, green peas, smooth peas, and wrinkled peas, Mendel crafted his theory of heredity—years before scientists had any notion of genes.

Grow: Secrets of Our DNA

Earth is full of life! All living things grow—plants, animals, and human beings. The way they grow, whether it be fast or slow, enormous or not so big, helps them survive. But growing is also about change: when people grow, they become more complicated and able to do more things, and they don’t have to think about it, because bodies come with instructions, or DNA. With simple, engaging language and expressive, child-friendly illustrations, Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton, the award-winning creators of Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes and Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth, provide an introduction to genetic code and how it relates to families to make us all both wonderfully unique and wholly connected to every living thing on Earth.

The Secret Code Inside You: All About Your DNA

Learn about the secret code that is DNA in this vibrant and informative picture book!There's a secret code inside you, a code called DNA.A code that tells your body's cells what they should do each day. It looks like twisted ladders, or tiny, twirling noodles.It makes us into people, instead of into poodles.Why can't humans breathe underwater? Why are some people tall and others short? Why do we resemble our parents and grandparents? This book explores all this and more in flowing, rhyming text, explaining cells, DNA, and genetics in a way that is simple and easy for children to understand. Colorful and brilliantly illustrated, The Secret Code Inside You illustrates that while DNA may be the blueprint for how a person looks, what you choose to do with your body is entirely up to you!

The Man Who Found Out Why The Story of Gregor Mendel

Father Gregor Mendel, with his great curiosity about nature and his passion of numbers, experimented with plants and wrote down his observations. Although few people knew about his work during his lifetime, the world now recognizes Gregor Mendel as the founder of the science of genetics.

Next, look at these facts about DNA.

7 DNA FACTS FOR KIDS

  1. DNA Is the Recipe for Life- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries instructions that tell every living thing how to grow, look, and work.
  2. It’s Really, Really Long- If you stretched out all the DNA from just one of your cells, it would be about 2 meters long—but it’s packed so tightly you can’t see it without special tools.
  3. You Share DNA with Bananas- About 60% of human DNA is similar to bananas. That doesn’t mean we’re part banana—it just shows that all life shares some of the same building blocks.
  4. The DNA Alphabet Has Only 4 Letters- DNA is made of four bases: A, T, C, and G. These letters pair up to form the genetic “alphabet” that builds proteins.
  5. No Two People Are the Same- Except for identical twins, everyone’s DNA is unique. That’s why DNA is often used in detective work and ancestry research.
  6. You Have Lots of DNA- Your body has about 37 trillion cells, and almost every one has a full set of DNA instructions.
  7. It Has A Double Helix Shape- DNA looks like a twisted ladder, called a double helix. The “rungs” are the paired bases, and the sides are made of sugar and phosphate molecules.
Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Next, look at more ideas.

MORE HIGH SCHOOL DNA MODEL PROJECT IDEAS & RESOURCES

  • Candy DNA Model– Use licorice (backbone), marshmallows/gumdrops (bases), and toothpicks (bonds) to make edible DNA. While I aimed this at the younger kids, I have no doubt high schoolers would love this version as well.
  • Beaded DNA Model- Everything you need is included to build a little beaded DNA model, perfect for an independent high school project.
  • What is DNA?- A video is a great way to break up book work and teach your student about the basics of DNA.
  • DNA Extraction Lab– Extract real DNA from strawberries or bananas using soap, salt, and rubbing alcohol.
  • Variation- A DNA Matching Card Game– Learn base matching and sequencing through a fun game.

HIGH SCHOOL DNA MODEL PROJECT

Building a giant DNA strand with pool noodles turns a complex topic into a fun, hands-on learning experience.

Your student not only gets to be creative but also deepens their understanding of base pairing, structure, and function of DNA.

You will need:

  • 6 pool noodles in different colors, 2 of one and 4 different colors.
  • Hot Glue gun/glue sticks
  • Scissors or a craft knife
  • skewers
  • Markers
  • Notecards
Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Choose two pool noodles of the same color (example: pink) to represent the sugar-phosphate backbones of the DNA.

These noodles will run parallel to each other like the sides of a ladder.

Cut 20–25 short sections 4 inches each from pool noodles in four different colors to make the base pairs.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Assign a color to each base:

  • Green = Adenine (A)
  • Yellow = Thymine (T)
  • Red = Cytosine (C)

Orange = Guanine (G)

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Make labels with cardstock or notecards.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Pair up the Bases:

DNA MODEL PROJECT

  • A always pairs with T
  • C always pairs with G

Poke skewers into one pool noodle along the length, spacing evenly, do not push all the way through.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Add hot glue carefully around each skewer to help them stay in place. Be careful not to touch the hot metal tip to the pool noodle, or it will quickly melt it.

Allow to harden for a few minutes and add more to secure it if you feel like it needs it.

Attach base pairs on each skewer, matching up the correct pairs.

You want to make sure you have at least 2” to press into the other pool noodle to attach; if not, trim down your pairs.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Start at one end and press the open end of the skewer into the end of the pool noodle and work your way down.

Apply a generous amount of hot glue to each skewer where it presses into the pool noodle. Set aside to cool and harden for a few minutes.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Carefully twist the ladder shape to form the classic double helix.

Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

 Label the Model, use markers and index cards to label:

  • Backbone = sugar-phosphate
  • Bases = A, T, C, G
  • Base-pairing rules
Fun and Easy High School DNA Model Project

Encourage your high schooler to explain the model to you as if teaching a younger sibling who knew nothing about DNA.

Mutations Activity- Change one base in the noodle DNA model (e.g., swap an A–T pair for G–C).

Discuss how a small change can lead to a different protein and possibly a genetic disorder.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, human body, human body crafts, life science

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

October 25, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re doing some fun anatomy activities for high school, including an easy skin layer model that will have your teen digging below the surface ( of skin that is). And look at my page How to Choose the Right Homeschool High School Science for more fun teen ideas.

Also, look at my Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study and Human Body Crafts for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning for more fun ideas.

Anatomy may include memorizing long vocabulary lists and labeling diagrams, but it can also be a lot more fun than that.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

In fact, when high school students get hands-on with the human body’s structures and functions, they not only remember the details better, but they also enjoy the process of learning.

Besides, high school students learn best when they’re actively involved.

Anatomy is a subject filled with detail like layers, systems, and complex interactions.

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

HUMAN BODY GAMES

Next, look at some resources for high school.

12 Human Body Games for Middle & High School Students

Middle and high school kids need a break from reading and playing games to learn science is the perfect supplement and break.

Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game | A Science Accurate Strategy Board Game

This game takes place inside of a human cell, you must race to build enzymes, hormones, and receptors and play with proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and DNA. It also comes with a fact-filled booklet that explains every concept in the game.

The Awkward Yeti Organ Attack! Card Game

If they enjoy doctor/human body games this one is ideal. It’s a fun and silly game that is great for kids to adults where the main objective is to remove your opponent’s organs before they can remove yours

Pandemic Board Game (Base Game) |

A cooperative board game using your characters' strengths and skills to stop diseases and epidemics before they go global. Everyone starts at the Atlanta Center for disease control and then builds research stations all over the world. What I love about this game is that it is a good source for discussion on pandemics, diseases, symptoms, immune systems, and more.

Anatomy Fluxx Card Game - Card Games for Kids and Adult

There are many versions of Fluxx available but this one is perfect for an anatomy unit study. It is a card game for 2-6 players and was designed by an ER doctor. It contains anatomical trivia, and twists, and makes a great way to learn about the different systems of the body.

Virulence: An Infectious Virus Card Game - Educational Bidding Game for Kids

 Fast-paced and solid way to learn about virus structure and viral components like helical, icosahedral, and genomes. In this game, players take on the role of the virus trying to infect a host cell rather than trying to eradicate the virus.

Outset Media Professor Noggin's Human Body Trivia Card Game

For ages 7+, with 3 levels of play this is another game that I think is still very applicable for younger teens and preteens to play. It incorporates trivia, true or false questions, as well as multiple choice.

Dr. Dreadful Scabs and Guts Board Game

This one says 6+ but I truly think that 6th and 7th graders will still enjoy it and be able to learn from it. It is a quick play with real anatomy science facts and images.

Biology Review Curriculum Mastery Game, High School, C

 A biology game perfect for high school review. It comes with 25 sets of 30 illustrated and self-correcting review cards for use, and 12 different game boards. While it covers all of biology beyond the human body I think, though expensive, it gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

Brain Busters Card Game - Human Body - with Over 150 Trivia Questions -

While this one seems a bit young, a teen that needs a refresher in things like what two muscles do we use in our arm when lifting and down will find this a fun review. It has 150 questions and covers a wide variety of human body topics, great for car rides or waiting in lines.

Capstone Games: Clinic Deluxe - Strategy Board Game,

I think this one would be a treat for the teen who plans to go into any direction in the medical field. It is a strategy game where you work to build your own clinic just the way you like it- caring for patients and maintaining staff while you expand.

Word Game | Fast-Paced Family Board Game | Choose a Category & Race Against The Timer

Next, this one is not medical or anatomy themed but I’m adding it because it is a base game that has an open-ended theme. The object is to pull a card that gives you a theme and then take turns calling out words in that theme that begin with each letter of the alphabet. When you call it you tap that letter down and it's out of play, continue until someone can't think of one. You can play this anatomy themed in general, bones, organs, body systems, etc.… We have played this game as a compliment to multiple unit study themes.

Netter's Anatomy Art Card Deck

Simply just an anatomy-themed deck of cards but a fantastic way to familiarize your student with the human body using illustrations from Netter’s Atlas of Human Anatomy. You can pick your favorite game like solitaire, garbage, or even 52 card pick up with this.

Next, look at each of the 3 skins layers. You learn what they are made up of, and what their function is.

SKIN LAYERS 101

THE EPIDERMIS

The epidermis is the thinnest layer of the skin, but it’s packed with important functions.

It is made up of stratified squamous epithelial cells arranged in several sub-layers.

The most important is the stratum basale (where new skin cells are produced). The stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum (where cells begin to harden), and the stratum corneum (the tough outer layer of dead cells that eventually flake off).

This constant cycle of cell turnover takes about 28 days in healthy skin.

The epidermis is also home to melanocytes, cells that produce melanin to protect against UV radiation, and Langerhans cells, which are part of the immune system and help defend against pathogens.

Even though the epidermis has no blood vessels, it gets oxygen and nutrients via diffusion from the dermis below.

THE DERMIS

Beneath the epidermis lies the thicker dermis. It is divided into two regions. There is the papillary dermis (upper layer) and the reticular dermis (deeper layer).

The papillary dermis contains small blood vessels and capillaries that feed the epidermis, as well as nerve endings that sense touch, pain, and temperature.

This layer also forms dermal papillae — tiny ridges that create fingerprints. The reticular dermis is made of dense connective tissue that provides skin with strength and elasticity.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

It contains larger blood vessels, sweat glands (eccrine and apocrine), sebaceous (oil) glands, hair follicles, lymphatic vessels, and the deeper nerve receptors. Collagen and elastin fibers in this layer allow the skin to stretch and return to shape, which is why the dermis plays a key role in wound healing.

THE HYPODERMIS

The hypodermis, or subcutaneous tissue, lies beneath the dermis and anchors the skin to underlying muscles and bones. It is made mostly of adipose (fat) tissue and loose connective tissue.

The fat in the hypodermis serves as insulation to regulate body temperature, energy storage for metabolism, and shock absorption to protect vital organs.

This layer is also rich in larger blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, which connect the skin to the rest of the body’s circulatory and immune systems.

Because of its fat content, the hypodermis thickness can vary greatly between individuals and different areas of the body.

Now, here are some fun and educational anatomy activities for high school students

MORE FUN ANATOMY ACTIVITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL

  • Human Body Books for Middle and High School Homeschooled Kids
  • The Muscular System: Part 1 of 5
  • Muscle Groups Activity for High School Science
  • Homeschool Unit Study Human Body. Hands-On Activity. DIY Heart Pump
  • Easy Human Digestive System Model with this easy activity using tights!

Next, here is a step-by-step project for making a skin layer model out of craft felt as a highlight.

HOW TO MAKE AN EASY SKIN LAYER MODEL

One of the most fascinating anatomy topics is the body’s largest organ: the skin. The skin protects, regulates, and senses the world around us.

This project helps students understand the three main skin layers (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis) as well as their structures, like glands, follicles, and nerves.

You will need:

  • Craft felt in various colors
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun or fabric glue
  • Cardboard base for stability
  • Cardstock or 3×5 for labeling
Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

First, start by cutting a cardboard base the size you would like your model.

Cut 3 different colors of felt the same size as the cardboard base for each of the 3 layers, we chose yellow, pink, and tan.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Use the yellow felt section for the hypodermis, which provides insulation and energy storage.

You can cut 2 or 3 to stack and make it thicker if you like to more closely emulate the thickness of this layer compared to others, and then hot glue onto the cardboard base.

HUMAN SKIN LAYER MODEL FOR TEENS

Hot glue pink or red felt on top of the hypodermis to create the dermis which contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles.

Run the hot glue just along the edge of one side so that you can fold it back and see each layer beneath.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Use beige felt for the epidermis, the thin outermost layer, and glue it down just along the same side you glued your last layer.

Cut a couple of small holes in this layer.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Thread your “hairs” through them and glue them into place in the middle, dermis layer, where hair follicles would be.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Cut very thin, small details for your felt, or you can use string or pipe cleaners to create blood vessels, nerve endings, and sweat glands using different colors.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Secure your blood vessels, sweat glands, and nerves on the dermis layer as well with hot glue.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Next, create labels and add a little color or drawing to help identify them if you like.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Once everything dries, you can flip those layers back and forth.

Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model

Finally, place the layers in the correct spot on the model.

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, human body, human body crafts, science

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.

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

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.

Online High School Science Courses For Homeschoolers Who Love Choices

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.

  1. Khan Academy– Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as well as AP college level options.
  2. Journey to Homeschool– Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, and Astronomy.
  3. Apologia– Biology, Marine Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Biology, Physics, and Forensics.
  4. Science Shepherd–Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Astronomy, Chemistry, Life Science, and Physics.
  5. Compass-Creational Science, Devotional Biology,
  6. 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.

Online High School Science Courses For Homeschoolers Who Love Choices

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.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation Tagged With: hands-on, handsonhomeschooling, high school, high school science, homeschool, science, sciencecurriculum

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.

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

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.
How To Build High School Environmental Science Homeschool Curriculum

2. CHOOSE A SPINE OR CORE RESOURCE

  • Oak Meadow Environmental Science For A Changing World Course Package, Second Edition.
  • MasterBooks: Survey of Earth and Environment
  • BJU Press: Environmental Science
  • CK-12 Environmental Science (free online)
  • Environmental Science For Dummies
  • Environmental Science Sustaining Your World
  • EPA Resources

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.

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

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 17
  • Page 18
  • Page 19
  • Page 20
  • Page 21
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 118
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Footer

Privacy Policy | About Me | Reviews | Contact | Advertise

Categories

Archives

Tina Robertson is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2026 · 5 TNT LLC · Log in · Privacy Policy