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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:

21 Fun Chemistry Homeschool Ideas for Kids

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

These 21 fun chemistry homeschool ideas show your kids how we use chemistry every day.

When I read an older book about chemistry, it mentioned every house which has a kitchen has a laboratory.

And it made the point that chemistry is about finding out about things. Finding out what things are made of and what changes they undergo. Everything!

21 Fun Chemistry Homeschool Ideas for Kids

Even nature is a huge laboratory and always undergoing changes.

So these homeschool chemistry ideas for kids of all ages will help your young chemists to learn the principles of chemistry.

Homeschool Chemistry

Besides, most chemistry experiments can be done at home. Look at this easy list of things you probably already have on hand or could find easily.

  • water glasses
  • small glass bowls
  • jars
  • bottles
  • cans and
  • funnels can get you started.

Then, you may like to have other laboratory equipment in your home.

Below are a few other pieces you may want to add to turn your kitchen to lab site.

More Chemistry Homeschool Ideas

And of course you will need a variety of common chemicals on hand depending on the activity your students want to do.

Sometimes, buying a kit may be easier. This Ooze Labs or Middle School Chemistry set will work.

In addition, I find it useful to teach my kids about the major branches of science like chemistry, biology, earth science and physics.

However, it’s important for them to know that there are probably hundreds of branches of science which fall under these broad categories.

For example, depending on which curriculum you use chemistry has 5 major branches.

They are organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry and analytical chemistry.

In addition, as much as we have learned there are still many subdivisions.

21 Fun Chemistry Homeschool Ideas for Kids

Beyond atoms and learning about chemical reactions, chemist study the properties of matter and so much more.

You’ll have no shortage of topics depending on which branch your child is interested in.

High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

Then, if you’re looking for homeschool chemistry curriculum, look at my post 10 Popular High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum.

CHEMISTRY IDEAS

10 Best Science Movies for Middle School

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

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

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

10 Best Science Movies for Middle School

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

Best Science Movies for Middle School

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

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

Look at these fun science movies for middle school.

1.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

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

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

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

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

Next, another fun movie series is Planet Earth.

2.
Planet Earth

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

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

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

3.
The Time Machine

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

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

More Homeschooling in Middle School Resources

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

4.
Star Trek

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

Science Movies for Middle School

Another fun one we love is Spiderman 2.

5.
Spiderman 2

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

Then Robot and Frank is the next one.

6.
Robot and Frank

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

7.
Charlotte’s Web

Additionally, Charlotte’s Web is the next one.

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

8.
Galileo : On the Shoulders of Giants

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

9.
Gorillas in the Mist

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

10 Best Science Movies for Middle School

10.
Swiss Family Robinson

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

For more science fun, look at these other posts:

10 Popular High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

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

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

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

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

10 Popular High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

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

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

I know, I felt that way at first too.

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

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

Besides, we practice or use chemistry every day.

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

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

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

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

5 Pointers Before Choosing High School Chemistry Curriculum

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

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

High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

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

1. BOB JONES CHEMISTRY

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

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

2. DISCOVERING DESIGN WITH CHEMISTRY for non-science student

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

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

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

4. FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY

Another awesome option is Focus On High School Chemistry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

5.FRIENDLY CHEMISTRY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. CHEMEXPLAINED

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

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

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

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

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

7. INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY

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

Unlike other programs, the pacs are separate worktexts.

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

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

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

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

8. CONCEPTUAL CHEMISTRY

Then another solid choice is Conceptual Chemistry.

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

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

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

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

9. Chemistry in the Kitchen

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

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

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

10. Homeschool Buyer’s Selection.

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

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

10 Popular High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

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

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

Chemistry Homeschool Ideas

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

10 Favorite Science Movies and Documentaries for Homeschooled Kids

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

Whether you add a science movie to your current plans, or want a fun change, I know you’ll find one or two of your favorite science movies and documentaries in this list. Also, look at my page homeschool middle school for more fun tips.

10 Favorite Science Movies and Documentaries for Homeschooled Kids

First, look at a few ways to use science movies in your homeschool:

How to use Science Movies in Your Homeschool

  • Compare science movies to the book – compare and contrast skills lead to higher thinking skills
  • Testing the concepts mentioned in a movie is a great way to engage a kid’s science mind – science is about testing theories
  • Encourage your kids to be aware of the greater issues facing man and science – we homeschool because we don’t want our kids learning only within 4 walls or in a bubble, but to engage with issues facing the world now
  • Reduce burnout in a student, a schedule, or learn in a relaxed way through a tough transition and to revive the love of learning – learning takes many approaches
  • Use science movies as a spine to an in-depth or surface level unit study

Then, add in some hands-on ideas or science subscription boxes and you have stand alone curriculum created from great science movies.

Look at my post 18 Amazing Kids Subscription Boxes to Try Right Now to get some ideas. It’s easier than you think to use an engaging science movie or documentary in your homeschool.

Heads up: I haven’t watched all the movies, so I’m not sure of the worldview. I respect the homeschool parent’s position to teach to your worldview to your children.

Look at this list of 10 Favorite Science Movies and Documentaries for Homeschooled Kids.

1. Kiss the Ground.

10 Favorite Science Movies and Documentaries for Homeschooled Kids

Activists, scientists, farmers, and politicians turn to regenerative agriculture to save the planet’s topsoil, and combat climate change.

And like I mentioned before science is about adding in hands-on fun; here are some ideas from one of my favorite science providers Home Science Tools.

One kit is a climate and weather kit and the other one is weather projects for young scientists.

2. Hidden Figures.

We loved this movie and it’s one of the best science movies we’ve seen in a long time.

Three brilliant African American women at NASA – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson – serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world.

Look at my unit study Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages and here is a trailer to Hidden Figures.

Look at my astronomy lapbook to round out your movie viewing.

3. Uranium — Twisting the Dragon’s Tail.

Physicist Dr. Derek Muller travels across the globe to unlock the mysteries of uranium. Filmed on five continents, the program takes viewers through the element’s past, present and future and explains its many uses, from weaponry to medicine. It’s part science and part history.

4. The Lorax.

Twelve-year-old Ted lives in a place virtually devoid of nature; no flowers or trees grow in the town of Thneedville. Ted would very much like to win the heart of Audrey, the girl of his dreams, but to do this, he must find that which she most desires: a Truffula tree.

Here is the The Lorax (Classic Seuss) which is such a fun way to introduce nature and care for the earth.

Also, I have some lesson planning helps which go with the science movie.

I found this movie on Netflix.

Free Lesson Planning Ideas

Here is a teacher’s guide from Penguin Random House.

Then, here are some printables and lesson plan ideas from A to Z Teacher Stuff.

In addition, add in some fun hands-on nature ideas.

Look at my posts:

5. David Attenborough’s Natural Curiosities.

There are many episodes on various nature topics presented by David Attenborough of the UK. I know we haven’t watched all of them, but it looks like Wikipedia has a super roundup of the movies.

All of his topics are fascinating because they explore the unordinary and unexplained curious things about nature.

Science Movies for Homeschooled Kids

6. Lorenzo’s Oil.

True-life drama of a father and mother who battled against the odds to save their son’s life. Augusto and Michaela Odone are dealt a cruel blow by fate: five-year-old Lorenzo is diagnosed with a rare and incurable disease, but the Odones’ persistence and faith leads to the cure which saves their boy and re-writes medical history.

Then, add in this cool kit from Home Science Tools about phlebotomy. Want to learn the medical art of phlebotomy? You’ll be able to practice all facets of venipuncture with this kit! Excellent for current and aspiring medical professionals alike.

Also, look below at a bacteria growing kit.

7. Osmosis Jones.

Mixing live action and animation, the film follows the misadventures of a zoo worker with an unknown malady he contracted after eating an egg contaminated with simian saliva. The responsibility of eradicating this lethal virus falls to a white blood cell cop and a fussy cold-cure pill.

You’ll love my human body lapbook and human body hands-on activities.

8. The Poisoner’s Handbook.

Documentary. From PBS. In the early 20th century, the average American medicine cabinet was a would-be poisoner’s treasure chest, with radioactive radium, thallium, and morphine in everyday products.

You can also watch a trailer here on PBS.

9. October Sky.

John Hickam is a West Virginia coal miner who loves his job and expects his sons, and Homer, to follow in his footsteps. But Jim gets a football scholarship, and Homer becomes interested in rocket science after seeing Sputnik 1 crossing the sky. John disapproves of his son’s new mania, but Homer begins building rockets with the help of friends and a sympathetic teacher. Rocketry, he hopes, will prove his ticket to a better life.

Also here is the book, Homer H. Hickam: Rocket Boys: A Memoir.

The movie, October Sky is based on and then another book, Rocket Science is for middle school kids which would go great this movie.

Additionally, look at these lesson planning helps and free guides below.

Here is a trailer of October Sky on YouTube.

10. Chasing Coral.

Too, here are some free lesson plans about rocket science you can add to your science movie.

Next, from the site Chasing Coral it says: “A team of divers, photographers and scientists set out on a thrilling ocean adventure to discover why corals are vanishing at an unprecedented rate.“

Also, there is a free download of curriculum for grades 6 to 12 on the site.

10 Favorite Science Movies and Documentaries for Homeschooled Kids

You’ll also love my free Coral lapbook.

Lastly look at some of these other posts you’ll like:

Science movies are great for visual learners and bring spice to your day. What other science movies do you like in your homeschool day?