Looking for a homeschool science curriculum? We have found out which options other homeschooling parents are raving about using in their homes.
Science is often the most controversial subject when it comes to teaching. As someone that is homeschooling, it can be hard to decide what influences to let into a child’s realm of learning. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a curriculum as well as some pointers for making the right choice for your household.
What to Look For:
The two factors that most parents are concerned with when choosing the right program are: high academic standards and proper worldview.
High Academic Standards: The future is bright for children who do well in the sciences. Therefore, it is important to many parents to diligently look for the right curriculum that will prepare their children for college or job placements that may require a good scientific background.
Reading reviews from other parents can be helpful but it is also very important to look at the requirements for entry into any schools after the homeschooling experience has ended.
Teaching Methods: Each person learns in different ways. A more computer based approach may be better for those that enjoy video games or have a hard time paying attention to print media. Computer based curriculum provide more interaction and can help make up for times when a parent is not available to teach.
Worldview: A science textbook that is appropriate in a secular home will not be the best choice for a Christian home. The reverse is also usually true.
Therefore it is important to realize that your worldview will be a factor in the text that you choose to use. Some families even choose to use a mixture of Biblical and Secular texts to teach a variety of viewpoints. The choice is entirely up to you. This is one of the great things about being a homeschooling family.
This is becoming more and more a factor as the two schools of thought become more polarized. Many secular textbooks are in complete support of ideas of evolution and no longer allow other theories.
Most conservative Christian textbooks completely dismiss any theory other than what is presented in the Bible.
It is important to understand which viewpoint you want presented even if you plan to introduce your children to both. It is also very important to consider at the high school level what type of science education is going to be required for entry into the colleges you and your child prefer.
Our Top Choices
Our top choices have both high academic standards and a Christian worldview. They are:
Apologia:
Apologia is a top favorite among homeschooling families who desire a strong Science foundation for their children. They are written from a Biblical worldview and are very thorough.
The programs for younger children are very engaging and interesting. Christian parents appreciate that they approach all of science from a creationist viewpoint. (These studies would NOT work well for those seeking to study from a secular worldview.)
The high school programs are excellent as well. In our opinion, they are better than most traditional schools. Students who learn from this program are more than prepared for tough college science courses that may be in their future. Many former Apologia students easily sail through their college science course after completing the Apologia programs. Click here to read more…
Alpha Omega:
There are two options available: Life Pacs which are workbook based and Switched on Schoolhouse which is computer based.
Both have strong academic foundations and involve the children in some great scientific experiments. Many children who use this program say that science has become their favorite subject.
Both versions have their advantages. The LifePac version can be done almost anywhere and is easily taught by parents or tutors. The Switched on Schoolhouse version’s multimedia approach allows children to interact with their learning, play games and watch cool experiments on their computers. It also saves busy parents the hassle of grading tests and doing much preparation.
Those that have had trouble with their child’s attention span at school would do well to give Life Pacs a chance. Some kids that were typically hard to teach have a completely different attitude when education is approached this way.
Click here to learn more…
Finding The Proper Balance
If a curriculum is not working for you but you have already invested in it, you can always add books and online reading to supplement. This can be a particularly useful tool if you find that your child is sailing through their materials and needs something that is more challenging. If your child seems bored then that is a sign that they need something that is more engaging or at the very least more tailored to the way they learn.
Lab Work
One of the bigger challenges of teaching a homeschool science course is the limited ability many people have for experiments and lab work. Through the use of DVDs and online videos, this has become less of a problem. At the same time it can be important to provide some hands on experiments, particularly to those that are high school age. Here are a few of the more popular experiment based curriculums out there.
Real Science 4 Kids
This homeschool science curriculum is aimed at kids from Kindergarten through Middle School. This is a great option for those that have kids that like to be hands on. This series combines a lot of interesting experiments that captures the attention of many kids that get bored easily or just don’t think science is interesting. An added bonus is that every purchase of curriculum includes a donation to the Christopher K. Teller Association which works towards a cure for pediatric idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. They also work towards helping families and children that are suffering or impacted by rare childhood diseases.
For more information on Real Science 4 Kids….
Super Charged Science
This a fantastic curriculum for the hands on science enthusiasts. The plus side is the curriculum is designed to deliver an experiment based science experience for households with parents that are intimidated or feel they lack some of the lab skills needed for a heavy lab based curriculum.
This homeschool science curriculum was designed by a university professor that became frustrated with the struggles she saw students having in the classroom. She set out to design a curriculum that was easy to understand and offered parents a better solution for hands on science at home. This series offers curriculum for grades 1-12, which means that if you like it you don’t have to switch out for another series. For more info on Super Charged Science……
Time 4 Learning
The Time 4 Learning series is completed entirely online which can be very convenient. There is a per month charge per student with discounts for additional students in one family. Kids log in and complete lessons. All course work is saved and it is easy for parents to check in on a kids progress. The monthly price includes all course work for a grade level, not just science.
This is a great system for independent learners as well as those that need a more interactive approach to keep them on task. Since you pay monthly it is easy to try this system without making a major financial investment. If you want you kids to get a great science education but are not thrilled about grading papers and keeping records, then Time 4 Learning is worth a trial. For more info on Time 4 Learning.…
Expense
Some curriculums are more expensive than others. If you are on a budget or have more than one child that you are teaching this can start to add up. A less expensive course may be supplemented by library books or experiments if you feel it is lacking in any way. Curriculum that is more involved tends to cost more but for some it can make all the difference in how a child learns and retains information.
Making The Right Choice
Many homeschool science curriculum publishers provide free samples to give you an idea of what they have to offer. This can be an important tool and help you make sure that you make the right choice for your household. Regardless of your life view, the curriculum you choose is a very important choice that will have a big impact on how your child learns and perceives the world.
Thanks for checking us out! We hope that we have helped you with a very important decision.
Free Resources
Our elementary aged son likes Scratch Jr. While the MIT download is great, the PBS Kids one is preloaded with templates he uses to experiment with animation. He also surfs some of the more advanced content on Khan Academy when he’s procrastinating doing math.
The Smithsonian Learning Lab is a huge resource that goes way beyond science. It could be a huge rabbit hole – lots of time lost exploring!
2 Comments. Leave new
david
July 9, 2020 4:49 pm
Biblically based science is not science. Science isn’t subject matter, it is the outcome of a scientific process. Using the bible for science is like teaching kids that 2+2 = 22
Yeah it’s about numbers but it isn’t mathematics!
Reply
Brooke
May 12, 2021 9:29 am
All science can really speak to is mechanics. It’s about observation but it is not about the more transcendent themes like meaning and purpose. When science attempts to superimpose the agenda of anti-God it often begins to skew towards dishonesty. On the flip side, certain Biblical science can do so as well. However, because of the very strong value of honesty, even when it causes discomfort, it is not as common to find the same levels of dishonesty among the Gods fearing scientific literature. Unfortunately, because atheististic belief makes the believer a god unto themself, they do not tend to feel the same level of accountability to the truth. This tendency has perverted much of modern and postmodern science, and will likely get worse if our society continues to abandon the
Judeo-Christian commitment and submission to the truth.
Reply
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FAQs
What should be included in the science curriculum? ›
The curriculum content is composed of four strands: Living Things, Materials, Energy and Forces, and Environmental Awareness and Care. These strands, which are subdivided into strand units, outline the concepts and ideas to be explored by children as they work scientifically, and are involved in designing and making.
Is apologia a secular science? ›If you are looking for a science curriculum with a secular worldview, then Apologia is not for you. It is a Christian curriculum with a strong focus on creation science.
What is the most popular homeschool curriculum? ›- Alpha Omega Publications Complete Homeschool Curriculum. ...
- Calvert Homeschool Curriculum Review. ...
- Time4Learning Homeschool Curriculum Review. ...
- The Good and The Beautiful Complete Homeschool Curriculum. ...
- Easy Peasy All-in-One Complete Homeschool Curriculum. ...
- BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum.
Apologia is the #1 publisher of creation-based science and Bible curriculum with more than 75 #1 awards from homeschool parents and media. Apologia produces content that is written to the student in an engaging conversational style. The textbooks are academically sound, rigorous, and college-prep.
What age is apologia science for? ›Apologia offers K-12 homeschool science curriculum that has been voted #1 by the homeschool community. Our curriculum is written in a conversational tone to help students learn to speak comfortably about a topic, as well as gain the ability to explain scientific concepts in their own words.
What is an effective science curriculum? ›A good science curriculum should be rigorous, focused, and coherent; it should effectively integrate lab work; and it should take into account how students learn.
What are the key features of the basic school science curriculum? ›- Strong foundations for learning, life and work. ...
- Learning with understanding. ...
- Skills in applying knowledge. ...
- Excellent ongoing progress. ...
- Building foundations in the early years. ...
- Building foundations in the middle years. ...
- Building foundations in the later years. ...
- Identifying and prioritising core learning.
The primary science curriculum is designed to implement the objectives stated in the National Curriculum Framework, and focuses on students having a “greater awareness of the role of science and technology in everyday life.” The primary science syllabus is divided into three core areas of science related to biology, ...
What denomination is Apologia curriculum? ›The owners, management, and staff at Apologia are Christians who come from many different traditions and denominational backgrounds. But they all hold the following fundamental, foundational, and orthodox beliefs in common: We believe in one God who exists in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
What level is apologia earth science? ›The Apologia Exploring Creation with Earth Science course is written from a Biblical worldview with homeschool in mind. At the K-6 level, this course follows a Charlotte Mason-inspired methodology, with lessons organized around narration, notebooking exercises, and hands-on activities or projects.
What grade is apologia biology? ›
Apologia Biology is intended to be a first-year high school biology course and as such is intended to be used in Grade 9 or so.
Do colleges accept homeschool diplomas? ›Yes, colleges and universities will accept a homeschool diploma. There may be very few exceptions out there but for the most part, these centers for higher learning are more than happy to include those with a homeschool education in their student body.
Is Khan Academy enough homeschool? ›Khan Academy is a fantastic homeschool resource. This free website offers an impressive number of options for students. Find out how to use Khan Academy for homeschool. My family began using Khan Academy when the program was only a few years old.
Can Khan Academy be used as a full curriculum? ›Yes, Khan Academy can be used as a complete curriculum. It can also be used as a supplement to learn just certain math topics.
Does apologia have high school math? ›High school classes? College prep? Apologia can help. Besides textbooks, Apologia offers live classes, video lessons on demand (you can rent them digitally), and self-paced courses (we're thinking of taking the Precision & Significant Figures class, a prep course for high school science and math).
What is the difference between apologia Physical Science 2nd Edition and 3rd Edition? ›There is much less content about weather and the atmosphere in the 3rd edition. Some of the topics covered are similar to the older editions, but the text has been completely redesigned. It was designed to flow well with General Science 3rd edition, making a logical progression for middle school students.
Does apologia physics have a student notebook? ›This companion notebook is designed to be used with Apologia's Exploring Creation with Physical Science, 3rd Edition textbook. The student notebook provides an organized, complete lesson plan for the year, which lets students check off their progress as they work their way through.
What does Apologia General science cover? ›This is a true general science course covering a wide range of the branches of science. There is a large component of Earth Science (modules include astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, earth study, geology, paleontology, and environmental science) to give students a solid foundation in that broad field of study.
Who is God series apologia? ›God is truth and He reveals His truth to people. He is the one true and almighty God; He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He created everything. We are God's children and are made to love and to praise Him.
What do 8th graders learn in science? ›While studying motion and energy, students will learn more about Newton's 3rd Law, and the connection between motion, force and mass. They will study the forces associated with electricity, magnetism and gravity. Class time will also be devoted to understanding kinetic and potential energy.
How can I improve my science curriculum? ›
To improve the science curriculum, we need to change some of our traditional practices. We need to become more focused on helping students think scientifically rather than memorize facts. We need to take into account the way different ethnic and minority groups learn science.
What are the features of an ideal science students? ›demonstrates an intense level of curiosity in science. makes intuitive leaps in solving science problems. demonstrates extensive knowledge base in science and is able to relate that knowledge base to new problems and topics. demonstrates unusually high levels of motivation and/or concentration.
What are the components of the K to 12 science curriculum? ›The framework specifies core ideas in four disciplinary areas -- life sciences; physical sciences; earth and space sciences; and engineering, technology and the applications of science. For example, among the core ideas in the physical sciences are “matter and its interactions” and “energy.”
What is the overall goal of basic education in science? ›Science education cultivates students' curiosity about the world and enhances scientific thinking. Through the inquiry process, students will recognise the nature of science and develop scientific knowledge and science process skills to help them evaluate the impacts of scientific and technological development.
What should 4th graders learn in science? ›As in other grades, the specific topics studied in science vary by state. However, common topics studied in 4th grade include: earth and space; plants; the cycle of life; animals; electricity and magnetism; and motion and sound.
What are the domains of learning science? ›These science domains are knowledge, process of science, creativity, attitude, and application and connection). By developing these five domains, the students will be able to receive more meaningful Science learning and expected to improve their learning result.
How many hours should science be taught in primary school? ›The Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) suggests that two hours is the minimum time needed to teach primary science with the required level of depth and understanding to deliver the science curriculum.
What does Key Stage 1 learn science? ›The principal focus of science teaching in key stage 1 is to enable pupils to experience and observe phenomena, looking more closely at the natural and humanly constructed world around them. They should be encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they notice.
What is the science curriculum framework for basic education? ›The science curriculum framework is a resource for curriculum developers, faculty of teacher education institutions, teachers, school administrators, and policy makers to design, implement, and assess the content of the science curricula.
Is apologia a curriculum Catholic? ›For over a decade, Apologia has been a leading provider of Christian homeschool curricula to families across the nation.
Why did Dr Wile leave apologia? ›
Dr. Jay Wile had to “approve” Jeannie's books; so they were approve of by him, which also reveals to you much of his view point. BTW, he has separated from publishing or involving himself with the company he sold Apologia to due their different doctrine/theology vision and direction for the company.
Where is apologia in the Bible? ›In the Koine Greek of the New Testament, the Apostle Paul employs the term apologia in his trial speech to Festus and Agrippa when he says "I make my defense" in Acts 26:2.
What grade level is exploring creation with physical science? ›This is the text only for Exploring Creation with Physical Science. This course is designed to be the last science course the student takes before high school biology. Thus, we generally recommend it as an 8th grade course.
What is taught in 9th grade biology? ›This course is laboratory-based science class in which students will study the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, biological evolution, interdependence of organisms, matter and energy, and organization in living systems and the behavior of organisms.
What is covered in high school biology? ›Major biological concepts for student focus include homeostasis, energy transfer and use, the relationship between structure and function, and change over time. Additionally, students' experience in biology supports their developing environmental literacy.
Does Harvard accept homeschoolers? ›What if I am homeschooled? Each applicant to Harvard College is considered with great care and homeschooled applicants are treated the same as all other applicants. There is no special process, but all relevant information about your educational and personal background is welcome.
Is it harder to get into college if you are homeschooled? ›Fortunately, college admissions is handled very similarly for homeschoolers as it is for traditionally schooled students. In fact, many admissions offices actively seek out homeschoolers. Admissions officers evaluate each student within the context of his/her own background and the opportunities they've had.
What is the most popular homeschool curriculum? ›- Alpha Omega Publications Complete Homeschool Curriculum. ...
- Calvert Homeschool Curriculum Review. ...
- Time4Learning Homeschool Curriculum Review. ...
- The Good and The Beautiful Complete Homeschool Curriculum. ...
- Easy Peasy All-in-One Complete Homeschool Curriculum. ...
- BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum.
- Best Overall: K12.com.
- Best Budget: ABCmouse.com.
- Best for Structure: Time4Learning.
- Best for Community: Connections Academy.
- Best Free: Khan Academy.
- Best for College Prep: edX.
- Best for Math and Science: CK-12 Foundation.
Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool – A complete, free online Christian homeschool curriculum for your family and mine.
Is Khan Academy free for homeschoolers? ›
Khan Academy offers many free online video courses to aid in homeschooling, for all grades. Khan Academy offers videos in Math, Science, History, Economics, Test Prep, Reading, Computer Programming & more.
Why is Khan Academy so good? ›Using Khan Academy produces a higher positive effect on student math performance than comparison groups. Students using Khan Academy had an average increase of 10 percentage points in math, double the points produced by a traditional program.
What homeschool programs are accredited? ›- Calvert. Calvert has been providing homeschool programs for 110 years. ...
- K12. K12 provides online homeschool courses tailored to the age and skills of your children. ...
- Bridgewater. ...
- The Keystone School. ...
- Time4Learning. ...
- Forest Trail Academy. ...
- Laurel Springs School. ...
- Oak Meadow.
Is Noeo Science secular? We are a Christian company that designed Noeo as a tool for homeschoolers, secular or Christian, to teach science to their kids. Our company policy is to leave worldview control to the parents.
Is real science odyssey secular? ›Home Science Tools offers supply kits for all RSO courses. You will find R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey (RSO) to be unlike any other science curricula available. Most notably, it is secular: Science excludes any supernatural explanation for any event occurring in nature, including the origin of life.
What is amplify science? ›Amplify Science is a K–8 science curriculum that blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers. Amplify Science for grades 6–8 has recently been rated all-green by EdReports.
What type of science do they teach in middle school? ›A middle school science program typically includes the following courses: Life Science. Earth Science. Physical Science.
Is Time4Learning legit? ›Due to Time4Learning only offering 4 core subjects, homeschooling parents may feel that their student needs to study more topics and perhaps need to research and add a supplemental curriculum. No Accreditation. Time4Learning is not a school, but rather a curriculum provider, and its coursework is not accredited.
What is taught in middle school science? ›In science class, kids have the opportunity to learn about the properties of a range of materials, studying size, weight, and shape. Middle school students should conduct experiments, use tools to gather and organize data, and learn how to make graphs to present their findings.
What is Neo science? ›Neo-Science is a trusted provider of high quality solutions and services to the Analytical Proteomics and Metabolomics Science, Life Science (Genomics) Research, Life Science Diagnostics & Informatics. We offer one stop solutions to meet the changing needs of the clinical and scientific community.
Is torchlight curriculum secular? ›
Torchlight takes a distinctively secular approach with Humanist underpinnings. Torchlight supports the Golden Rule, kindness, exploration, questioning, and scientific thinking. A worldly approach full of logic, equality, and empathy.
Is RSO secular? ›You will find R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey (RSO) to be unlike any other science curricula available. Most notably, it is secular.
What is real science? ›Real science is about data that can be measured, about facts and biological processes that can be established by observation and experiment, about results that can be replicated.” And in Ruse's “fake-science” view? “That reputation has been hijacked by a cause that's anything but scientific.
Is Amplify a good curriculum? ›More than 80 percent of teachers agreed that they and their students benefited from using Amplify Science curriculum. Almost 90 percent of teachers reported that Amplify Science supported them in engaging students in science discourse.
How much does Amplify science cost per student? ›Amplify Vocabulary is available for $2.99/student/year.
Is Amplify curriculum free? ›Amplify Desmos Math: Bringing you free tools and core curriculum lessons for K–12 math educators. Contact us to learn more!