What’s the scariest thing about homeschooling? If you’re like many, many moms, the thought of teaching high school is absolutely terrifying. And what is it about high school that petrifies us? For me (and I think, most of us) it’s science and math. And in this modern world where apologetics are so important for Christian students, a creation-based high school science curriculum is key.
Some of us (not mentioning any names) did not like science or math in high school, so how could we possibly teach it to anyone else? I mean, calculus, dissections, the periodic table? There’s no way. Right?
Wrong.
I am that mom that has never liked science or math. Or at least, not in the typical textbook sense. I have, however, enjoyed teaching my children to explore and appreciate the world God created. While my children are young, we learn through field guides, nature books, walks, hikes, documentaries, and stargazing. We don’t use a “science book.” We just explore.
Now that I’m teaching my second high-schooler, I am loving The 101 Series. It’s a science curriculum that’s very similar to those early-year methods. The 101 Series fits our natural learning lifestyle perfectly, while offering the academic standards that older kids need.
The 101 Series is a creation-based, video curriculum that currently offers three courses:
- Biology 101
- Chemistry 101
- Physics 101
Let me tell you why I love this curriculum.
It’s based on the literal six days of creation. That’s important in our home. We believe and teach our children that Genesis can be believed just the way it was written.
It’s great for all ages. When my high school students are using this curriculum, we all gather around the TV and watch the videos. Everyone loves the videos! On some occasions, I will provide extra reading and learning activities on younger levels. (Thank you Pinterest!)
It’s flexible for a rigorous curriculum or just a basic introduction. The DVD comes with a printable Study Guide and Accreditation Booklet. This gives the student the opportunity to complete a full course of study.
It’s non-consumable. For one purchase, you can use it multiple times for your whole family. At $69.95, that’s smart money!
What do you get?
The entire curriculum is a DVD set. This includes video segments for each section of the course. They are approximately 30-45 minutes each.
Disc One includes a printable Guidebook with quizzes:
as well as the Accreditation Booklet.
How We Use It
The 101 Series is designed for ages 15 and up, and that’s who we primarily purchase it for. We use both the Guidebook and the Accreditation Booklet for high school.
In preparation, I go through each section of the Accreditation Booklet with my teenager and mark what I will require of them (specific books to read, assignments, etc.).
Each subject and each section varies, so there may be a stack of books to read or skim, or a video to watch, or a project to complete, or all of the above. Occasionally we can find a local field trip that fits. There may occasionally be one or two things on the list I don’t require.
When the high school student watches the DVD, the rest of the kids watch, too. This is fun for them, because the videos are informative without being overly technical. It’s such a great introduction to basic science terms and concepts!
Depending on the day (or the year – who are we kidding???) the younger children may get further involved with similar books on their reading levels, and sometimes even a hands-on project.
This curriculum fits perfectly with our natural-learning, literature-based homeschooling methods. (You can read more about that HERE.) By the time my high-schoolers begin this curriculum, they are very self-directed in their learning. I can give them each section’s Accreditation Booklet guide, and they do the rest!
My two teenage daughters like this curriculum because, while they are not “interested in science” they have been able to learn the basics in a very Biblical and painless way. My current high schooler said that she’s glad she doesn’t have to do dissections. : )
We have used the 101 Series for several years, and it is our #1 choice for a science curriculum.
By the way, it’s not just me! The Biology and Chemistry DVDs have tied for 1st place in their categories in the Practical Homeschooling Reader Award Contest!
Individual sets are $69.95 each. The 3 Film Bundle is $168.95 (<——- that’s a pretty significant savings!).
So, there’s my recommendation! Go peruse the 101 Series website. Each subject is described in detail and I think all of your questions will be answered.
Happy homeschooling!
While you’re here, visit my Knowledge Keepers Bookstore! In it you’ll find the books and the stories that have shaped this great country, the books that influenced our founders and our ancestors, the books that Americans have mostly ignored or never heard of, but the good books that we should all read and protect. Join me in saving Western Civilization, one book at a time!
Nicki Truesdell is a 2nd-generation homeschooler and mother to 5. She is a homemaker at heart, and loves books, freedom, history and quilts, and blogs about all of these at nickitruesdell.com. She believes that homeschooling can be relaxed and that history is fun, and both can be done with minimal cost or stress, no matter your family’s circumstances. Nicki is a member of the Texas Home Educators Board of Directors. You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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[…] And read about our favorite science curriculum HERE. […]