what is a good secular biology homeschool course

Full Answer

Is it hard to find a secular homeschool curriculum?

I know finding a secular homeschool curriculum can be hard. however, even in the three years, we have been living in America homeschooling is growing at a huge rate. I have put together our favorite non religious homeschool curriculum, for each subject, including history and science.

Is there such a thing as secular science?

Not faith-neutral, either – actually secular science. Texts including language arts and history are secular, not created from a religious world-view. It means anyone can use these resources. Whether you’re religious, agnostic, atheist, spiritual but not religious, or just don’t really think about it that much.

What is the best online science course for homeschoolers?

Noeo Science – provides a quality homeschool science curriculum for elementary students, including award-winning experiment kits, fascinating books, and easy-to-use instructor’s guides. 8. Taylor Made Science – LIVE Online Science courses for High School such as Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Is the traditional school system secular?

The traditional school system is secular. Religion is not taught in most public schools and universities. Some parents would rather keep religious instruction separate from other subjects in school. I know of several Christian homeschoolers who teach Bible and religion separately from school and use all secular curriculum for this reason.

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 a secular science curriculum?

Secular curriculum is not written from a religious worldview or influenced by it. It must include all widely accepted scientific theories. It must not teach intelligent design (this is not scientific or accepted by the scientific community).

Is focus on science secular?

Keller wanted a secular science curriculum with solid content that children would enjoy. Not finding what she wanted, she decided to create it herself—and it's not just one program, but two: the Focus On series that I review here and the Exploring the Building Blocks of Science series.

Is real science odyssey secular?

History Odyssey and History Quest are secular-based. Various religions and their belief systems are discussed in detail in History Quest and in all of our History Study Guides as they had influence on the history of humankind.

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 Sassafras a secular science?

Sassafras Science is a secular science program co-authored by Johnny Congo and Paige Hudson available through Elemental Science. Each program starts with an action-packed novel following the Sassafras twins as they travel around the world on an invisible zip line invented by their eccentric Uncle Cecil.

Is gather round homeschool secular?

Is this Christian or secular? The lessons are Christian though we will personally still be adding in More Than Words (my new Bible curriculum through Masterbooks). We are doing this for two reasons: first of all, the Biblical approach in the units is more of a worldview and touch on, not in-depth teaching.

Is the good and the beautiful secular?

Not secular. If you're wishing for a secular resource, there's a lot of tweaking needed should you wish to use it. I'm personally a non-religious homeschooler but I have no problems using resources that are faith based or with mentions of God.

Is supercharged science secular?

Supercharged Science takes a secular approach but should not have any content in conflict with religious beliefs. They describe themselves as “creation neutral.”

What is Odyssey science?

Science Odyssey (RSO) to be unlike any other science curriculum available. It is written specifically for home and small classroom use. Packed full of serious science and loads of fun, it is an incremental program that gently builds on itself and incorporates mathematics, scientific method, and science terminology.

What does real science mean?

Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence. Scientific methodology includes the following: Objective observation: Measurement and data (possibly although not necessarily using mathematics as a tool) Evidence.

What is the 7th grade science course?

The seventh-grade science course emphasizes the Scientific Method and explores major areas of scientific inquiry. The following units are covered: “Scientific Inquiry”, “Matter”, “Energy and Motion”, “Biology”, “Health and Disease”, “Genetics”, “Ecology and the Environment”, “Earth Science”, and “Life over Time”.

What is the second course in Earth Science and Astronomy?

The second course in the series (generally corresponding to sixth grade) is Earth Science & Astronomy for the Logic Stage. Topics covered include space, the solar system, planet Earth, rocks, and weather. You will need to purchase the following texts:

What is the logic stage science?

If you are looking for an engaging, secular homeschool science curriculum for your middle school student that follows a classical homeschool approach, consider the Logic Stage science series produced by Elemental Science. This program uses the classical cycle promoted in The Well-Trained Mind and emphasizes students’ mastery of foundational science concepts through experiments, writing, and memorization. Students also develop their imaginations, writing skills, and artistic abilities with this program. Because this series incorporates writing, sketching, and the development of observational skills, it is also popular among Charlotte Mason-style homeschoolers.

How many modules are there in Science Dimensions?

Instead, the program consists of 12 modules that middle school students can complete in any order that they or their parents choose.

What is Calvert's middle school science?

Calvert’s middle school science courses provide excellent preparation for the more advanced science concepts that will be introduced in high school. Parents really love Calvert’s programs because the online platform keeps track of the student’s schedule and assignments and does much of the grading automatically.

Is Calvert online?

All of its grade 3-12 programs are now available completely online, making for a simple and streamlined experience that is nevertheless academically rigorous. Calvert’s online platform is effective for many different types of learners.

Best All-Around

If you are looking for a solid, well-structured homeschool science curriculum, consider the excellent courses produced by Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum (PAC).

Best Online

If you are looking for a rigorous but user-friendly online homeschool science course, we highly recommend those offered by Calvert Homeschool. Calvert has published excellent secular homeschool curriculums for many years, and now all of their grades 3-12 courses have gone completely online.

Best for Classical and Charlotte Mason-Style Homeschoolers

If you follow a Classical or Charlotte Mason-style homeschool approach, consider the excellent high school science courses published by Elemental Science.

Conclusion

There are several excellent secular science homeschool curriculums available for high school students. You’ll want to consider your child’s learning style as well as your own homeschooling philosophy as you figure out which program is right for your family.

Why Secular Homeschooling?

As we are not religious, finding a secular homeschooling curriculum was absolutely vital. But other reasons people are looking for a secular curriculum is for the following:

The Best Secular Homeschool Curriculum

These six are our top picks for secular homeschool curriculum. To find more keep scrolling down.

Secular Homeschool History Curriculum

I’m starting the list with history, not because it is the most important subject. But because it is one of the hardest to find secular resources for!

Secular Science Curriculum Homeschool

I was not particularly surprised about history, but it is also super hard to find a secular science curriculum. Here is a list of all the ones we have found.

Secular Math Curriculum

I will only add a few here, as most homeschool math curriculums are secular, not all, but most. But these are our absolute favorites, and we have either reviewed them or are currently using them.

Secular Foreign Language Curriculum

Rosetta Stone – (45% link to lifetime access!!) learn a foreign language, trusted by Lego, BMW, and many other huge organizations.

Find a methodology that works well for your learner

Often, homeschooling parents will become attached to a teaching methodology, such as the Classical method or Charlotte Mason. The issue is when those do not work for a learner. For example, some learners benefit from learning that is more flexible and free-flowing than the Classical method. For others, this method leads to real intellectual growth.

The best secular homeschool curriculum for your learner should engage their intellect

It is important to have an idea about what your children will be learning. One of the best parts of a secular homeschool is the freedom and flexibility to choose the subjects you want to focus on. Make some sort of outline before you start shopping.

What format will work best for your family?

Next, you will want to give some thought to the scope of the curriculum. Are you looking for a secular homeschool curriculum that you piece together subject-by-subject, or do you want an all-in-one curriculum? For the most part, piecing it together is best. Honestly, no one does everything well.

Make sure the materials are secular and evidence-based

If your goal is to find the best secular homeschool curriculum you will want to make sure the materials are secular. After you find materials that are a good fit, you should go to the number one place to get accurate information about this, the SEA Homeschoolers Facebook Group.

Why do homeschoolers seek secular curriculum?

Far and away, the most common reason homeschoolers seek out secular curriculum is that they do not believe in the Young Earth science theory. Young Earth theory states that the entire world is somewhere between 6,000 and 10,000 years old, with the world just getting started with the first recorded stories from the Bible.

What religions are homeschoolers?

Many homeschoolers are Islamic, Jehovah’s Witness, Jewish, Wiccan, Catholic, Mormon, or follow some other religion. As much of homeschool curriculum follows traditional Evangelical Christian beliefs, trying to use this form of curriculum when you follow another religion creates conflict.

Why do people homeschool not follow religion?

These families usually homeschool due to schedule issues, because they have children with special needs, or because they believe their children can get a better education at home.

Is Christian homeschooling a Biblical perspective?

A lot of Christian homeschool curriculum is written from a Biblical perspective. Because of this, some of the information in some (not all) Christian homeschool curriculums is outdated or does not focus on true academics.

Is the traditional school system secular?

The traditional school system is secular. Religion is not taught in most public schools and universities. Some parents would rather keep religious instruction separate from other subjects in school. I know of several Christian homeschoolers who teach Bible and religion separately from school and use all secular curriculum for this reason.

Best Secular Homeschool Science Curriculum

The Mel Science subscription box is the most fun and hands-on way to explore science with your children. Every month get up to 5 interactive science projects as well as access to over 70 virtual reality and augmented reality lessons (yay for modern homeschool!) as well as a fantastic app that delves even deeper into the world of science.

Elementary Secular Science Curriculum Packages

The setup of BFSU curriculum is with teachers and parents in mind who do not have much prior scientific knowledge. It has been created so you can learn alongside your students.

Secular Science Curriculum for Middle Grades (6-8)

Conceptual Academy uses the context of daily lives to help middle school students build a solid foundation in science concepts. They offer pathways from middle to high school scope and sequence so you can see how their textbooks work together.

High School Secular Science Curriculum

The Classic Science curriculum written by high school science teacher Mr. Q mixes teaching concepts with learning strategies that students love. He offers online courses, classic science textbooks, and workshops to help teach your student science in a way they’ll enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Hopefully this roundup has made your search for the best secular homeschool science curriculum much easier. As you check on the suggestions above, be sure to read more about those who designed it and check for free samples.