Changing homeschooling courses up mid-year is one of the top perks of homeschooling. Although, in this case, beginning a new high school biology course mid-year was not a last minute decision—though some were. For my elementary boys, we breezed through their US history. The course I had planned includes two large books and I had planned to complete them in two years. The good news is, we completed them in one and a half. Now, I have time to focus on unit studies until the end of the semester. I love when that happens! As for my daughter who is in her first year of high school, I was in search of a high quality high school biology course that can effectively prepare her for her current desire to prepare for veterinary studies. After much research and consideration, I landed on Red Wagon Biology for High School which is available with a SchoolhouseTeachers.com membership. We focused on food science in the fall with the plan to hit the ground running to prepare her for her future in January. Not only did we find the perfect Biology course for her, but she will begin Latin as well. My goal with Latin is to help her understand the science terms even better.
This course is unique in that it is essentially a pre-recorded class from a LIVE teacher that offers his classes each semester online. These recorded classes are then offered FREE to SchoolhouseTeachers.com members while including the same quality. The only difference is that the class is self-paced. If on a budget, or if the LIVE classes are full, students can take this course without purchasing any other materials. The instruction is provided for each lesson in video format complete with printable notes for each lecture. Tests and answer keys are also available to use throughout the course.
This course uses the corresponding Apologia textbook but no need to go out and purchase it as SchoolhouseTeachers.com members receive online access to the required reading at no extra cost!
Experiments are also included but video links are provided for those unable to complete the experiments as home.
If you have ever used middle school or high school level Apologia then you know how rigorous these courses are. They are in-depth and if you have a child that needs instruction other than simply reading a text then this course is perfect! You have the quality of an Apologia course with a qualified instructor teaching the difficult aspects of the class via video. He is also available via email for SchoolhouseTeachers.com members and will work more closely with members at a discounted rate!
Needless to say, I am excited for my daughter to begin this course! I had already printed out and bound the student notebook to begin this January. Then, I found the corresponding book at Goodwill for only $2 and a week later I found the supplemental CD for $.99! They are not required, but for that price I could not resist to buy them to keep on hand!
I already had a microscope for our homeschool and found the required microscope slides on Amazon for a fraction of the cost of what is found on the Apologia site. I still will need dissection samples but I plan on obtaining those as needed from various suppliers.
This course can be taken in three levels, Biology, Honors, or Pre-Med. I love the rigor that this course presents. It appears to mimic college-level expectations and I am excited to introduce this to my high schooler for preparation for what is ahead. The plan is to have her read the text ahead of the lecture, watch the lecture and take notes in the provided printable notebook, perform quality experiments, and learn how to effectively prepare for tests. I will keep you updated! If you want to start your kids on Red Wagon Biology or any of the other 400+ courses available on SchoolhouseTeachers.com, can you purchase the Ultimate Annual Membership for only $199/year through January 15, 2025!
Disclaimer: Thrift Schooling is an affiliate for SchoolhouseTeachers.com and Amazon Associates. Portions of your purchase through the above link go directly to help our homeschool at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
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