Blue Collar Homeschool Curriculum Criteria
In order to be listed in our curriculum lists, materials have to meet certain criteria:
Items noted as "Tried and True" resources have been used by our own family, and we welcome questions!
We are not affiliated with any of the curriculum providers we recommend here, and receive no compensation in any form for our recommendation.
Science Curriculum
Teaching high school science at home...how do you do it? How do you cover material in so many areas...chemistry, biology, physics...when it's been years since you even looked at the Periodic Table of Elements, or dissected anything? How do you provide adequate lab experiences at the kitchen table? Don't worry, we have many suggestions for you!
AGS - Chemistry
AGS - Earth Science
AGS - Environmental Science
AGS - General Science
AGS - Physical Science
The AGS textbook series from Pearson Publishers offers high school content at lower reading levels. Used for special education or English Language Learners, these texts are also very good for those who want very clear explanations of science topics, or for those who learn better with more colorful graphics and visualizations. Definitions are explained at the beginning of each section. This is the most like a traditional textbook curriculum suggested here, and yet it is more like older textbooks from earlier eras, which were often appreciated for their cleaner look on each page and their more precise explanations. Complete curriculum includes workbooks, student textbooks, and teacher's editions. Standard textbook pricing should be expected.
Conceptual Science Series
For those of you with learners who are in need of stronger science but without the rigorous math required, or who want a broader "conceptual" presentation of the sciences with quality instruction, the Conceptual series is what you need. Many of our trades bound learners need solid science but struggle with the presentation of most textbooks. These are not at all "dumbed down" texts but do take a slightly different approach than the traditional textbook, in that they use more storytelling, analogy, and real world situations to explain concepts. The books are visually far more appealing, and there is a web site with videos with further explanation, as well as practice tests and other features (for a fee, videos are free and accessible). Textbooks include: Conceptual Physics, Conceptual Chemistry, Conceptual Astronomy, Conceptual Physical Science, and Conceptual Integrated Science. You can find their accompanying web site specifically for homeschoolers here. We have linked to Conceptual Chemistry above on Amazon, and you can find all the Conceptual series available there. (Also, they have middle school texts which might substitute as high school general science courses for special needs learners...see Conceptual Physical Science Explorations and Conceptual Integrated Science Explorations)
Global Systems Science
Looking for a different approach to teaching science, but not sure how to go about that? This is a 1-2 year science program that discusses science related social issues, and integrates all of the big sciences like chemistry, biology, environmental science, earth science and physics. Some idea of tpoics covered are "Ecosystem Change", "Losing Biodiversity", and "Energy Use". There are 12 booklets available in ebook or printable format for a suggested donation of $5, making this virtually almost cost free. There are also teacher's guides available on a restricted web site so students can't easily access it, just email and ask for access. In reviewing some of the materials, there are plenty of suggested and clearly explained "investigations" to go along with each topic, and there are links to web sites to explore that are related to the topics, as well as an "Update" section where new discoveries or changes in data are shared so the curriculum always stays current. I would say this is a science curriculum that would be well suited to the average kid, the one who isn't gung ho about science and doesn't have a need or desire for a more intense full year course of classes like physics or chemistry. A good, middle of the road solution that is not dumbed down, but not out of reach of the average student.
Introduction to Aviation
A great science course for high schoolers, or an elective for those interested in aviation! This unique course will help your student gain a foundational understanding of all the aspects of flight, as well as a broad knowledge of multiple aviation career pathways. They will learn aviation history, aerodynamics, instrumentation. navigation, flight calculations, weight and balance, and much more. The course also introduces learners to various careers in aviation that they may not have thought about.
Learn Science Academy
While we tend to feature curricula on this web site that is "average" or for non-college bound students, we recognize that many learners headed into the trades or tech fields are incredibly bright, and are taking a different path by choice. Some love science and their futures will depend upon deep learning in particular areas...areas that often mom's tremble in fear over trying to teach! Look no further, this is what you have been looking for! This web site is a companion site for the well known "Conceptual" series of textbooks. These are college level textbooks for non-science majors, meaning topics are presented in a more "digestible" format. Enrolling offers you access to teaching videos that accompany the textbooks purchased separately, as well as labs, worksheets, etc. I have personally reviewed the Physics textbook and found it to have the clearest explanations I have ever seen, with language designed to help non-sciencey learners really grasp the concepts. They offer high school courses in Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Physical Science, and Integrated Science, as well as a junior high course on On Overview of Physical Science which might be well suited to a lower ability high school learner to still teach concrete principles.
Mr. Q Science
You're going to love this site! Mr. Q is actually a real life science teacher, Scott McQuerry, who has worked with public students and homeschoolers alike. He saw a curriculum gap and filled it beautifully with his own creation! Offering elementary and high school sciences, he has 36 week downloadable textbooks, separate printable supply lists so you can gather everything needed for the year all at once, and parent's manuals along with general timelines for working through the material, too. He also teaches classes online! Elementary level year long courses include Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Chemistry. High School courses include Advanced Biology, Advanced Chemistry, and Advanced Earth Science. His conversational tone makes this curriculum far more accessible to the average student than the traditional high school textbooks do, and younger students will find his humor appealing while they are still learning real standards based science. At $50 a course, this is honestly a complete bargain, and unlike other resources, you can purchase units within a textbook if you'd prefer to mix and match a year! This is a "must see" curriculum, as I have a sense it would be a terrific fit for Blue Collar Homeschoolers!
Power Basics - Science
These basic paperback texts are for the learner who is overwhelmed by traditional high school textbooks. The format is very plain, with black and white illustrations and very clearly outlined topics and explanations. A less colorful alternative than AGS textbook, Power Basics presents complicated science topics in easier to understand language, without the "busy-ness" of a standard textbook, allowing the learner to focus on the topic being taught without distractions. There are full year programs available in Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Space, and Physics. If you are looking for a less involved science curriculum that covers national science standards efficiently and simply, this is the one to look at.
Starline Press - Science
A self-teaching worktext curriculum that offers complete science courses in biology, chemistry, earth science, and physical science, this program is moderately priced, and year long courses are divided into worktext units, which allows a learner to feel a sense of accomplishment throughout the course as each unit is completed. This is a good course for students who prefer to be self-directed, or who are behind academically and working toward credit recovery. Thorough with plenty of review, these worktexts are not as well illustrated as a typical textbook, but will get the job done.
STEPS - Biology, Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology, Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy
A unique approach to teaching high school sciences, each course presents the key points and big picture, without burying the student in the kinds of details that often bog down the learning process. This curriculum asks more of the student than mere memorization, questions are designed to engage the learner in really thinking about the material presented...it asks the student to think critically, observe, compare, and contrast the information presented. Films you will find on Netflix or from other sources are used as part of the curriculum to flesh out topics. These courses could be considered a more general, softer approach for covering science, and might be especially appropriate for non-science focused students. There are a few suggested labs throughout the various courses, but not enough for most parents to consider it fulfilling lab requirements. That can be easily solved by pairing the courses with lab kits offered by outside companies, thereby creating a very rich learning experience. A Tried and True and beloved resource!
Time4Learning - Science
Do you wish you could find an online program that would just teach your learner the science they need, so you don't have to worry about it at all? There IS such a resource! Time4Learning.com offers a full high school curriculum which we will list elsewhere, but many may elect to use it for a single subject. Select from courses in physics, biology, chemistry, physical science, and earth/space science, let the online program teach it, grade it, and record it for you, all the while you can rest assured that standard scope and sequence will be covered. At $30 a month, if Time4Learning were used even for as single subject, it would be the equivalent cost of any other standard outside course.
The Spectrum Chemistry
From Beginnings Publishing, who created Rainbow Science which is listed in our Elementary list, The Spectrum is a complete, full year curriculum for chemistry. This is a stronger course for students who want a well rounded, lab based chemistry program, with complex concepts expressed in language that is clear and understandable. All the lab supplies are included for the year and the lab book and textbook will allow the learner to work largely on their own. A complete Scope and Sequence is shared on their web site as well sample lessons.
Science Labs
These science lab kits from outside sources are designed to be used along with whatever high school text you elect to use. They include lab books and all lab materials, and you will have to match the labs in order of your chosen text, if you desire to work with the labs in that way. There is a lot to be learned from well designed lab experiences, and these kits are not "rinky dink", but instead allow the homeschooler to have a very firm foundation in lab based sciences right at their kitchen table.
Quality Science Labs
This company puts together super kits to be paired with middle and high school science courses. Their lab books are excellent, with detailed explanations for each experiment, and their kits have almost everything you need for every experiment, with the exception of items that would degrade if they were included in the kit. Plenty of real experiments bring the science being studied to life, and there are a nice variety of experiments with some taking a single day to completed, and others requiring ongoing monitoring and data collection over a period of several days. Everything included in the kits is of good construction, and these quality labs are well thought out.
In order to be listed in our curriculum lists, materials have to meet certain criteria:
- It must be uncomplicated to teach with.
- It must be as neutral as possible in terms of world view/religious perspectives. If it is not neutral, it must be an exceptionally good resource and be easy to "neutralize" and be able to be used by people of all faiths. This does not mean there is no mention of religion, but that religious training is not a key component of the curriculum.
- It must provide a good education which would fully prepare a student for the real world. Not all of the curriculum suggestions would be appropriate for the college bound student, but then not every student is headed for college and their needs should not be ignored as they so often are.
Items noted as "Tried and True" resources have been used by our own family, and we welcome questions!
We are not affiliated with any of the curriculum providers we recommend here, and receive no compensation in any form for our recommendation.
Science Curriculum
Teaching high school science at home...how do you do it? How do you cover material in so many areas...chemistry, biology, physics...when it's been years since you even looked at the Periodic Table of Elements, or dissected anything? How do you provide adequate lab experiences at the kitchen table? Don't worry, we have many suggestions for you!
AGS - Chemistry
AGS - Earth Science
AGS - Environmental Science
AGS - General Science
AGS - Physical Science
The AGS textbook series from Pearson Publishers offers high school content at lower reading levels. Used for special education or English Language Learners, these texts are also very good for those who want very clear explanations of science topics, or for those who learn better with more colorful graphics and visualizations. Definitions are explained at the beginning of each section. This is the most like a traditional textbook curriculum suggested here, and yet it is more like older textbooks from earlier eras, which were often appreciated for their cleaner look on each page and their more precise explanations. Complete curriculum includes workbooks, student textbooks, and teacher's editions. Standard textbook pricing should be expected.
Conceptual Science Series
For those of you with learners who are in need of stronger science but without the rigorous math required, or who want a broader "conceptual" presentation of the sciences with quality instruction, the Conceptual series is what you need. Many of our trades bound learners need solid science but struggle with the presentation of most textbooks. These are not at all "dumbed down" texts but do take a slightly different approach than the traditional textbook, in that they use more storytelling, analogy, and real world situations to explain concepts. The books are visually far more appealing, and there is a web site with videos with further explanation, as well as practice tests and other features (for a fee, videos are free and accessible). Textbooks include: Conceptual Physics, Conceptual Chemistry, Conceptual Astronomy, Conceptual Physical Science, and Conceptual Integrated Science. You can find their accompanying web site specifically for homeschoolers here. We have linked to Conceptual Chemistry above on Amazon, and you can find all the Conceptual series available there. (Also, they have middle school texts which might substitute as high school general science courses for special needs learners...see Conceptual Physical Science Explorations and Conceptual Integrated Science Explorations)
Global Systems Science
Looking for a different approach to teaching science, but not sure how to go about that? This is a 1-2 year science program that discusses science related social issues, and integrates all of the big sciences like chemistry, biology, environmental science, earth science and physics. Some idea of tpoics covered are "Ecosystem Change", "Losing Biodiversity", and "Energy Use". There are 12 booklets available in ebook or printable format for a suggested donation of $5, making this virtually almost cost free. There are also teacher's guides available on a restricted web site so students can't easily access it, just email and ask for access. In reviewing some of the materials, there are plenty of suggested and clearly explained "investigations" to go along with each topic, and there are links to web sites to explore that are related to the topics, as well as an "Update" section where new discoveries or changes in data are shared so the curriculum always stays current. I would say this is a science curriculum that would be well suited to the average kid, the one who isn't gung ho about science and doesn't have a need or desire for a more intense full year course of classes like physics or chemistry. A good, middle of the road solution that is not dumbed down, but not out of reach of the average student.
Introduction to Aviation
A great science course for high schoolers, or an elective for those interested in aviation! This unique course will help your student gain a foundational understanding of all the aspects of flight, as well as a broad knowledge of multiple aviation career pathways. They will learn aviation history, aerodynamics, instrumentation. navigation, flight calculations, weight and balance, and much more. The course also introduces learners to various careers in aviation that they may not have thought about.
Learn Science Academy
While we tend to feature curricula on this web site that is "average" or for non-college bound students, we recognize that many learners headed into the trades or tech fields are incredibly bright, and are taking a different path by choice. Some love science and their futures will depend upon deep learning in particular areas...areas that often mom's tremble in fear over trying to teach! Look no further, this is what you have been looking for! This web site is a companion site for the well known "Conceptual" series of textbooks. These are college level textbooks for non-science majors, meaning topics are presented in a more "digestible" format. Enrolling offers you access to teaching videos that accompany the textbooks purchased separately, as well as labs, worksheets, etc. I have personally reviewed the Physics textbook and found it to have the clearest explanations I have ever seen, with language designed to help non-sciencey learners really grasp the concepts. They offer high school courses in Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Physical Science, and Integrated Science, as well as a junior high course on On Overview of Physical Science which might be well suited to a lower ability high school learner to still teach concrete principles.
Mr. Q Science
You're going to love this site! Mr. Q is actually a real life science teacher, Scott McQuerry, who has worked with public students and homeschoolers alike. He saw a curriculum gap and filled it beautifully with his own creation! Offering elementary and high school sciences, he has 36 week downloadable textbooks, separate printable supply lists so you can gather everything needed for the year all at once, and parent's manuals along with general timelines for working through the material, too. He also teaches classes online! Elementary level year long courses include Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Chemistry. High School courses include Advanced Biology, Advanced Chemistry, and Advanced Earth Science. His conversational tone makes this curriculum far more accessible to the average student than the traditional high school textbooks do, and younger students will find his humor appealing while they are still learning real standards based science. At $50 a course, this is honestly a complete bargain, and unlike other resources, you can purchase units within a textbook if you'd prefer to mix and match a year! This is a "must see" curriculum, as I have a sense it would be a terrific fit for Blue Collar Homeschoolers!
Power Basics - Science
These basic paperback texts are for the learner who is overwhelmed by traditional high school textbooks. The format is very plain, with black and white illustrations and very clearly outlined topics and explanations. A less colorful alternative than AGS textbook, Power Basics presents complicated science topics in easier to understand language, without the "busy-ness" of a standard textbook, allowing the learner to focus on the topic being taught without distractions. There are full year programs available in Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Space, and Physics. If you are looking for a less involved science curriculum that covers national science standards efficiently and simply, this is the one to look at.
Starline Press - Science
A self-teaching worktext curriculum that offers complete science courses in biology, chemistry, earth science, and physical science, this program is moderately priced, and year long courses are divided into worktext units, which allows a learner to feel a sense of accomplishment throughout the course as each unit is completed. This is a good course for students who prefer to be self-directed, or who are behind academically and working toward credit recovery. Thorough with plenty of review, these worktexts are not as well illustrated as a typical textbook, but will get the job done.
STEPS - Biology, Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology, Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy
A unique approach to teaching high school sciences, each course presents the key points and big picture, without burying the student in the kinds of details that often bog down the learning process. This curriculum asks more of the student than mere memorization, questions are designed to engage the learner in really thinking about the material presented...it asks the student to think critically, observe, compare, and contrast the information presented. Films you will find on Netflix or from other sources are used as part of the curriculum to flesh out topics. These courses could be considered a more general, softer approach for covering science, and might be especially appropriate for non-science focused students. There are a few suggested labs throughout the various courses, but not enough for most parents to consider it fulfilling lab requirements. That can be easily solved by pairing the courses with lab kits offered by outside companies, thereby creating a very rich learning experience. A Tried and True and beloved resource!
Time4Learning - Science
Do you wish you could find an online program that would just teach your learner the science they need, so you don't have to worry about it at all? There IS such a resource! Time4Learning.com offers a full high school curriculum which we will list elsewhere, but many may elect to use it for a single subject. Select from courses in physics, biology, chemistry, physical science, and earth/space science, let the online program teach it, grade it, and record it for you, all the while you can rest assured that standard scope and sequence will be covered. At $30 a month, if Time4Learning were used even for as single subject, it would be the equivalent cost of any other standard outside course.
The Spectrum Chemistry
From Beginnings Publishing, who created Rainbow Science which is listed in our Elementary list, The Spectrum is a complete, full year curriculum for chemistry. This is a stronger course for students who want a well rounded, lab based chemistry program, with complex concepts expressed in language that is clear and understandable. All the lab supplies are included for the year and the lab book and textbook will allow the learner to work largely on their own. A complete Scope and Sequence is shared on their web site as well sample lessons.
Science Labs
These science lab kits from outside sources are designed to be used along with whatever high school text you elect to use. They include lab books and all lab materials, and you will have to match the labs in order of your chosen text, if you desire to work with the labs in that way. There is a lot to be learned from well designed lab experiences, and these kits are not "rinky dink", but instead allow the homeschooler to have a very firm foundation in lab based sciences right at their kitchen table.
Quality Science Labs
This company puts together super kits to be paired with middle and high school science courses. Their lab books are excellent, with detailed explanations for each experiment, and their kits have almost everything you need for every experiment, with the exception of items that would degrade if they were included in the kit. Plenty of real experiments bring the science being studied to life, and there are a nice variety of experiments with some taking a single day to completed, and others requiring ongoing monitoring and data collection over a period of several days. Everything included in the kits is of good construction, and these quality labs are well thought out.