Teaching biology to your homeschool student can be a lot of fun; however, some parents don’t enjoy the subject and the upper grades can be a bit more challenging. If you are the latter, there are many good options for teaching your child homeschool biology.

Drawbacks and benefits of a computer-based biology course

 Benefits:

• No planning involved and easy for the busy/working parent.
• Most are self-grading.
• Usually includes a visually-appealing multimedia component.
• Self-directed and gives the student a sense of autonomy.

 Drawbacks:

• If many textbook selections are included in the course, it can be a bit tedious reading from the computer screen.
• May not be a good choice for a kinesthetic learner or a child with a lot of energy. However, an easy way to remedy this would be by combining it with a nature study program, which would get your active learner out of the house for some fresh air and observation.

A sampling of biology course options: (Biology courses are usually only available at the high school level and the elementary grade biology is included in more general science classes).

Switched On Schoolhouse: This program is on cd-roms and involves a combination of on- and off-computer assignments including experiments. Grades 3-9 observe each area of science on an individual survey basis, usually unit by unit.Grades 10-12 focus on specific areas of science— Life Science (Plants and Animals, Human Anatomy and Personal Care, Biology), Space and Earth Science (Geology, Weather, Space), Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics), Nature of Science (Scientific Method, Experimentation, Technology).

E-Tutor:  This program offers indepent and guided programs (with the guided program, the assign the student a certified tutor). Single course are available.

K12: K12 offers a public school option (free in some states) and a private school option. They use a mix of internet courses and traditional textbook courses. It is rigorous program but they offer many options to the homeschooler, including indivdual highschool courses. K12 is a well-done high-quality program, but is not for parents who prefer a more gentle Charlotte Mason type method.

Keystone Highschool: Keystone is highschool only and offers a full highschool program as well as individual courses. Their curriculum is more in line with a traditional public school.