Teaching Science to “Non-Science” Students & Using an Appropriate Homeschool Science Curriculum

This post is sponsored by College Prep Science. Copyright 2020 by Greg Landry

While I still have a few years yet before my little one begins schooling, it is something to think about ahead of time and be prepared for. I want to make sure she is learning all she can while being able to understand the subjects to the best of her ability. I know every child learns differently also, so having the correct tools on hand will be a lifesaver, which is where this article can help.

What I’ve Learned from Teaching Thousands Of Students. 

I’ve learned a lot from teaching thousands of homeschooled students (and university students who were homeschooled) over the past 20+ years. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s a huge mistake to teach “college-prep” science to “non-science” students! And, in my experience, about 70% of homeschooled students are “non-science” students.

So, how do we define “non-science” students? I think the simplest and broadest definition is that “non-science” students are unlikely to be college science majors or they may not be planning to attend college. They should not be taught biology, chemistry, and physics as if they are going to be college science majors. I believe that’s a disservice to them and ultimately deprives them of fully grasping the big picture and magnificence of God’s Creation. 

The depth, breadth, and pedagogy of many college-prep biology, chemistry , and physics classes, and a homeschool science curriculum in those subjects, leaves many “non-science” students frustrated, uninterested, and ultimately learning very little. I find that students in this situation often don’t have an overall understanding of the subject matter that is so critical in these sciences. They can’t see the forest because they’re lost in the trees. 

So, I developed “life prep” versions of my biology, chemistry, and physics online classes and wrote the textbooks specifically for “non-science” students – students who may be “artsy,” “techie,” “handy,” or just may not particularly care for science. Equivalent in-depth and breadth to a standard public or private high school class but specifically designed to be interesting and appealing to “non-science” students, and with minimal math.

Many of students’ assignments and assessments are done in their choice of format, including, but not limited to: artwork, video, graphics, sketches/drawings, hand-crafted models, graphic novels, audio, wiki pages, game creation, graphic organizers, podcasts, e-portfolio, or just the simple written word. Much of students’ work in these classes are geared toward helping them to learn via their particular bent – their God-given talents and interests.

– Life Prep Biology (8th-12th) – Two Semester Class
– Life Prep Chemistry (9th-12th) – Two Semester Class
– Life Prep Physics (9th-12th) – Two Semester Class

In the words of a homeschool parent…

“Greg, …what you did for our daughter will have far-reaching effects. You showed her that learning can be enjoyable…”
Thankful in Indiana
Jim H.

These “life prep” online homeschool science curriculum classes also include lab experiments in our very cool virtual homeschool science laboratory and graded lab reports. Students attend class once weekly (either live or by recording), turn-in homework, and are tested on a regular basis. These classes are all-inclusive and provide students with an enjoyable, comprehensive science experience.

​Homeschool dad, scientist, and former college professor, Greg Landry, offers live, online homeschool science classes, Homeschool ACT Prep Bootcamp, the Homeschool Mom’s Science Podcast, in-person two-day science lab intensives nationwide, freebies for homeschool moms, and student-produced homeschool print publications.