I would love to purchase an MP3 of a "How to Get Ready for College" talk if SWB has it in a form that she can offer for sale. :)

I don't own either one so I can't give a detailed comparison - sorry! :) From what I could find with a quick Google search, it looks to me like the Modern Biology text is at a more advanced level than the Biology text. The Mod Bio text seems to be entirely organized around evolutionary principles (which would make sense given its title) and covers biochemical processes in greater chemical detail (i.e. Calvin's Cycle which, in a reg bio course, would just be discussed as a general concept but in the Mod Bio book is looked at down to the chemistry that's taking place). I could be wrong, though - maybe someone who has first-hand experience with both books can chime in. :) I did find these two resources for the Modern Biology text if anyone is interested: Additional online resources for the text from the Holt website: http://go.hrw.com/hrw.nd/gohrw_rls1/pKeywordResults?keyword=HM2%20HOME The Study Guide for the text (hosted by a school, by the looks of it): *WARNING! THIS LINK OPENS A PDF!* http://schools.bvsd.org/p12/centaurus/Teachers/haddad/Shared%20Documents/Study%20Guide.pdf

It's wonderful that you have the time needed to preview all your home educating materials in their entirety. :) I'm going to make a confession, though - I don't. Part of it is a time issue and part of it is that I simply can't be bothered to look over every page of every book we cover at this level. Because of that, I do appreciate the collective wisdom of this group and other entities like it both online and in real life. I fully expect my daughter to sometimes come across ideas that don't necessarily match with her/our own philosphies and I'm OK with that - that's a major part of helping her grow into a mature and independent learner. Many times in life, we (the general "we") are called upon to make decisions without knowing all the facts or without having had a chance to see all relevant first-hand information with our own eyes. We still make the decisions, though. :) We are often helped to reach those decisions partly by second-hand information from others and partly by our own "snap" judgments based on what first-hand information we have been able to access. That's why I appreciate that we can all share information and experiences with one another to help others make more informed choices. I think that was the original intent of the thread - to share information - not to question anyone's reaction to that information.

Well, I can't speak for others but, for myself, it isn't a matter of feeling threatened or fearful that philosophical or theological arguments would be presented in a science course. I simply feel that those types of arguments don't belong in a science class. A philosophy of science class or a history of science class - yes. But a straight-up science class - no. Science should be about objective, verifiable data and using the scientific method to analyze that data. Since there is no objective, verifiable data about the existence or the non-existence of a creator, then such a topic doesn't belong in a science class. If the class in question was a philosophy of science class, then bring it on! :) I happen to love the philosophy of science and love debating things (but not arguing :)). Let me make clear, though - I did not write the curriculum in question and so have no authority to tell the author what he should or shouldn't discuss in his writings. Even though my personal feeling is that philosophical/theological arguments do not belong in a straight-up science curriculum, he is free to do as he wishes. I agree with the OP and some of the PPs, though - I do like to know when those types of arguments are included in a curriculum just as I would like to know the topics contained in a particular curriculum. That way, I can make an informed choice about whether to purchase or not.

I don't think this is what the original post was about, though - I think the thread has gone off track somewhat. Whether each of us chooses to include philosophical/theological arguments in our science teaching or not is up to the individual family and not really what the OP was commenting on. I think she simply felt that since the program in question had always been supposed by most to be secular and that she had been recommending it as secular, she thought it prudent to point out that she may have been slightly mistaken in her recommendations and wanted to clarify that. I don't think she meant in any way to disparage the author or start a debate on whether or not philosophical/theological arguments belong in a science curriculum. But I could be wrong. :D

http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/464018-chemistry-labs-dr-tangs-syllabus-vs-illustrated-guide/?do=findComment&comment=4834755 :) Once upon a time, I had said I was going to do this. I didn't get around to it. My bad. But Julie's already done it! Woo hoo! :hurray:

Your wish is my command... :D http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/468303-homeschool-high-school-biology/

Other resources *K12 offers Core, Comprehensive, Honours, and AP Bio courses http://www.k12.com/c...e-list/#science *The Home Scientist sells a Honours Bio Lab kit with lab manual that can be correlated to many different bio programs (the lab manual is free to download even if you don't purchase the kit - see the link at the top of the following webpage): http://www.thehomesc.../bk01-main.html He also sells a simplified and less expensive version of the kit meant for Standard (or Regular) Biology. Here are links to PDF correlation charts to correlate the kit to some of the more popular homeschool biology textbooks: http://www.thehomesc...om/faq.html#Q03 *Quality Science Labs also sells a Biology lab kit that can be correlated to different science curricula. Lab kit: http://www.qualitysc...m/biology-labs/ Curricula Co-ordination: http://www.qualitysc...la-coordination (scroll down for biology) *HippoCampus has videos for Biology from Khan Academy and from the NROC Collection as well as simulations from the PhET Collection: http://www.hippocamp...oCampus/Biology *Labpaq (Hands On Learning) offers biology lab kits for sale: https://www.holscien...ection/products (click on "Biology" on the left-hand side of the page) You can fill out the form at the following link for more information: https://www.holscien...est-information *The Great Courses has a multitude of biology related courses: Biology: The Science of Life http://www.thegreatc...l.aspx?cid=1500 Understanding the Human Body: An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology http://www.thegreatc...il.aspx?cid=160 Understanding the Brain http://www.thegreatc...l.aspx?cid=1580 Neuroscience of Everyday Life http://www.thegreatc...l.aspx?cid=1540 Major Transitions in Evolution http://www.thegreatc...l.aspx?cid=1518 Biology and Human Behavior: The Neurological Origins of Individuality, 2nd Edition http://www.thegreatc...l.aspx?cid=1597 Science of Self http://www.thegreatc...l.aspx?cid=1592 Understanding Genetics: DNA, Genes, and Their Real-World Applications http://www.thegreatc...l.aspx?cid=1533 Origins of Life http://www.thegreatc...l.aspx?cid=1515 Shape of Nature http://www.thegreatc...l.aspx?cid=1460 Theory of Evolution: A History of Controversy http://www.thegreatc...il.aspx?cid=174 Earth at the Crossroads: Understanding the Ecology of a Changing Planet http://www.thegreatc...l.aspx?cid=1720 There are many more - this is just a start. :) *A homeschool mom (on this forum!) has done high school honours bio at home using Campbell's Biology: Concepts and Connections and made a website sharing her entire course. Here's the site: https://sites.google...macleodbiology/ Here are the resources she used: https://sites.google...ome/resources-3 Here are the weekly assignments: https://sites.google...ved-assignments Here are her tests: https://sites.google...odbiology/files Pretty awesome! *Biology simulations from PhET: http://phet.colorado...ategory/biology *From Kareni: I have no first hand experience with it, but this plan of study looks appealing to me: High School Biology with Living Books by Jamie McMillin. The resources used are listed here. *From Julie in MN: Experiences in Biology is a solid lab program for Biology. There are a variety of labs to choose from, more than most families will need. There's a student lab manual plus the expectation of learning to "draw what you see" under the microscope etc. I'm not sure the status of their company but I think you can still find it on CBD, and an ebook on the company website: http://www.homeschoo...biology-ebook-2 You used to be able to purchase a lab kit from Home Training Tools, but I think they've discontinued the order sheet, although they still have the supplies I'm sure and could possibly pull up the old order sheet they used to have on their website? *From me from further down thread :): From what I could find with a quick Google search, it looks to me like the Holt Modern Biology text is at a more advanced level than the Holt Biology text. The Mod Bio text seems to be entirely organized around evolutionary principles (which would make sense given its title) and covers biochemical processes in greater chemical detail (i.e. Calvin's Cycle which, in a reg bio course, would just be discussed as a general concept but in the Mod Bio book is looked at down to the chemistry that's taking place). I could be wrong, though - maybe someone who has first-hand experience with both books can chime in. :) I did find these two resources for the Modern Biology text if anyone is interested: Additional online resources for the text from the Holt website: http://go.hrw.com/hr...eyword=HM2 HOME The Study Guide for the text (hosted by a school, by the looks of it): *WARNING! THIS LINK OPENS A PDF!* http://schools.bvsd....Study Guide.pdf *From JanetC: A couple of resources for the "miscellaneous" section of your list: lewelma suggested this site to me: biologycorner.com -- The Worksheets by Topic section includes labs. The textbook reading guide is for Miller/Levine Dragonfly. Lots to explore here for both regular Biology and AP level (She includes a link to her syllabus submitted to the College Board for AP approval, if anybody wants to jump through that hoop). and from the Biology Corner site, I found a link to: http://biodidac.bio.uottawa.ca/ -- an amazing database of black and white biology images for things like labeling exercises

AP Biology NOTE: You CANNOT label your student's biology course as “AP Biology†on his/her transcript unless he/she is taking it from a provider with a College Board approved syllabus or you have had your own personal homeschool course approved by the College Board. The College Board website has more information on this process. AP Biology: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/2117.html ALSO NOTE: I can't guarantee that the providers listed below will have kept their courses up to date. Please check with whichever provider you are considering to ensure that your student is receiving proper instruction. Name: Oak Meadow AP Biology (enrollment only) Publisher: Uses Thinkwell AP Biology software Where to buy: http://www.oakmeadow...ool-science.php (scroll down to see description) http://www.oakmeadow...ces/catalog.php (catalogs and price sheets) Level: AP Bio Type: Online provider Additional Materials: N/A Teacher Resources: N/A Lesson Plans: N/A Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes - uses the Aventa Bio lab kit (made available to purchase after enrollment) Background needed: Qualifying math score, completion of Algebra I and high school biology Name: PA Homeschoolers Online AP Biology (enrollment only) Publisher: Uses Biology by Campbell and Reece with Mastering Biology (Eighth or Ninth Edition) Where to buy: http://www.aphomesch...l?class=biology Level: AP Bio Type: Online provider Additional Materials: N/A Teacher Resources: N/A Lesson Plans: N/A Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: No but the course description mentions lab materials to purchase (the student is probably told what to purchase once he/she is signed up for the course) Background needed: First chem course and Algebra 1 (a first bio course is also strongly recommended) Name: The Potter's School AP Biology (enrollment only) *Starting in 2015-2016 Publisher: Not yet available Where to buy: http://www.potterssc...ster-and-enroll Level: AP Bio Type: Online provider Additional Materials: N/A Teacher Resources: N/A Lesson Plans: N/A Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Not yet available Lab kit available: Not yet available Math background needed: First chem course, first bio course, and Algebra 1 Name: Thinkwell AP Biology Publisher: Thinkwell Where to buy: http://www.thinkwell...ucts/ap-biology Level: AP Bio Type: Online provider Additional Materials: N/A Teacher Resources: N/A Lesson Plans: N/A Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: Yes BUT they seem to be video demonstrations and not hands-on labs Lab kit available: No Math background needed: Doesn't say but I would think Algebra 1 (and a first chem or bio course wouldn't hurt) Texts used for AP Biology: *Note: The AP Biology exam changed this year (2013). If you choose to buy older editions of these texts, be aware that they may not correspond well to the new Essential Knowledge statements for AP Bio. Here is a link to a PDF from the College Board that helps to correlate older editions of texts to the new course: Textbook Correlations to the AP Biology Curriculum Framework * Here is a link with some suggested AP Biology texts: http://www.collegeboard.com/html/apcourseaudit/courses/biology_textbook_list.html Campbell Biology by Reece et al Where to buy: 9th edition from Amazon Website(s): 9th edition companion site Life: The Science of Biology by Sadava et al Where to buy: 10th edition from Amazon Principles of Life by Hillis & Sadava Where to buy: 1st edition from Amazon Sample chapters and description here: http://www.whfreeman.com/catalog/static/whf/hillispreview/ Biology by Raven et al Where to buy: 10th edition from Amazon Biology: The Dynamic Science by Russell et al Where to buy: 3rd edition from Amazon Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life by Starr et al Where to buy: 13th edition from Amazon Biology by Mader & Windelspecht Where to buy: 11th edition from Amazon

Honours Biology Name: BJU Biology Publisher: Bob Jones University Where to buy: http://www.rainbowre...1&category=2649 Level: Honours Bio Type: Worktext Additional Materials: Lab manual, tests Teacher Resources: Teacher's edition text, answer keys for tests Lesson Plans: Included Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.hometrain...kit/p/BJ-KIT10/ Name: DIVE Biology Publisher: Digital Interactive Video Education Where to buy: http://www.diveintom...ogy-10th-grade/ Level: Honours Bio or AP Bio Type: Instructional CD-ROM to be used along with a text (DIVE text, BJU, Apologia, A Beka, or others) Additional Materials: Student Workbook Teacher Resources: Video solutions on CD-ROM Lesson Plans: Included Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.hometrain...t/p/KT-DIVBIOL/ Name: Kolbe Biology (uses Miller/Levine "Dragonfly" Biology text) Publisher: Kolbe Academy Where to buy: http://books.kolbe.o...76-Biology.html Level: Reg or Honours Bio (same course guide has schedules for both) Type: Textbook Additional Materials: Workbook, virtual labs, tests, online resources http://www.phschool....=9999&area=view or http://millerandlevine.com/intro.html Teacher Resources: Course plans, text key, workbook key, answer keys for tests Lesson Plans: Yes Secular/Christian: Christian (Catholic) Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: No Name: Oak Meadow Biology Course (uses Holt text) Publisher: Holt with Oak Meadow course plan Where to buy: http://www.oakmeadow...kage-p1984.html Level: Honours Bio Type: Textbook Additional Materials: Teacher resources http://go.hrw.com/hr...lts?HX6 TEACHER Student resources http://go.hrw.com/hr...lts?HX6 STUDENT http://www.classzone...htm?state=INTER (for the 2008 edition instead of the 2004 edition used by Oak Meadow but should still be useful) Teacher Resources: Teacher manuals, syllabus Lesson Plans: Yes Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.oakmeadow...-Kit-p1987.html Name: The Potter's School Pre-AP Biology (enrollment only) Publisher: The Potter's School course using Science Shepherd Biology Where to buy: http://www.potterssc...ster-and-enroll Level: Honours Bio Type: Online provider Additional Materials: N/A Teacher Resources: N/A Lesson Plans: N/A Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: No but website states that most experiments can be done with household items The following items would have to be purchased separately: *Might Need to Purchase: 10 mL graduated cylinder 100 mL graduated cylinder 6 test tubes Test tube rack 4 – 1 mL disposable pipettes Filter Paper (10 pack) 250 mL Beaker Stethoscope (Home Science Tools - # BE-STETH) *Optional Dissection Materials: Preserved Frog (Extra Large if possible) #22 scalpel Dissecting scissors Forceps Pins Dissecting Tray Name: Exploring Creation with Marine Biology Publisher: Apologia Where to buy: http://www.rainbowre...1&category=2711 Level: Advanced Biology option Type: Textbook Additional Materials: Tests Teacher Resources: Answer key to text, answer key to tests Lesson Plans: Included Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.hometrain...t/p/AM-KTMBDIS/ Prerequisite: First high school biology course Name: The Human Body: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Publisher: Apologia Where to buy: http://www.rainbowre...1&category=2708 Level: Advanced Biology option Type: Textbook Additional Materials: Tests Teacher Resources: Answer key to text, answer key to tests Lesson Plans: Included Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.hometrain...t/p/AM-KTADMIC/ http://www.hometrain...t/p/AM-KTADDIS/ Prerequisite: First high school biology course Name: Science Shepherd Biology Publisher: Ohana Life Press Where to buy: http://www.scienceshepherd.com/biology Level: Honours Bio (possibly AP Bio if additional test prep materials were added) Type: Textbook Additional Materials: Yes - test booklet, lab manual, lab DVD, enhanced study question & answer DVD Teacher Resources: Yes - answer key & parent companion Lesson Plans: Included Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.rainbowre...003235b99e95860 http://www.rainbowre...003235b99e95860 http://www.rainbowre...a3be7f2c5e83c9e OR http://www.rainbowre...a3be7f2c5e83c9e Name: Thinkwell Biology Publisher: Thinkwell Where to buy: http://www.thinkwell...roducts/biology Level: Honours Bio+ (more than Honours Bio but not specifically geared towards the AP Bio Exam) Type: Online provider Additional Materials: N/A Teacher Resources: N/A Lesson Plans: N/A Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: Yes BUT they seem to be video demonstrations and not hands-on labs Lab kit available: No Math background needed: Doesn't say but I would think Algebra 1 (and a first chem or bio course wouldn't hurt) Name: Honors BiologyProvider: Blue Tent OnlineWhere to buy: www.bluetentonline.com/honors-biologyLevel: HonorsType: Online provider; asynchronous format using Moodle LMSAdditional Materials: course resourcesTeacher Resources: N/ALesson Plans: N/ASecular/Christian: SecularProgram includes labs: yes: hands-on and virtualLab kit available: Yes Public School Texts For Honours Bio: Biology by Miller & Levine Where to buy: Dragonfly edition Macaw edition Website(s): http://millerandlevine.com/ Lab kit correlation for The Home Scientist kit (*OPENS A PDF!) Post from older thread where Handmaiden explains how to access the teacher materials online for free Review(s): From AP Central (Dragonfly edition) Biology: Concepts and Connections by Campbell & Reece Where to buy: 6th edition from Amazon 7th edition from Amazon Website(s): 6th edition companion site 7th edition companion site Review(s): From AP Central (4th ed) Essential Biology by Campbell Where to buy: 5th edition Essential Biology from Amazon 4th edition Essential Biology with Physiology from Amazon 4th edition Essential Biology from Amazon 3rd edition Essential Biology with Physiology from Amazon Website(s): 5th edition E.B. or 4th edition E.B. with Physiology companion site 4th edition E.B. or 3rd edition E.B. with Physiology companion site

Regular Biology Name: Biology Power Basics Publisher: Walch Publishing Where to buy: http://www.rainbowre...1&category=2737 Level: Basic Reg Bio (almost Junior High level) Type: Worktext Additional Materials: Student workbook and tests Teacher Resources: Teacher's Guide, Answer key for text, answer keys for tests Lesson Plans: No Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: Very basic ones Lab kit available: No Comments: From Rainbow Resource description: "Targeting a student audience that is typically daunted by the length and complexity of traditional textbooks, this series provides the essentials of a junior or senior high curriculum (on-level content) with below-level readability (4th grade)." Name: Fascinating Biology Publisher: Fascinating Education Where to buy: http://fascinatinged...bership_signup/ Take a peek: http://fascinatinged...nating-biology/ Level: Basic Reg Bio Type: Online provider Additional Materials: N/A Teacher Resources: N/A Lesson Plans: N/A Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: No Lab kit available: No Name: WTM Academy Introduction to Biology (with optional lab) Publisher: Well Trained Mind Academy using Holt Biology 2006 ed by Johnson & Raven Where to buy: http://www.wtmacademy.com/courses/classes/biology/ Level: Reg Bio Type: Online course Additional Materials: N/A Teacher Resources: N/A Lesson Plans: N/A Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes - see lab syllabus below https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8m8fGTAxz8SX29XVlNsZUdlanc/view?usp=sharing Link to recommended lab materials document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8m8fGTAxz8SZDFjVkdtVllNS1NHc3dBX3BiT1VLQkdxR1JF/view?usp=sharing Comments: Link to course syllabus: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8m8fGTAxz8STFhTTk1IS3c2cDA/view?usp=sharing Name: Biology Matters Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Education (Singapore) Where to buy: No longer in print - might be able to find it used Level: Reg Bio Type: Textbook Additional Materials: Workbook (includes tests), Practical (Lab) Book Teacher Resources: Teacher's Edition for Workbook Lesson Plans: No Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: No Name: Exploring Creation with Biology Publisher: Apologia Where to buy: http://www.rainbowre...1&category=2705 Level: Reg Bio Type: Textbook Additional Materials: CD-ROM with extras (animations, etc.), tests, instructional DVD Teacher Resources: Answer key to text, answer key to tests Lesson Plans: Included Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.hometrain...it/p/AM-KTMICR/ http://www.hometrain...it/p/AM-KTDISS/ http://www.rainbowre...1&category=2705 http://www.rainbowre...1&category=2705 http://www.rainbowre...1&category=2705 Name: LIFEPAC Grade 10 Biology Publisher: Alpha Omega Where to buy: https://www.aophomes...de/biology.html Level: Reg Bio Type: Worktext Additional Materials: Tests and labs included Teacher Resources: Teacher's Guide Lesson Plans: Included Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.hometrain...t/p/AO-KIT1000/ Name: Switched On Schoolhouse Biology (Grade 10) Publisher: Alpha Omega Where to buy: https://www.aophomes...12sos1000s-3949 Level: Reg Bio Type: Computer based CD-ROM Additional Materials: Tests and labs included Teacher Resources: Student-directed Lesson Plans: Student-directed Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.hometrain...t/p/AO-KITSS10/ Name: Monarch Biology (Grade 10) Publisher: Alpha Omega Where to buy: https://www.aophomes...t/mon1000s-5378 Level: Reg Bio Type: Online Additional Materials: Tests and labs included Teacher Resources: Student-directed Lesson Plans: Student-directed Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.hometrain...t/p/AO-KITSS10/ Name: Biology: God's Living Creation Publisher: A Beka Book Where to buy: http://www.abeka.com....aspx?sbn=92878 Level: Reg Bio Type: Textbook Additional Materials: Lab and field manual, quizzes, tests, lab demonstration DVD Teacher Resources: Teacher's guide, answer keys for quizzes and tests, teacher's edition for lab manual Lesson Plans: Included Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.hometrain...kit/p/AB-KIT10/ Name: Christian Light Education Biology (Grade 10) Publisher: Christian Light Publications Where to buy: http://www.clp.org/store/by_course/68 Level: Reg Bio Type: Worktext/Units Additional Materials: None Teacher Resources: Answer keys Lesson Plans: Included Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.hometrain...kit/p/CL-KIT10/ Name: Biology PACEs Publisher: ACE Ministries / School of Tomorrow Where to buy: http://www.christian...RN&view=details Level: Reg Bio Type: Worktext Additional Materials: DVDs and Lab DVDs Teacher Resources: Answer keys Lesson Plans: N/A Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes but only video labs Lab kit available: N/A Comments: See Cathy Duffy's site for a longer review: http://cathyduffyrev...biology-sot.htm Name: The Potter's School Biology (enrollment only) Publisher: The Potter's School course using Apologia's Exploring Creation with Biology Where to buy: http://www.potterssc...ster-and-enroll Level: Reg Bio Type: Online provider Additional Materials: N/A Teacher Resources: N/A Lesson Plans: N/A Secular/Christian: Christian Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: No but website states that most experiments can be done with household items - four dissection specimens are required for the optional dissections (more information probably available once the student is signed up for the course) Name: CK-12 Flexbook Publisher: CK-12 Where to buy: FREE!!!! Main Bio page with all Bio options: http://www.ck12.org/biology/ Bio flexbook: http://www.ck12.org/book/Biology/ Level: Depends on which flexbook you choose Type: Online textbook/flexbook Additional Materials: Student workbook http://www.ck12.org/...ology-Workbook/ Teacher Resources: Teacher's edition http://www.ck12.org/...'s-Edition/ Lesson Plans: No Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: Yes by correlating the text with the kit from The Home Scientist http://www.thehomesc...correlation.pdf (links to a PDF) Lab kit available: Yes (from The Home Scientist) http://www.thehomesc...ml#Biology_Kits Name: High School Biology in Your Home by Bridget Ardoin Publisher: Science for High School Where to buy: http://www.sciencefo...-total-package/ Level: Reg Bio (possibly Honours Bio - there isn't enough of a sample for me to tell) Type: Worktext-type where students must use other resources (texts, encyclopedia, online) to find answers to questions given in the manual - guided learning type of method Additional Materials: Quizzes, end-of-semester exams Teacher Resources: Parent manual with all answer keys Lesson Plans: Included Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: Yes http://www.sciencefo...-tools-package/ http://www.sciencefo...ene-blue-stain/ Name: Kolbe Biology (uses Miller/Levine "Dragonfly" Biology text) Publisher: Kolbe Academy Where to buy: http://books.kolbe.o...76-Biology.html Level: Reg or Honours Bio (same course guide has schedules for both) Type: Textbook Additional Materials: Workbook, virtual labs, tests, online resources http://www.phschool....=9999&area=view or http://millerandlevine.com/intro.html Teacher Resources: Course plans, text key, workbook key, answer keys for tests Lesson Plans: Yes Secular/Christian: Christian (Catholic) Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: No Name: Oak Meadow Environmental Science Course (uses Holt text) Publisher: Holt with Oak Meadow course plan Where to buy: http://www.oakmeadow...kage-p2021.html Level: Reg Biology option Type: Textbook Additional Materials: No Teacher Resources: Teacher manuals, syllabus Lesson Plans: Yes Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: No Lab kit available: No Public School Texts For Reg Bio: Name: Holt Biology Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Where to buy: http://www.rainbowre...1d84776f73a8034 Level: Reg Bio Type: Textbook Additional Materials: Virtual Lab CD-ROM Teacher Resources: CD-ROM with chapter resources (worksheets, labs, tests) Lesson Plans: Yes http://saxonhomescho...igh_sch_sci.htm Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: No Name: Holt Environmental Science Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Where to buy: http://www.rainbowre...1&category=9277 Level: Reg Biology option Type: Textbook Additional Materials: Virtual Lab CD-ROM Teacher Resources: CD-ROM with chapter resources (worksheets, labs, tests) Lesson Plans: Yes http://saxonhomescho...igh_sch_sci.htm Secular/Christian: Secular Program includes labs: Yes Lab kit available: No Biology by Miller & Levine (don't attempt entire book if using for Reg Bio) Where to buy: Dragonfly edition Macaw edition Website(s): http://millerandlevine.com/ Lab kit correlation for The Home Scientist kit (*OPENS A PDF!) Post from older thread where Handmaiden explains how to access the teacher materials online for free Review(s): From AP Central (Dragonfly edition) Biology: Concepts and Connections by Campbell & Reece (don't attempt entire book if using for Reg Bio) Where to buy: 6th edition from Amazon 7th edition from Amazon Website(s): 6th edition companion site 7th edition companion site Review(s): From AP Central (4th ed) Essential Biology by Campbell (don't attempt entire book if using for Reg Bio) Where to buy: 5th edition Essential Biology from Amazon 4th edition Essential Biology with Physiology from Amazon 4th edition Essential Biology from Amazon 3rd edition Essential Biology with Physiology from Amazon Website(s): 5th edition E.B. or 4th edition E.B. with Physiology companion site 4th edition E.B. or 3rd edition E.B. with Physiology companion site

So... :D I did the same thing for high school bio that I did for chem. Remember, though, that I'm not a high school specialist in Bio so my judgments on whether something is reg or honours could be off - please feel free to correct me if you disagree with something I've posted! :) I didn't include a category for "Math background needed" for most of the bio curricula (except for AP). I don't find that a certain level of math is required for most high school biology courses beyond just basic alg skills (working with simple equations, fractions, decimals, possibly scientific notation, etc.). A student may run across the concept of pH but is usually not required to calculate it. If a course is VERY rigorous, a student may have to do calculations regarding buffer systems but even that only requires knowledge of quadratic equations and the quadratic formula (and probably only shows up in AP Bio, if I remember correctly). They could also just memorize the Henderson-Hasselbach equation and just use that. :) Before taking honours bio, a first course in chem would probably be useful to the student Again, also, I know I've missed a ton of resources. Please chime in with anything that I've missed or post your reviews or thoughts on any of the curricula. I'll take up the first five posts of this thread - post #2 should be for Reg Bio, post #3 should be for Honours Bio, post #4 should be for AP Bio, and post #5 for other resources. (You may notice these lists look veeeeerrrrrrrrry similar to my chem lists. :) Most of the companies selling homeschool high school chem courses also sell bio courses. I used my chem lists to create the bio lists and then just tweaked, added, or removed info as necessary. Because chemists are lazy. Uh huh. :D)

I don't have any personal experience with the Apologia program but just be aware that "Advanced Chem" doesn't always = "AP Chem". Not to say that the Advanced Chem (whatever it might be) isn't rigorous enough but, like any of the standardized tests, AP Chem tests a certain group of topics in a certain way. If the Advanced Chem course he takes isn't specifically tailored to the AP Chem test (at least in part), make sure that your son works through one of the prep books for the test. AP Chem will be changing in the 2013-2014 year so don't buy a test prep book now and don't buy a used one - an older book won't correlate to the new test. (Do I bring this up too often? Apologies if I do - I just want people to know - it can impact scores. :)) I agree with Swimmermom3 - a piece of lovely, dark, rich chocolate can fix just about anything. :D

Thanks for sharing that, Kai. Good to know.

Sigh. Summer without screens. Lovely thought. :) This song pretty much sums up summers here - "The Blackfly Song" by Wade Hemsworth (Folk Songs of the Canadian North Woods): I still love it here, though. Maybe I'm just a sadist that way. :D (We don't have poisonous anything here, if the OP is interested. It does get down to -40C in the winter, though - that's what kills off the poisonous things. But not the bears and wolves...)

If you drive 3 hours north and cross the border, you'd be in my stompin' ground. :D

What about the kit from The Home Scientist? It comes in either Reg Chem or Honours Chem: http://www.thehomescientist.com/kits.html#Chemistry_Kits

Holt has a high school Physical Science text: http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/sku/029602/8a7672b416f2ea5733d58c61 You could probably find all the components for less money individually on Amazon. :)

I wouldn't do Chem in the same year that she's doing Alg 1 - I would wait until the Algebra is solidly in place before taking on Chem. In your case, then, I think you're right - Bio and then Chem after she's nailed down Alg 1. :)

But does Britain have flying, biting insects? Here in Central Canada, the blackflies, no-see-ums, and mosquitoes are enough to drive anyone around the bend. Whenever I see a picture of a home somewhere else in the world without screen on the windows or with the door left open on a sunny day, I feel envious. I love Britain. :)

Interesting point. As I mentioned earlier, none of this is either/or or black/white. Introversion/extroversion is a continuum and brain chemistry is far more complex than just a choice between those two neurotransmitters. I think, too, there is a difference between occasional self-medicating to get through a situation and becoming addicted to self-medicating. KWIM?

Well... :) Introverts have their downsides, too. I'm an extreme introvert myself and it doesn't make day-to-day life any easier, I'll tell ya. :D I think society needs both - extroverts are the ones who take risks and push society forward. Introverts are the ones who help to hold the extroverts back a little so they don't leap too far. :) (Not directed towards I.Dup but a general "I suppose...") I suppose if we argue that all dopamine-backed choices (i.e. quick, feel-good, risk-taking decisions) are bad and should be avoided, we might not have had some of the major societal leaps forward that have happened. No risk-taking individuals might equal maintaining the status quo forever and ever. I'm not sure I like the thought of that. :)

Just wanted to emphasize - in no way did I mean to say that ALL introverts do not have addiction issues and ALL extroverts do (just in case anyone thought that's what I was getting at!). :) I also wanted to add that, based on the above info on brain pathways, it would be very difficult for one side to understand the motivations and reasons of the other. Those with a dominant acetylcholine pathway look at those with a dominant dopamine pathway and think, "Well... Why don't they just THINK about it, realize it's bad, and not do it?!?!?". But that's not how the dopamine-dominant brain works and I think it's almost impossible for those with an acetylcholine-dominant brain to understand that. ETA: Laney discusses other neurotransmitters as well. Brain chemistry is obviously much more complicated than my above post delves into. :) I'm not expert, by ANY means - I just thought it was an interesting angle. (TransientChris - if ADHD is correlated with too little dopamine, then wouldn't that make ADHD individuals less likely to have additions issues, not more likely? Maybe I'm misunderstanding, though.)

Not Heigh Ho :) but YES! ABSOLUTELY! With kits like that, the proper bond angles are already built in because the holes are predrilled into the plastic spheres. The students can't get the bond angles and molecular shape wrong. I've seen labs where kids are supposed to use gummy candies or marshmallows and toothpicks. While eating the molecule afterwards is fun :D, the kids can get the bond angles and shape completely wrong since they can stick the toothpicks into the candy at any angle they like. If there isn't constant checking by the teacher, it just doesn't work well. ETA: If it were me, I might spend a few more dollars and get this one: http://www.hometrainingtools.com/molecular-model-set-organic-inorganic/p/CE-MODINTR/ It's got more pieces in it so if you have more than one student working or if your student wants to build something large, they won't run out. DO NOT get the sets with the wooden balls and springs. They don't stay together and are very frustrating. :)

In "The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child" by Marti Laney, there's a section exploring the relationship between dominant neurotransmitters and introversion/extroversion. (Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that either excite or inhibit a brain cell. When they excite a chain of brain cells, it looks like a row of tumbling dominoes. When they inhibit, they tell the dominoes not to tumble. (Laney's definition - I borrowed it. :))) Introverts tend to have a more dominant acetylcholine pathway and extroverts tend to have a more dominant dopamine pathway. From the book: * Acetylcholine says, "Let's think about it." This is the superstar of thought, concentration, and voluntary movement. It controls vital activities that govern arousal, attention, awareness, perceptual learning, sleep and waking. It's the main neurotransmitter used by introverts' "put on the brakes" nervous system. A deficiency of acetylcholine disrupts learning and cognitive function and causes memory loss. Acetylcholine neurons are the first to degenerate in Alzheimer's disease. * Dopamine says, "If it feels good, do it." This is one of our most rewarding neurotransmitters. Dopamine regulates movement, pleasure, and action. It is essential for alert awareness, especially the feeling of excitement about something new. It's the main neurotransmitter for extroverts, built by the building blocks released by the "give it the gas" nervous system. It is also the most addictive of all the neurotransmitters. The acetylcholine pathway is longer than the dopamine pathway. When the dopamine pathway is triggered, the person gets an instant "happy hit". When the acetylcholine pathway is triggered, the "happy hit" is longer in coming and takes more effort to get. And if we use the domino analogy, it's pretty hard to stop dominoes once they're started. So if the dopamine pathway is short, the dominoes are tripped and the end is reached pretty quick - might be pretty difficult for those who have dominant dopamine pathways to employ conscious thought in order to stop the dominoes - the domino run is probably already finished before the conscious thought "I need to stop!" is even formed. Just wanted to introduce a new angle to the discussion. Is it possible that extroverts are more biologically prone to addiction than introverts? Laney thinks so. How does that play out in terms of homeschooled vs. non-homeschooled?