Choosing the right high school biology lab course can be a big decision. With tons of options out there, each with its good and its bad, picking out the right curriculum for your teen might seem a bit overwhelming. As my teen and I dug into choosing a biology lab course for her freshman year, we discovered something new on the horizon -- a way to combat my dread of doing biology labs (seriously, don't get me started on my college biology lab and the poor dead mouse that still creeps me out to this day!) and a way to allow my teen to use the Biology book she preferred. A win-win, if you will. And, it came in the form of Kristin Moon Science Biology Video Labs.
Navigating High School Biology as a Homeschooler
As each of my children has reached the high school phase, the familiar pangs of uncertainty creep in. The knowledge that things will get easier and we'll get it all figured out is there. But, the crippling anxiety still works its way into my head. I mean, I've done this three times. I know it will be okay, but I can't shake the feeling that in someway I will fail my kids and they will be living in my house with their two dogs and a cat well into their 30s. Sigh. Being a parent is rough. Being a homeschool parent is beyond rough.
Our role as homeschool parents comes with the added pressure of ensuring our children don't miss out on anything, particularly when it comes to their education. So, let me give you a few truths that have become evident to me (even though I sometimes ignore them and still panic).
First, it's their education, not mine. This is a partnership where their involvement is as crucial, if not more, than mine. They should have a say in the subjects they want to explore and the curriculum they want to use.
Secondly, the curriculum we choose can make a huge difference in the overall stress levels of our home. If it doesn't work for my kids, we will struggle all year with an unending battle. And, what worked well for one kid may not work well for the next.
Third, and this one is the most important, you are no longer their teacher. When it comes to high school, you are a facilitator. You aren't standing in front of your kid, with a textbook in hand, reciting the animal kingdoms. It's your job to make sure they have the necessary tools for their education, but they are the ones learning and teaching themselves. I know this goes against our usual way of thinking about school, but hear me out. Isn't our goal for them to become life-long learners? Do you plan on being next to them, teaching them everything they need to know for the next 40 years?
No, your job isn't to teach them everything. Your job is to teach them how to learn.
The realm of biology, with its intricate revelations about life, is fascinating for curious minds. But, for those navigating homeschooling or remote learning, accessing hands-on biology labs can pose a challenge.
Enter Kristin Moon Science Biology Video Labs – a transformative solution that brings the laboratory experience right to your kitchen table (or wherever you choose to homeschool). And since we spent the last year using it as my daughter's biology video lab course, I'm excited to share our thoughts about it.
Innovative Learning: Engaging with Kristin Moon Science Biology Video Labs Online
Kristin Moon Science Biology Video Labs offers over 40 experiments and activities, making it a fabulous resource for budding biologists and those who are curious about the wonders of living things. One of the standout features of this course is the inclusion of video demonstrations for each lab. These videos expertly guide students through the process, giving a real sense of conducting experiments in a physical lab. The visual aspect enhances understanding, especially for intricate procedures and techniques.
What Textbook Is Used?
The student uses their own textbook or living book for the "spine" of their curriculum. The labs can be used in any order, so they will coordinate well with any average high school biology textbook. If your student prefers a video-based curriculum, then I recommend the Crash Course videos. They even have a suggested order to use the videos with the labs!
And since you can use any textbook with the labs, you can choose secular or religious-based texts. It's really up to you!
Do we watch the video lab, or do we participate in the experiments?
Here's another great benefit of using Kristin Moon Science Biology Video Labs: You can participate or not.
We used the video labs as a lab instructor. The supplies are listed, so grabbing what you need before starting your experiment is easy. Then, it's as simple as turning on the video and pausing it to do the experiment along with the instructor.
A bonus is that we could use Kristin's results when ours didn't work out so well.
But, if you don't have the opportunity or supplies, you can simply watch the labs on the video. This is especially great for those who might not be able to invest in a microscope (or those of us who can't figure out how to work the durn thing!)
Our take on Using Kristin Moon Science Biology Video Labs
I am not a sciencey gal, but I do love learning new science things. My daughter is very similar. Science is not an industry she will be going into, but she's truly fascinated by some of the quirks of science. So, we sat down together this year to learn. And, here are our "hot takes" on using Kristin Moon Science Biology Video Labs.
- Visual Demonstration: The video demonstrations demystify complex ideas, helping students to grasp and replicate the experiments accurately.
- Accessible Guidelines: Printable instructions and recording sheets accompany each lab, streamlining setup and organization.
- Concept Review: Lessons incorporate a video review of the underlying concepts, reinforcing the lab.
- A Spectrum of Topics: The labs span cell biology, genetics, ecology, anatomy, and more, giving students a broad grasp of biology.
- Diverse Learning Paths: Students choose between hands-on experimentation, observing the process, or adapting the labs to individual preferences.
- Self-Paced Progression: Flexibility allows students to advance at their own pace, creating deeper concept comprehension.
Is Kristin Moon Science Biology Video Labs for You and Your Student?
Well, that depends on what you want in a biology lab course. We wanted something that would be fun, interactive, comprehensive, and also easy for the non-sciencey ones of the family. This was a perfect choice. If your student prefers being in a classroom with a live instructor, look into Kristin Moon Science's live courses.
In an era where remote education has surged, Kristin Moon Science Biology Video Labs emerges as an interactive, enlightening biology education beacon. Infused with captivating video demonstrations, comprehensive concepts, and adaptability, the course ushers biology enthusiasts into a realm of discovery from their own abode. Whether you're a high school scholar, homeschooler, or lifelong learner, this course beckons you to unravel life's wonders. Kristin Moon Science Biology Video Labs is a stimulating and all-encompassing biology lab odyssey.
Hi, I’m Dachelle. I’m a homeschooling mom of 3 in the South. I love chocolate and have been known to hide it from my children. I can often be found reading a good book (or even sometimes just an okay book) and enjoying a jar of Nutella — don’t judge. I blog, here, at HideTheChocolate.com when I’m not creating book clubs and making lists…lots and lots of lists (it’s an addiction). Learn more…
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