Over the past month or so, I have compiled the typical course of study from grades 1-12. The purpose is to let you know what public school children around the country are studying, and to give a guideline to anyone who might want to write their own curriculum based on what most kids are learning at the same time. As homeschoolers, however, many of us are free to deviate from that typical course of study (depending upon the rules in your state). The question is, however, just how much should we deviate? While we want our kids to have unique … Continue reading →

Some school districts require students to complete four years of science; some require them to complete only three. Students have already been introduced to most of these concepts in their middle school years, but in highschool they would explore them in greater depth. The basic curriculum for science in high school is as follows. In the 9th grade, a basic science curriculum focuses primarily on earth science, and molecules. Topics would include the earth’s history, earth science, ecology and environment. They would learn about weather and climate, air and air pressure, air masses and air fronts. Water and its uses, … Continue reading →

Most school districts require high school students to acquire 4 years worth of social studies lessons or credits. These lessons are basically the same lessons that have been taught in previous years. The exception is that at the high school level, students are expected to be able to learn history in detail, remembering exact dates of historic events, and discussing social issues. The basic curriculum for social studies in high school is as follows. A student does not have to take social studies in this order as long as the four types of courses are covered. Grade 9 social studies … Continue reading →

Middle school is a time when students are growing physically at break-neck speed and also going through a bit of emotional turmoil. Perhaps that is the reason many school and curriculum designers spend these three years teaching the same subject matter each year, adding slightly more detailed level each year. This may also be the reason that many homeschoolers, who have a bit less social stress than middle school public schoolers then do complete middle school in one or two years instead of the usual three. In summarizing the basic curriculum for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade, I have condensed … Continue reading →

Middle school science is repetitive and repeats subjects learned during the elementary years. Instead of repeating the same subjects over and over, I feel that homeschoolers should look for experiences that will help the children learn the subject in a hands-on way and in greater depth. Look for experiments, museum and zoo trips, educational movies and things of that nature. With that said, the subjects they should learn are: Learning to classify and discover through science: Students must learn to classify living things, they must learn scientific classification, and must also learn scientific method, scientific nomenclature, and scientific measurement. Laboratory … Continue reading →

Science in fifth deals with life sciences. This is basically plant biology, human cells and body, and earth science as well. In teaching fifth grade science, in my opinion, you will need two books. I suggest your purchase a Grade 5 science textbook or curriculum set and a book on science experiments. While previously I suggested fun ways to learn science through field trips and other fun activities. Beginning in fifth grade to middle school, however, students should start using books more. Subjects your biology books should are: Biological adaptations: Changes in a species due to environmental stress Biotic communities: … Continue reading →