High school biology
When I first opened The Good and the Beautiful High School Biology, I immediately wondered, How much extra stuff am I going to have to buy?
If you’ve had the same question, I have good news. The course was intentionally designed so families can complete most of the labs with common household items and inexpensive supplies. In fact, many homeschool families will already own a surprising number of the materials needed.
Essential Supplies
✔ High School Biology Course Set
Students will need:
- Six Unit Workbooks
- Tests & Quizzes booklet
- PDF Answer Key
- Access to the online Wonders of Biology texts
- Access to lesson and lab videos
The course includes 120 lessons and eleven labs spread throughout the year.
✔ Computer Access
Students need access to a desktop or laptop computer to read the online Wonders of Biology texts and watch videos.
A free account at the Good and Beautiful courses website is also required.
✔ A Compound Microscope
The biggest investment for this course is a microscope.
The curriculum recommends:
- A standard compound microscope
- At least 400x magnification
- Good lighting and focusing ability
The microscope is strongly encouraged because several labs use it, but families who cannot obtain one still have the option of watching the provided lab demonstration videos and completing the lab reports.
✔ Organization Supplies
Students should have:
- Pencils
- Colored pencils
- A sturdy 3-inch binder or magazine file
- Notebook paper if desired
Keeping lab reports, notes, and handouts organized throughout the year will make grading much easier.
Lab Supplies You May Already Own
One thing I appreciate about this course is that many of the supplies are inexpensive and easy to gather.
Depending on the lab, you may use items such as:
- Eyedroppers or pipettes
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Balloons
- Plastic wrap
- Tape
- Scissors
- Markers
- Paper towels
- Magnifying glass
- Baking sheet or tray
- Cups and bowls
- Household containers
Most families can simply gather these items as they come to each lab.
Optional Dissection Supplies
Unit 4 includes an optional dissection lab.
Students may choose to dissect one of the following:
- A clam
- A sea star
- A bony fish
Families who prefer not to complete the dissection hands-on can watch the lab demonstration video and still complete the accompanying lab report.
My Thoughts
After looking through the supply requirements, I was pleasantly surprised. Aside from purchasing or borrowing a microscope, the majority of the materials are things many homeschool families already have tucked away in kitchen drawers, craft bins, or school cabinets.
If you’re considering The Good and the Beautiful High School Biology, my recommendation would be to secure a microscope before beginning and then simply collect the remaining supplies as each lab approaches. Doing so keeps the startup cost manageable while still allowing students to enjoy a meaningful, hands-on biology experience.
Have you used The Good and the Beautiful High School Biology? I’d love to hear which labs your student enjoyed most!