4 Ways to Do Homeschool Science Labs
Worried about meeting the lab requirements for high school science? Here are 4 ways you can do homeschool labs without losing your mind!
High school science is one of the subjects that many parents find intimidating. I admit it–I was one of them.
I was especially apprehensive about completing science labs at home. Just the thought was completely overwhelming.
But there IS good news! I’ve found four ways that you can fulfill high school lab science requirements without losing a night’s sleep.
This post is sponsored by College Prep Science. I was compensated for my time writing this post. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
4 Ways to Do Homeschool Science Labs
1. Watch pre-recorded lab videos.
The easiest way to fulfill the science lab requirement is to watch the labs being performed by an experienced teacher on video.
Science lab videos are a good option for teens who don’t enjoy the hands-on aspect of science. However, I’d recommend considering more in-depth options for students who are planning to major in the sciences in college.
Two lab video resources we have used:
NOTE: In my state (Pennsylvania), science lab videos ARE an acceptable option for high school credit. Please take time to check your state’s guidelines before you decide to go this route.
2. Complete hands-on science labs at home.
Many homeschool families choose to take a hands-on approach to science labs. This real-life experience is important for kids who will be focusing on science in college or their careers.
My oldest son really loved the hands-on aspect of Apologia science’s homeschool labs. Apologia has some excellent lab equipment available on their website, including the biology dissection kit with specimens that my son used.
3. Enroll in a live science class or lab intensive.
Another way that students can get hands-on lab experience is by enrolling in a live science class or lab intensive. Your local homeschool co-op may offer science classes with labs.
If you can’t find any classes locally, College Prep Science offers live homeschool science labs at 15 locations across the United States. Students get real hands-on lab experience without parents having to buy equipment or struggle through unfamiliar experiments.
4. Use a virtual homeschool science lab.
If you prefer the ease of online learning combined with actual student interaction, you’ll love the option of using College Prep Science’s virtual homeschool science lab.
Using realistic simulations and step-by-step directions, these interactive virtual labs help build critical thinking skills that students will use for a lifetime.
In addition, students will get plenty of experience in writing lab reports, a skill that they will use in college science courses later.
These virtual science labs are available in 3 subject areas:
- Biology/Anatomy & Physiology
- Chemistry
- Physics
No matter which topic you are planning to cover, you can choose between a one-week live online lab intensive (scheduled for June 2022) OR a self-paced 9-month family subscription.
Try Out the Virtual Homeschool Science Lab
If you’ve never experienced a virtual science lab before, you’ll definitely want to check this out! Just go to College Prep Science to get immediate access. (You’ll get several other cool science freebies, as well!)