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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Fulfilling
the GCE “O” Biology syllabus requirements, the Biology Matters Practical Book
provides carefully arranged experiments to build skills progressively.
Beginning with important lab safety rules, the parts of a light microscope and
how to view a specimen, there are over 50 experiments aligned to the Biology
Matters Textbook. Each experiment begins with the skills to be learned and the
purpose of the experiment, followed by a list of required lab supplies and
step-by-step instructions. After the experiment is completed, students record
results and answer questions about the activity. Additional lab supplies are
required, and most may be purchased from a quality science supply company like
Home Science Tools. Homeschool families may choose to omit experiments that
utilize specialized lab equipment. Additionally, if the GCE “O” Biology test is
not the goal, families could consider substituting the Practical Book with a
separate resource like the Experiences in Biology or Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Lab Experiments.
Written to
meet the GCE Ordinary Biology syllabus from the Ministry of Education
Singapore, Biology Matters provides high schoolers a secular, college
preparatory biology option. Topically, students learn the characteristics of
life, principles of biology, hum and plant life processes including nutrition
and water/food transport systems, plant reproduction, human organ systems
including reproduction, heredity, molecular genetics and ecology. The anatomy
and basic physiology of reproduction is explained with detailed drawn
illustrations and includes an introduction to sexually transmitted diseases and
birth control. Numerous components are necessary including the Textbook,
Teacher’s Planning Guide, and Workbook. Other optional learning supports
include the Perfect Guide, Structured Questions, Practical Guide, and related
Teacher Editions. Please note, some of the labs may be difficult to complete in
a home setting. Families may wish to add a home lab friendly guide like Experiences in Biology or Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Lab Experiments.
