Homeschool Science: Apologia Biology

 

 This year we are using Apologia Biology for my daughter (who is at present researching how to care for millipedes...and termites.  True story.)


Apologia's website states  that this curriculum if for 9th-10th graders, but Spencer checked a copy out from the library and decided it was doable.

So, what's a mom to do?  Well, scour the web looking for all the stuff she will need for this science, of course.  And, here is where it got tricky, and where I hope to save you some time.  There are several websites that offer the textbook, lab equipment, microscope, microscope slides, and, of course, the dissecting equipment and animals.

The Best Sites for Apologia Biology Products

Christianbooks.com

-I love this website because I can always depend on them to have what I need, but their price for the microscope and prepared slides is as of today $294 and they use Nature's Workshop Plus as their provider.  Which brings me to...

Nature Workshop Plus

-This website is one of my daughter's top sites because of all the kits they provide on all levels of science, not just Apologia.  They have all sorts of "live critter projects" and the like.  If you have a kid who is into science and nature this is certainly a site to favorite.

Home Science Tools

-This is the site that I am ultimately going with...I think.  For a whopping $338 (I know.  It took my breath away, too.) I am able to get everything

Description			Qty	Price
	MI-4100STD	Home Microscope In Stock		$179.95	remove
	MS-STARTER	Free - Microscope Starter Kit		$0.00
	AM-BIOLOGY	Apologia Biology - Text & Key In Stock		$68.00	remove
	AM-KTMICR	Apologia Biology Microscope Kit In Stock		$51.95	remove
	AM-KTDISS	Apologia Biology Dissection Kit In Stock		$31.95	remove

AND we get the microscope starter kit for ordering their recommended microscope (normally $24.95.)  My thought is the only really disposable things here are the animals (doesn't take me long to do the math! LOL.)  If the microscope is any good, and the reviews suggest it is, then we will use it for years to come.  And, we will, of course, use the book again with for 4th grade son.  The other thing is the shipping is a flat $6.95.

Other Invaluable Science Resources

1. Donna Young  If you homeschool she is a must have resource, and when it comes to Apologia Biology she has (for free, bless her!) provided schedule options, lab report samples, vocabulary lists, and a whole lot more.
2. Carolina Biology Supply  This is my favorite, favorite science supply resource.  
3. AmScope 50 piece zoology and botany prepared slides:  I found this on Amazon and it looks really awesome for only about $37 or so.

4.  AmScope 40X-2000X Biological Compound Microscope for $195  This was my other choice. 







 If you know anything about microscopes -I don't- please let me know if this microscope is better than the one I'm planning on getting from Home Science Tools.

Do you have any advice?  What have you used?  What websites or tools have you found most helpful?

We will keep you updated as the year progresses!  I am so excited for Spencer...and me, too!