The huge range of boxed homeschool curriculum can be overwhelming, with products promising so much to deliver engaging, hands-on learning experiences. So, how do you determine which one is suitable and which ones might be best for your needs?
To help, we’ve compiled a list of the best boxed homeschool curriculum with a hands-on science component to make your decision a little easier.
What Are the Benefits of Boxed Homeschool Curriculum?
Boxed homeschool curriculum represents one of the most popular methods of homeschooling and brings with it numerous benefits. The major benefits associated with boxed homeschool curriculum include convenience, cost-effectiveness, and structure.
First, using a boxed homeschool curriculum is highly convenient for parents, allowing for efficient and organized teaching. These products can be purchased online or in a retailer, offering the convenience of shopping at home or in-store. Additionally, a boxed homeschool curriculum often comes with all the materials you’ll need, from textbooks, worksheets and resource guides to supplemental materials like DVDs, CDs and flashcards, providing parents with the ease of one-stop shopping.
Second, these products are cost-effective relative to other homeschooling avenues, in part due to the ability to reuse the curriculum or pass it down to another family member or friend who also homeschools. Finally, because boxed homeschool curriculum comes with an established system, it can help provide structure and organization when it comes to teaching. Many of these products feature organized and structured lesson plans that parents can easily follow, as well as clearly-defined goals and objectives.
What Are the Disadvantages of Boxed Homeschool Curriculum?
Though boxed homeschool curriculum has its benefits, these products also have their disadvantages. The major disadvantages associated with boxed homeschool curriculum include a lack of personalization, limited access to technology, and potential for boredom.
First, a boxed homeschool curriculum may not necessarily be customized for individual students and learning styles, which could interfere with the learning process. It can also be more difficult to make up for loss of instruction due to spontaneous life changes or illnesses. Second, without access to technology, students may struggle to keep up with today’s technology-heavy curricula.
Additionally, without access to the latest current events, they may be missing out on important life lessons or topics. Finally, because of the established system or structure of most boxed homeschool curriculum, your student may become easily bored with the routine.
Most products don’t allow for creativity or exploration, potentially resulting in a disinterest in learning.
What Boxed Homeschool Curriculum Has Hands On Science?
A handful of boxed homeschool curriculum products on the market come with a hands-on science component, giving parents the convenience of one-stop shopping with all the materials they’ll need. One of the most comprehensive options, Acellus Academy Hands- On Science Lab Kit, comes with nearly 3,000 pieces that can be used for physics, chemistry, and biology experiments, enabling students to gain understanding through experimentation. For those looking for a more comprehensive solution, the product also comes with virtual access to online science courses that include videos, activities, quizzes and worksheets.
The STEM Explorer Science Stars from Learning Resources is another great option that has a hands-on science component, incorporating engineering, math, and physical science. The kit is organized into four hands-on activities that incorporate fun experiments and build on concepts such as sequencing, gravity and measurements.
The additional activity areas include a planetary laboratory, wind-powered cars, electrical circuit and a construction jam session, plus bonus materials. Thirdly, the Hearts & Minds Apologia General Science program utilizes a hands-on, inquiry-based teaching approach, featuring complete instructions, experiments, and descriptions of topics like magnetism, electricity and the solar system.
The program also comes with CD-ROM and supplemental materials like a notebook, Flashcards, and a variety of lab tools.
What Are the Best Boxed Homeschool curriculums for Independent Learning?
When it comes to independent learning, there are a number of boxed homeschool curriculum options available. Two of the most popular are Acellus and Time4Learning, both of which offer independence and engaging activities to encourage independent learning. Acellus was specifically designed to provide an independent learning experience, with guided, project-based learning and automated testing and grading capabilities.
Additionally, it comes with 3,000 hands-on elements, adaptive learning technology, and personalized remote instruction, making it a great option for those who want to learn independently. Time4Learning, on the other hand, comes with interactive lessons and resources for K-12 students.
The platform allows students to work at their own pace, customize activities and track their progress. It also comes with lessons in math, science, language arts, and social studies, along with student-paced activities, quizzes, audio and video narration, virtual field trips and more.
Perhaps the most comprehensive option for independent learning is the Homeschool Science Telescope Kit. The kit comes with an 80mm refractor telescope, its accessories, as well as a variety of textbooks, charts, worksheets, and audiovisual materials. The kit is designed to allow students to explore the night sky and outer space in an engaging and exciting way, enabling independent learning and discovery.
What Features Are Essential in a Boxed Homeschool Curriculum?
When selecting homeschool curriculum, there are several features you’ll want to consider. The most important features include user-friendliness, personalized features and instructional support.
First, the product should be user-friendly, as it’s important that parents, teachers, and students can use the product with ease. Products should feature simple navigation and interactive components, such as video and audio clips, that engage students and make learning more fun. Second, the product should have personalized features that allow students to customize their learning experience according to their particular needs.
Options such as the ability to select the level of instruction, practice quizzes and personalized feedback allow for more individualized learning. Third, look for a product that integrates instructional support, including lesson plans, tutorials, and help desk support. This will ensure that the transition to a new curriculum is as smooth as possible and that your students are supported at all stages of learning.
Are Online Boxed Homeschool Curriculum Products Reliable?
For the most part, online boxed homeschool curriculum products are reliable and provide high-quality instruction. Generally, online boxed homeschool curriculum products are created by experienced educators, so parents can be sure of the quality of the curriculum and its alignment to state and federal education standards.
Additionally, most online products are subject to state and federal regulation, making them more reliable than many other online curriculum offerings. Furthermore, the platforms that house these products are typically safe and secure, allowing parents to feel confident about their children’s data and privacy. Finally, many of these products also offer additional features that can help make the learning process more engaging, such as interactive lessons and activities, audio and video clips, quizzes and tests, and supplemental materials.
Are Boxed Homeschool Curriculum Products Affordable?
The cost of boxed homeschool curriculum products can vary, depending on the number of subjects, additional features and supplemental materials included. However, many of these products are affordable and cost-effective relative to other homeschool education options. For example, many boxed homeschool curriculum products are priced in the range of $100 to $300, and some have even lower prices.
Furthermore, many products offer discounts for bulk orders, and some also offer subscription-based services that can save parents money in the long run. Additionally, many of these products come with additional resources, like access to virtual instruction, that can further reduce the cost of an education for parents.
Conclusion
Boxed homeschool curriculum products provide a convenient, cost-effective, and organized way for parents to provide their children with an education from home. Of these products, there are several that come with a hands-on science component, including Acellus Academy Hands-On Science Lab Kit, STEM Explorer Science Stars from Learning Resources, and Hearts & Minds Apologia General Science Program. Furthermore, there are products that are suitable for independent learning, such as Acellus and Time4Learning, as well as a Homeschool Science Telescope Kit for outer space exploration.
When selecting a boxed homeschool curriculum, look for products that are user-friendly, allow for personalized features and have instructional support. Additionally, these products are generally reliable and affordable.
With the right boxed homeschool curriculum, you and your students can be sure to have an enjoyable and successful learning experience.