Biology 101 Review & Giveaway

Home schooling has been such an adventure for me.  Sometimes an adventure that I've enjoyed and sometimes NOT.  The area of science has always been one of those NOTS.

The experiments always fail...ALWAYS!  It is a standing joke in our family that if mom touches anything during the experiment, it will fail.  

I've never liked science so it's been difficult to be excited about it.  The elementary years were a bit easier BUT what to use in high school for a student (and teacher) who is not really all that 'into' science has been a dilemma for me over the years.  I have tried so many, too many, in fact, only to have the text be dry, boring, too in-depth, requiring too many 'extras', or just so involved that it would takes years to actually finish it.  

The idea of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics scared me enough to just say 'forget it' we'll just do a general science, or buy a book of experiments (which is a joke in itself) or maybe just wing it and see what happens.  

I have to confess that science has never been a priority or success in this school.  So when I read about a DVD curriculum on Biology, I knew I had to give it a try.  I had already failed on the textbook route, the experiment book route, the let's just wing it route, so why not try this?

There were a couple of things that attracted me to this curriculum.  First is that is it from a Biblical perspective.  To teach my children a Biblical worldview is very important to me.  Teach truth then falsehood will be easily recognized.

Second thing is that I don't have to DO any teaching.  Watch a DVD, have some discussion, answer some questions, and take a test or two.  EASY!!!!

After using it, I can honestly say that it surpasses what I even thought was possible.  The lecture given by Wes Olson is very easy to understand.  The printable guidebook follows the DVD presentation wonderfully, giving the student (and teacher) another visual resource to reinforce the concepts.  The topics are given in order of the days of creation beginning with defining life and classification.    

Another great feature offered is a 12-page Course Accreditation Program booklet in a printable pdf format, outlining credit hours to form a one-year complete high school science program.  I LOVE THIS!!! It's all there, so you can KNOW you are completing what is required for one high school credit.  

Although this course is recommended for ages 15 and up, I feel that the presentation is so clear and easy to understand, that with supervision and discussion, children much younger can also benefit.  Yes, this is a one-size-fits-all curriculum at a cost of only $69.95.  That's a bargain for a year of science!

Here is a brief description from the website:

Biology 101 is a set of 4 DVDs, with a combined total running time of 4 hours and 37 minutes.

Included with the DVDs (on Disc #4) is a 114-page illustrated printable (pdf) guidebook packed with information and quizzes, and a 12-page accreditation booklet (pdf).

Together, the DVDs and guidebook can serve as a high-school level biology course or provide a foundation on which to build a curriculum of your own design. 

****I've just learned that they are coming out with a Chemistry 101 that should be available September 2011.  Great news for those who have completed Biology and looking for that next science course!

Now that I've convinced you that this is for your school....you can enter to win your own copy of Biology 101.  In fact, there are 2 sets to be given away.

Mandatory entry:  

1.  You MUST be a follower of For One Another.

If you already follow via GFC, please choose to follow via networked blogs, or twitter.

2. Please visit Biology 101 website.  Click around to find out the "why" behind this curriculum and comment below what you find out.

Additional entries:

Follow For One Another on Twitter

Follow For One Another on networked blogs

Tweet this giveaway once daily and leave link. 

Enter another giveaway on For One Another and comment which one.

Winner will be drawn August 30, 2011 using random.org and notified through email. Please respond within 48 hours or an alternate winner will be chosen.  

LEAVE EMAIL CONTACT WITH EVERY ENTRY, PLEASE!

*I received a complimentary copy of the Biology 101 DVD set for my honest review