I am a visual learner.
I get sidetracked easily.
Science is my worst subject.
I wanted a Christian science curriculum, preferably one that is pretty basic and keeps my interest.Β I was convinced there was no such program and I would always be a science failure. πΒ When I began reading stories of people who “didn’t like science until they started The 101 Series” the program really had me intrigued and I knew I had to try it out.
The 101 Series is a visual high school science curriculum for those seeking a Charlotte Mason “textbook-free” approach to high school science. It is visually rich, and has made science much more tolerable for many people, including me.
Perks of the 101 Series:
- Charlotte Mason’s “textbook-free” method
- Earn high school credits
- 100% family friendly
- Family-owned – made by a “real” homeschool family
- Christian, Creationist view
- Visual, auditory, kinesthetic learners
- Accreditation booklet (to log hours)
- Tests
- 4 discs, 20-45 minutes per video lesson
- Guidebook – no note-taking needed
- Experiments with no complicated “science” materials
- Less expensive than typical high school science curriculums
Each week, you watch a video, journal what you learned (or were assigned), take the test, and do the experiment (if any).
Created by a “real” homeschool family
The series was created by Wes and Tammy Olsen, who have home schooled their 4 children. Biology 101 was created in 2004 after Tammy could not find a well-fitting science curriculum for their older sons. Chemistry 101 and soon to be Physics 101 came afterwards.
Best for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners
I watched “Chemistry 101” and was quite surprised at what I saw. Firstly, it was not dry and boring as most other science curriculums I have came across. No fancy science words are present without thorough clarification. It had lots of graphics, photos, videos, quotes, and a bit of humor. The introduction explains a little bit about Chemistry and the history of it.Β After watching the video, I took the test briefly. Surprisingly, I remembered the majority of the things on the test, despite watching it once and not studying. Imagine if I would have watched it twice! The pictures flashed in my head at the multiple-choice questions. So, I may get an A+ in science this year! π
BONUS:Β I was super happy to see some Danish WWII history mentioned in the Introduction! What a pleasant surprise! (I love WWII history)
Have a short attention span?
I seriously have ADD. I cannot concentrate on boring writing. If it’s not my phone distracting me, it’s my sister’s jokes or my uneven-fingernails. Chemistry 101 truly did capture my attention. Chemistry 101 has bits of humor and some random history that I really enjoyed. It had lots of animated graphics and images, which helped me remember things better.
For the whole family
Although aimed at high school students, it is appropriate for all ages.
No complex, expensive, messy science experiments
Unlike many curriculums, the science experiments in the 101 Series do not require a $500 microscope and rare chemicals. The majority of the supplies needed are everyday objects. This may come from the fact that this was created by a “real” homeschool family of 4 that doesn’t have hundred of dollars to spend on science labs.
Comes with Guidebook
No more note taking! It comes with a guide book with all of the important information covered.
Accreditation booklet and tests
The last disc comes with a booklet so you can track hours and tests.
This will satisfy high school credit, but is not AP/CLEP level
This is one thing I enjoy about the curriculum. I don’t want a complex science curriculum. I just want something that keeps my interest, which Chemistry 101 does well. If you are looking for an intense science curriculum for a science lover, Chemistry 101 probably isn’t ideal for you.
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I cannot WAIT until Physics 101 comes out later this year. I will definitely be purchasing that for our homeschool library. I hope as the 101 Series continues to grow and prosper, they will create visual DVD science curriculums for younger grades because I can tell you, I would’ve appreciate science a lot better if I would have had this curriculum in my earlier homeschool years. I also know my little sisters (ages 6, 4) won’t like textbooks, and I know they would love the 101 Series.
Thank you The 101 Series!
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Give them a visit!
The 101 Series Website
The 101 Series Blog
The 101 Series on Facebook
The 101 Series on Twitter
The 101 Series on Pinterest
Fortunately for me, my last years of homeschool science look pretty promising.
DISCLAIMER: I am a very honest person. I was given this product in exchange for an honest review. This in no way effected my opinion.
Samantha, you continue to astound me with your creativity and wisdom. Wonderful work! What a blessing!
We are currently using Calvert science curriculum.
My kids are ready for this, and it looks fantastic!
Thanks so much! I have been looking and looking for something. This sounds like it might be what we are looking for in our house.
My son is using The 101 Series Biology this year. It has been a total blessing, he has learning differences and this curriculum has brought life into Biology. He loves it and is learning so much! We are planning on doing the Chemistry 101 series in fall. π
My son could not get enough of these science programs from Westfield studios. He loved all the information as that is what he is all about. My daughter will be starting it this coming year and she is so excited as she watched it with her brother and love it too. Thanks so much for making a great program.
Wow! I have the same first name!
I’m really excited about this series as my oldest enters high school!
We are currently using Apologia but I’m not really fond of it.
We are very interested in this!
Tasha
momofsbandeg@yahoo.com
I’m very interested in learning more about this. We currently use aig but I am currently shopping around.
A friend of my daughter really liked this too – it sounds like a much better way to learn chemistry!
My daughter will be starting high school next year. I am very interested in this for her.
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What a great review. I have been looking for something like this curriculum for my daughter. We currently are not using a curriculum as she was adopted from China 2 years ago, and we are focusing on her English and math skills. Next hear, we hope to add science.
Tabitha
That is so awesome! Me, and two of my four sisters were adopted from China π
Blessings!
Samantha
we have been researching and so pleased to see your review of this one! yay! my sister and I would love to win!
Thanks for explaining this science curriculum. We currently use Apologia, but, this sounds like a better fit for my dd.
I am a homeschool mom of 5. This book sounds like one my family could use. Especially for one of my daughters who struggles in science. Great review! Schsmomof5@hotmail.com
Would really like my son to take Chemistry in his Senior year (next year)…..would love to try out this curriculum.
My son will be in 9th grade next year and this seems like it might do the trick. Thanks so much for all your insight.
We are using Apologia, but this looks neat. I’ve been looking around at other curriculum, and I love your review. This looks right up our alley.
Right now, we’re merging Waldorf Essentials and Supercharged Science. Love them both, but always looking for new things. I’m of the mindset that you can never have too many awesome resources!
We are using Apologia at the moment.
We are using Abeka at the moment, but in search of something different.
Currently using Apologia…..
O my Goodness…I so TOTALLY NEED this for my 11th grade homeschooler! Can it save her from hating Chemistry??
We used Apologia with my oldest. The next child who starts chemistry soon would love this!!
Apologia
Looks like something my boys would love! Thank you for the information.
We used Apologia Chemistry with our oldest son. This looks like something he would have enjoyed much better.
Apologia
We currently use God’s Design for Science.
This sounds great! I’ve been on the search for exciting & user friendly science. I find it a tough subject to teach.
We would love to try this! We are using Apologia now and like it fine, but I have several kids who learn differently and thus program looks great!
I would love to try this!! My daughter has a very short attention span as well, and it seems like this could be the right fit for her. Thanks for the great review!