Category: Homeschool Chemistry

Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, High School, Homeschool, Homeschool Chemistry, Science

Chemistry Made Clear: Berean Builders Discovering Design with Chemistry

Little Learner and Mom

We received a copy of Berean Builders’ Discovering Design with Chemistry for our honest review!

As a homeschool mom who has walked with my son through a variety of science curriculums, I’ve come to appreciate materials that are both challenging and approachable. This year, even while our main focus is Biology, we’ve been diving into Berean Builders’ Discovering Design with Chemistry and I can confidently say it has been an outstanding addition to our homeschool.

Who Is Discovering Design with Chemistry For?

This curriculum is an excellent fit for:

  • Serious science students who enjoy a challenge and want a comprehensive chemistry foundation.
  • Homeschool families looking for a well-structured course that feels like a true high school (or even honors-level) experience.
  • Students with a passion for science who want to go deeper than just the basics.

The tone is friendly, approachable, and conversational yet the material itself is rigorous and engaging enough to prepare students for college-level chemistry. With a few added assignments, this curriculum could easily be used as an Honors Chemistry course. Berean Builders provides students with excellent high school foundation.

Our Experience Using It Alongside Biology

While our primary science focus this year has been Biology, my son’s passion for science naturally led us to start exploring this Chemistry course on the side. Surprisingly, it has enhanced our Biology studies as well. Topics such as molecular structures, bonding, and chemical processes have provided context for biological systems, making the Biology concepts more meaningful. My son has loved diving into Chemistry even while studying Biology it has satisfied his curiosity and broadened his scientific understanding.

Comprehensive and In-Depth

Just as I mentioned in my review of Berean Builders’ Science in the Atomic Age, Berean Builders does not disappoint here. Discovering Design with Chemistry has the depth and clarity I remember from my own high school chemistry textbook, but it’s written in a way that is much more accessible for homeschoolers.

Some highlights include:

  • Comprehensive explanations of fundamental concepts such as atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions.
  • Well-structured labs that make it easy for homeschoolers to complete meaningful experiments at home.
  • Vibrant diagrams and illustrations that help visualize complex ideas.
  • Built-in review questions that ensure mastery before moving forward.

This is not a “light” chemistry program it is a serious, top-notch curriculum that prepares students for advanced science studies.

A Balanced Faith-Based Perspective

Like all Berean Builders curricula, Discovering Design with Chemistry includes Christian references. These are presented thoughtfully and respectfully—never in a way that feels overbearing or indoctrinating. Instead, they serve as gentle reminders that faith and science can complement one another.

Benefits of Berean Builders’ Discovering Design with Chemistry

Comprehensive & In-Depth – Covers all major chemistry topics (atoms, bonding, reactions, etc.) in a way that builds true understanding.

Rigorous Yet Homeschool-Friendly – Feels like a real high school chemistry course but is explained in a way students can follow independently.

Lab-Ready – Includes meaningful experiments that can be done at home with common lab supplies or easily sourced materials.

Engaging Visuals – Vibrant diagrams, charts, and illustrations make complex concepts easier to grasp.

Flexible Structure – Can be used as a standard high school Chemistry course or adapted into an Honors-level course with additional assignments.

Great for Independent Learners – The clear writing style allows motivated students to work on their own while still being fully supported.

Supports Other Sciences – Pairs beautifully with Biology or Physics for a well-rounded science foundation.

Why We Love Berean Builders Sciences

At this point, it’s safe to say we are big fans of Berean Builders. From Science in the Atomic Age to Discovering Design with Chemistry, the company continues to deliver materials that are both rigorous and homeschool-friendly.

My son loves how the textbook “feels real” it’s comprehensive and challenging, but also written in a way that makes him want to keep exploring. For a student with a true love of science, this curriculum has been incredibly rewarding.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a serious, in-depth, and engaging Chemistry curriculum for your homeschool, Berean Builders’ Discovering Design with Chemistry is an excellent choice. It’s structured enough to stand as a strong high school chemistry course and can easily be elevated to honors-level, check out Bereans Builders Honors Chemistry live classes and lab kits.

For us, it has been the perfect companion to Biology this year and has fueled my son’s passion for science even further. We’re excited to keep working our way through it and we know this is one of those resources that will stick with him long after high school.

Bottom line: Berean Builders Sciences continue to be top-notch, and Discovering Design with Chemistry is no exception. I highly recommend if your are looking a quality Chemistry curriculum you will not be disappointed.

Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Homeschool, Homeschool Chemistry, homeschool curriculum, Homeschool Elementary, homeschool science, Middle School

Hewitt Learning – The MC Detective Agency Series Molecular Literacy Level

Little Learner and Mom

We received MC Detective Agency Series Molecular Intermediate Level for our honest review!

Hey there, fellow homeschooling moms! I’m excited to share with you my thoughts on the MC Detective Agency Series Molecular Intermediate Level from Hewitt Learning. If you’re on the lookout for a fun and engaging way to teach molecular science to your kiddos, you’re in for a treat!

Topics Covered

This curriculum covers a wide array of topics that make molecular science come alive for young learners. Here’s a sneak peek at what your kids will be diving into:

  1. Atomic Adventures: Unraveling the mysteries of atoms and their quirky behavior.
  2. Bonding Bonanza: Discovering how atoms cozy up to each other to form molecules.
  3. Molecular Magic: Exploring the shapes and structures that molecules take on.
  4. Reactions Galore: Stirring up excitement as students investigate chemical reactions.
  5. Biochemistry Bonanza: Delving into the fascinating world of the chemistry of life.

With each topic, kids are whisked away on exciting adventures that make learning feel more like a thrilling detective story than a textbook lecture.

Integration with Science Curriculum

One of the things I love most about the MC Detective Agency Series is how seamlessly it integrates with our existing science curriculum. Whenever we’re studying topics related to molecular science, we simply pull out this curriculum, and voila! Instant enrichment. It’s like having a trusty sidekick to accompany us on our science journey.

What’s Included

When you grab the MC Detective Agency Series Molecular Intermediate Level, you’re getting a treasure trove of goodies:

  1. Student Textbook: Packed with colorful illustrations and engaging narratives that make learning a blast.
  2. Workbook: Filled to the brim with fun activities, experiments, and puzzles to reinforce learning in creative ways.
  3. Teacher’s Guide: A lifesaver for us moms, complete with lesson plans, answer keys, and handy tips to make teaching a breeze.
  4. Online Resources: Access to a wealth of digital goodies including videos, quizzes, and bonus materials to take learning to the next level.

What Sets This Curriculum Apart

So, what makes the MC Detective Agency Series stand out from the crowd? Let me count the ways:

  1. Adventure-Filled Narrative: Say goodbye to boring textbooks! This curriculum transforms learning into an epic adventure, complete with mysteries to solve and clues to uncover.
  2. Hands-On Activities: From kitchen experiments to crafting molecular models, the curriculum is chock-full of hands-on activities that make learning tangible and fun.
  3. Family-Friendly: Whether you’re homeschooling one child or a whole brood, the MC Detective Agency Series caters to families of all sizes and ages, making it the perfect choice for homeschooling households.
  4. Ionic Ooze Card Game: Oh, and did I mention the Ionic Ooze Card Game? It’s a total game-changer! Not only does it reinforce concepts learned in the curriculum, but it also provides hours of entertainment for the whole family. Trust me, you’ll want to add this gem to your collection.

How We Used

During the second semester of my son’s homeschool spine curriculum, we seamlessly integrated The MC Detective Agency Series Molecular Literacy Level into our lessons, focusing on chemistry topics. My son eagerly dove into the curriculum, particularly enjoying the captivating graphic novel format, which brought the concepts to life in a way that resonated with him. He found himself referring back to it frequently as we progressed through our studies.

Additionally, the inclusion of the Ionic Ooze Card Game added an extra layer of excitement to our learning experience, with my son eagerly engaging in strategic game play that reinforced the concepts we were exploring. Currently, we’re utilizing the bingo game for review, which has proven to be a fun and effective way to reinforce learning and keep the material fresh in his mind. Overall, The MC Detective Agency Series has become an valuable resource in our homeschooling journey, enriching our lessons and sparking my son’s curiosity in the world of chemistry.

This is a cool way to learn chemistry its not boring and uses my favorite type of books! The story line is interesting and it works well for big kids! -Jai

In a nutshell, the MC Detective Agency Series Molecular Intermediate Level from Hewitt Learning is a delightful curriculum that makes learning molecular science a joy for both kids and parents alike. So, if you’re ready to embark on a scientific adventure like no other, be sure to check it out!