How many lessons are there in Friendly Biology?
Friendly Biology consists of 28 lessons. Lessons range from 10 to 25 pages of text. Time to complete a lesson varies usually being 1.5-2 hours. We recommend doing one lesson per week over a school year.
How do the videos fit with the textbook?
The video lessons are designed to augment the texbook. They are not designed to take the place of the textbook. We recommend students follow along in the textbook as the material is presented on the video. Some families have reported success by having their child view the video first and then read the text material. Others have found that reading the text material first works well followed by the viewing the videos.
Are there labs included in Friendly Biology?
You bet! There are hands-on labs designed to enhance the concepts presented in the lessons. The materials and equipment are readily found in your home or grocery or drug store. The labs are safe and require no special disposal at the end of the lab. In fact, many are labs where the results are something to eat! A list of lab materials necessary to complete the labs can be found on our Labs page.
Is a microscope required for Friendly Biology?
A microscope is not required for Friendly Biology. The microorganisms discussed in the lessons are viewed using high quality photographs. In order to be successful at viewing these tiny creatures in a lab setting, a high-powered, quality micrscope costing several hundred dollars would be required. Making such an investment for the limited use in the course is not necessary. If experiences using a microscope are desired, we recommend visiting a local community college lab or local vet clinic where a quality microscope can be used.
Are there worksheets for Friendly Biology?
Yes, worksheets are found in the Student Workbook. There are two sets of worksheets for each lesson in the course. These are fill-in-the-blank worksheets and cross-word or word-find puzzles which allow students to practice the concepts presented in the lessons. The Student Workbook is considered a consumable component of the curriculum. Answers to these worksheet questions are found in the Tests and Solutions Booklet.
Are there tests for Friendly Biology?
Yes, tests are found in the Tests and Solutions Booklet. There is one test per lesson and all questions are multiple choice. Number of questions per test varies with the complexity and length of the lesson. A pdf version of the tests is available to make printing more convenient. See our order page.
Can completion of Friendly Biology suffice for a high school science credit?
Yes. While requirements vary from state-to-state, the content and labs presented in Friendly Biology are comparable to any high school level biology course taught in the public schools.
What is the difference between the Christian Worldview version of Friendly Biology and the secular version of Friendly Biology?
The Christian Worldview version of Friendly Biology gives credit to God as the creator of all living things. This credit is omitted from the secular version. The theory of evolution is not included in either version as it was our goal in writing the course to present currently accepted observations of living creatures in today's world.
What are the credentials of the authors of Friendly Biology?
Joey has taught biology courses to high school and community college students for over 25 years. His undergraduate training was in animal science and graduate degree in veterinary medicine (DVM) was completed at Texas A&M University. He also holds a masters degree in secondary and higher eduction (curriculum and instruction design) from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M at Commerce) and has completed coursework towards his doctorate in education.
Lisa's undergraduate training was also in animal science at Texas A&M University with graduate work done in the College of Veterinary Medicine. She holds a masters degree in elementary education from East Texas State University and has completed coursework towards her doctorate degree in education as well. She has homeschooled all ten of their children. Six have now graduated; two have finished their bachelors degrees and two are in progress.
If I need help teaching Friendly Biology or setting-up a lab, can I get assistance from you?
Yes! An aspect that sets our curriculum apart from others is the fact that we are available five mornings a week to help you teach your course. We can be reached by phone, text or email and are always ready to help you be successful with your students. Find contact information on our Contact Us page.
Are dissection labs included in Friendly Biology?
Because dissection labs can be somewhat difficult to manage, we have provided an alternative approach through live videotaped dissections. These dissections were made on fresh animal specimens so colors, appearance and texture are much more accurate than with preserved specimens. We are pro-dissection when at all possible and instructions for completing dissections similar to what is shown on our videos is strongly encouraged. See our video page for more information regarding these labs.
If I purchase the video series, is there a limit to the number of times I can view them? Does my access to them expire?
Once purchased, there is no limit to the number of times the videos can be viewed. You can use them with your current student(s) or siblings coming along in future years! Your access has no expiration date. They will be accessible as long as Vimeo exists.
Can I use the videos with a co-op group of students?
Yes, you are welcome to use the videos with co-op groups of students. We only ask that if a family wishes to view videos outside the co-op setting that they purchase their own subscription to view them. Let us know if you have questions regarding use of the video series.
Do you offer any discounts to help with purchasing your curriculum?
Yes, we offer a 15% discount for co-op groups purchasing our curriculum who can make a single order for their supplies. Active military families can also receive a 15% discount. Active missionary families can recieve a 25% discount. Members of the Schoolhouse Teachers Program affiliated with The Old School House magazine are also eligible to recieve a discount on Friendly Chemistry curriculum, however discounts are not available for puchases of the Friendly Biology curriculum. To learn more about these discounts, please send us an email message with your request. Send to friendlybiologyinfo@gmail.com
Can you ship Friendly Biology overseas?
Yes, we can ship to any location which is served by amazon.com. If you have special needs regarding an order, please contact us. We may have different options available to make the process easier for you.
Do you have curriculum available for other science subjects?
Yes, we have had Friendly Chemistry, now in its fourth edition, on the market for over twenty years. It has had remarkable success at preparing students for successful work at the college level. It is available for use with co-op groups of students as well as a one-student approach.
We also have Friendly Anatomy: The Bovine Skeletal System available for students desiring a foundation course of the skeletal system. Coming soon is the musculature system to be followed by the circulatory and nervous systems. While these courses focus on the cow as the primary model, most all concepts can be directly applied to other domestic animal species.
Is your curriculum available through other suppliers?
Yes, our curriculum can be found in the Timberdoodle Company catalog, the Rainbow Resource Center catalog, Educents, Barnes and Noble Bookstores (as well as many other online booksellers) and on amazon.com.