Friendly Biology consists of 28 lessons. Lessons range from 10 to 25 pages of text. Time to complete a lesson varies. We recommend doing one lesson per week over a school year.
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!
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.
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.
Will you be adding any dissection labs to Friendly Biology?
It is our hope to add at least two dissection labs to the Friendly Biology curriculum. These labs will be a dissection of the eye and then of the heart. Videotaping has already taken place; the written instructions are in progress at this time. Availability will be announced on our website and Facebook page.
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. www.friendlychemistry.com
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. www.friendlyanatomy.com
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. 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 have different options available to make the process easier for you.
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.
