Homeschool Planet Lesson Plans for Conceptual Academy Science (2024)

Our middle school Conceptual Physical Science Explorations
(CPSE) course is geared for grades 7 - 8 covering physics, chemistry, Earth Science, and astronomy. This is normally a two year sequence. However, for students needing a single year of physical science, this planner makes that possible by focusing primarily on physics and astronomy. If this single year CPSE course is completed in the 9th grade, then the student has the option of moving into either Conceptual Physics or Conceptual Chemistry for the 10th grade (we recommend the latter).

The course and this planner are two separate purchases.To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site: LearnScience.Academy.

Conceptual Physical Science Explorations makes for a good introduction to the basic concepts of physical science while also nurturing an enthusiasm for the further study of science in high school. Briefly, along with a library of video lessons and textbook reading assignments, this planner directs the student through the course’s worksheets, interactive simulations, quizzes, homework system, labs using household materials, unit exams and more. To learn more about the course itself and other teacher resources, please visit our homeschool support site at LearnScience.Academy.

Our middle school Conceptual Physical Science Explorations (CPSE) course is geared for grades 7 - 8 covering physics, chemistry, Earth Science, and astronomy over a two year sequence as per this CPSE 2-year planner. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site: LearnScience.Academy. Please know that this course can be completed over a single year with a focus on only physics and astronomy, as per our CPSE 1-year planner (also available here at Homeschool Planet).

Conceptual Physical Science Explorations makes for a good introduction to the basic concepts of physical science while also nurturing an enthusiasm for the further study of science in high school. Briefly, along with a library of video lessons and textbook reading assignments, this planner directs the student through the course’s worksheets, interactive simulations, quizzes, homework system, labs using household materials, unit exams and more. To learn more about the course itself and other teacher resources, please visit our homeschool support site at LearnScience.Academy.

Our high school Conceptual Physical Science (CPS) “Full Version” course is geared for beginning high school students over a two year sequence. Year 1: Essentials of Physics. Year 2: Essentials of Chemistry, Earth Science, and Astronomy. This course uses the upper level Conceptual Physical Science textbook. This planner focuses on Year 1 (Physics) and can be considered a light version of our upper level Conceptual Physics course. This is appropriate for 9^th graders who have not experienced our middle school “explorations” courses. This planner is specific to the sixth edition Conceptual Physical Science textbook, CPS6e. The course and this planner are two separate purchases.To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site: LearnScience.Academy.

Conceptual Physical Science employs our classic “conceptual” approach, which means a focus on the concepts. The relationships and natural laws found within our physical universe are described in English preferentially over mathematical notation. Why is the sky blue? How do rainbows form? Why is it impossible to hear radio waves? With a focus on the concepts, the student is engaged with the wonders of their natural environment. Along with a library of video lessons and textbook reading assignments, this planner directs the student through the course’s worksheets, interactive simulations, quizzes, homework system, labs using household materials, unit exams and more. To learn more about the course itself and other teacher resources, please visit our homeschool support site at LearnScience.Academy.

Our high school Conceptual Physical Science (CPS) “Full Version” course is geared for beginning high school students over a two year sequence. Year 1: Essentials of Physics. Year 2: Essentials of Chemistry, Earth Science, and Astronomy. This course uses the upper level Conceptual Physical Science textbook. This planner focuses on Year 2 (Chemistry, Earth Science, Astronomy) setting the stage for the student to take either Conceptual Physics or Conceptual Chemistry in a subsequent year. This planner is specific to the sixth edition Conceptual Physical Science textbook, CPS6e. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site:LearnScience.Academy.

Conceptual Physical Science employs our classic “conceptual” approach, which means a focus on the concepts. The relationships and natural laws found within our physical universe are described in English preferentially over mathematical notation. Do fish breath water? (No) Why is Earth’s interior so hot? How do stars shine? With a focus on the concepts, the student is engaged with the wonders of their natural environment. Along with a library of video lessons and textbook reading assignments, this planner directs the student through the course’s worksheets, interactive simulations, quizzes, homework system, labs using household materials, unit exams and more. To learn more about the course itself and other teacher resources, please visit our homeschool support site at LearnScience.Academy.

Our middle school Conceptual Integrated Science Explorations (CISE) course is geared for grades 7 - 8 covering year 1: physics and chemistry, and year 2: biology, Earth Science, and astronomy as per this CISE 2-year planner. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site: LearnScience.Academy.

Conceptual Integrated Science Explorations makes for a good introduction to the basic concepts of general science while also nurturing an enthusiasm for the further study of science in high school. Briefly, along with a library of video lessons and textbook reading assignments, this planner directs the student through the course’s worksheets, interactive simulations, quizzes, homework system, labs using household materials, unit exams and more. To learn more about the course itself and other teacher resources, please visit our homeschool support site at LearnScience.Academy.

Our high school Conceptual Astronomy course is our lightest course with a focus on the concepts of astronomy and astronomy-related physics. This course uses the upper level Conceptual Physical Science textbook. This planner is specific to the sixth edition of this textbook, CPS6e. The pace of this planner is slow and drawn out over a period of 27 weeks. An ambitious student could easily complete this course in a shorter time period, including as a summer course (0.5 credits). There is sufficient physics within this course to set the stage for the student to take either Conceptual Physics or Conceptual Chemistry in a subsequent year. As per our Course Pathways document, we recommend the latter. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site: LearnScience.Academy.

Conceptual Astronomy begins with an overview of the solar system with an emphasis on nighttime gazing. But rather than focusing on the names of constellations, the student is introduced the concepts of astronomy. Why are stars different colors? How far away are they? Why are all the inner planets “rocky” and the outer planets “gaseous”? How do eclipses form? What are black holes? What of Einstein’s theories of relativity? What is a galaxy? And why are there many kinds of galaxies? The Moon is so heavy: Why doesn’t it crash into Earth? With a focus on the concepts, the student is engaged with the wonders of their natural environment. Along with a library of video lessons and textbook reading assignments, this planner directs the student through the course’s worksheets, interactive simulations, quizzes, homework system, labs using household materials, numerous online astronomy resources, unit exams and more. To learn more about the course itself and other teacher resources, please visit our homeschool support site at LearnScience.Academy.

Our high school Conceptual Integrated Science (CIS) course is geared for beginning high school students over a two year sequence. Year 1: Physics and Chemistry. Year 2: Biology, Earth Science, and Astronomy. This course uses the upper level Conceptual Integrated Science textbook. This planner focuses on Year 1 (Physics and Chemistry) and is specific to the second edition textbook, CIS2e. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site:LearnScience.Academy.

Conceptual Integrated Science science is “integrated” in that the fields of science are blended together where appropriate. For example, in describing the physics of light, we show how this applies to the inner workings of our eyes, which, in turn, are sensitive to visible light in great part because of the chemical composition of our atmosphere. Along with a library of video lessons and textbook reading assignments, this planner directs the student through the course’s worksheets, interactive simulations, quizzes, homework system, labs using household materials, unit exams and more. To learn more about the course itself and other teacher resources, please visit our homeschool support site at LearnScience.Academy.

Our high school Conceptual Integrated Science (CIS) course is geared for beginning high school students over a two year sequence. Year 1: Physics and Chemistry. Year 2: Biology, Earth Science, and Astronomy. This course uses the upper level Conceptual Integrated Science textbook. This planner focuses on Year 1 (Physics and Chemistry) and is specific to the third edition textbook, CIS3e. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site:LearnScience.Academy.

Conceptual Integrated Science science is “integrated” in that the fields of science are blended together where appropriate. For example, in describing the physics of sound, we discuss the biological mechanisms within our ears that permits us to hear that sound. Along with a library of video lessons and textbook reading assignments, this planner directs the student through the course’s worksheets, interactive simulations, quizzes, homework system, labs using household materials, unit exams and more. To learn more about the course itself and other teacher resources, please visit our homeschool support site at LearnScience.Academy.

Our high school Conceptual Integrated Science (CIS) course is geared for beginning high school students over a two year sequence. Year 1: Physics and Chemistry. Year 2: Biology, Earth Science, and Astronomy. This course uses the upper level Conceptual Integrated Science textbook. This planner focuses on Year 2 (Biology, Earth Science, and Astronomy) and is specific
to the third edition textbook, CIS3e. The course and this planner are two separate purchases.

Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science, and Astronomy. Fold these branches of science together and the result we call Integrated Science. The breadth of integrated science is made manageable through the use of Unifying Concepts— those big ideas that cut across all the sciences and unite them as one body of knowledge about the world. This, in turn, helps us to understand the workings of our natural environment. How does water move up a tree? (Biology and Physics) How do stars shine? (Physics and Astronomy) Why do we have beaches? (Chemistry and Earth Science) Conceptual Integrated Science relates the big ideas of science to everyday life, and is presented in a friendly, personal—and sometimes humorous voice.

Our high school Conceptual Physical Science (CPS) “PAC” course is geared for beginning high school students over a one year period with a focus on the essentials of Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry (PAC). This course uses the upper level Conceptual Physical Science textbook. This planner is specific to the sixth edition textbook, CPS6e. The pace of this planner is relatively quick and works well for students who have not experienced our middle school “explorations” courses, but are looking for an early entry into our upper level science courses, such as Conceptual Physics and Conceptual Chemistry. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site:LearnScience.Academy.

Conceptual Physical Science employs our classic “conceptual” approach, which means a focus on the concepts. The relationships and natural laws found within our physical universe are described in English preferentially over mathematical notation. Is there gravity in space? What do a campfire and the Sun have in common? What is a supernova? What’s inside a bubble of boiling water? With a focus on the concepts, the student is engaged with the wonders of their natural environment. Along with a library of video lessons and textbook reading assignments, this planner directs the student through the course’s worksheets, interactive simulations, quizzes, homework system, labs using household materials, unit exams and more. To learn more about the course itself and other teacher resources, please visit our homeschool support site at LearnScience.Academy.

A one year high school biology course recommended for students seeking a broad understanding of the concepts and topics of biology. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site:
LearnScience.Academy.

Presented in a storytelling manner, Conceptual Biology maps out the overarching and interconnected concepts of the science of life. We begin with an in-depth review of the chemistry needed to understand and appreciate the molecular nature of life. From this foundation, we explore the nature of cells, genetics, and inheritance, which sets the stage for “getting” evolution and the diversity of life. From there the journey continues into human anatomy and physiology culminating in an exploration of populations, communities, and ecosystems of which we humans are an integral part. Throughout, the concepts of biology are connected to a student’s daily life with relevant examples from medicine, nutrition, health, and biotechnology. Our main goal: nurturing a student’s curiosity and respect for the wonders of our living world.

A one year high school honors biology course covering the entire Conceptual Biology curriculum including our "Living Earth" sections showing how the biosphere is interconnected with the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Recommended for motivated students seeking a broad
understanding of the concepts and topics of biology. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site: LearnScience.Academy.

Presented in a storytelling manner, Conceptual Biology maps out the overarching and interconnected concepts of the science of life. We begin with an in-depth review of the chemistry needed to understand and appreciate the molecular nature of life. From this foundation, we explore the nature of cells, genetics, and inheritance, which sets the stage for “getting” evolution and the diversity of life. From there the journey continues into human anatomy and physiology culminating in an exploration of populations, communities, and ecosystems of which we humans are an integral part. Throughout, the concepts of biology are connected to a student’s daily life with relevant examples from medicine, nutrition, health, and biotechnology. Our main goal: nurturing a student’s curiosity and respect for the wonders of our living world.

A “sideways” approach to Conceptual Chemistry in which the social and environmental applications of chemistry take center stage along side the development of chemistry concepts. Although there is a greater emphasis on the topics of chemistry, this curriculum still provides for a solid foundation by
embracing Conceptual Chemistry’s carefully crafted spiral approach whereby key concepts are revisited throughout the course—each time in a different light and with greater depth. The author himself teaches his college courses using this approach. It’s challenging, but fun!

Recommended for students who are not likely to pursue a career in science or technology. Although less comprehensive than our honors chemistry course, this environmental chemistry course still holds sufficient weight to qualify for a full 1.0 high school science credit.

A one year high school chemistry course covering the first 13 out of 17 chapters of the Conceptual Chemistry curriculum providing a solid foundation in the basic concepts of chemistry and the ability to view nature from the perspective of atoms and molecules. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site: LearnScience.Academy.

This course is similar to the chemistry honors course except the final four “topical” chapters are not covered. This allows for a slower pace as well as more time available to a focus on the quantitative aspect of chemistry. Recommended for students who are considering a career in science or engineering.

A one year high school honors chemistry course covering the entire Conceptual Chemistry curriculum providing a solid foundation in the basic concepts of chemistry and the ability to view nature from the perspective of atoms and molecules. Recommended for motivated students seeking a broad understanding of the concepts and topics of chemistry. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site: LearnScience.Academy.

This course is an honors course by virtue of the relatively fast pace a student must follow to cover the broad range of topics presented: From the fundamentals of chemistry to environmental and life science applications.Following this planner, the student is coached to the proper pacing required for a successful academic year. Yet this planner also provides flexibility to assure that the student is following a pace that suits them best. More important than covering a lot of material is finding value and meaning in the material that gets covered.

A one year high school chemistry course covering material within the Conceptual Chemistry curriculum most applicable to the life sciences. It begins like our other chemistry courses with an introduction to the basic concepts of chemistry. As the course progresses, however, it leans toward life science applications concluding with the Conceptual Chemistry chapters on organic chemistry, biochemistry, and medicinal chemistry. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site: LearnScience.Academy.

This course is similar to the chemistry honors course except for the removal of select material. This allows for a slower pace as well as more time available to focus on the life science aspects of chemistry. Recommended for students who are considering a career in the life sciences.

A one year high school physics course covering a select sequence of 25 chapters of Conceptual Physics curriculum providing a solid foundation in the fundamental rules of nature. Designed to meet the physics requirement needs of a broad range of high school students. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site: LearnScience.Academy

Following this planner, the student is coached to the proper pacing required for a successful academic year. Yet this planner also provides flexibility to assure that the student is following a pace that suits them best. More important than covering a lot of material is finding value and meaning in the material that gets covered.

A one year high school honors physics course covering the entire Conceptual Physics curriculum providing a solid foundation in the fundamental rules of nature. Recommended for motivated students seeking a broad understanding of the concepts and topics of physics. This planner follows a predetermined path of 24 chapters while allowing the student to select at least 5 additional chapters based upon their interests. The course and this planner are two separate purchases. To learn how to purchase the course itself, please visit our homeschool support site: LearnScience.Academy

This course is an honors course by virtue of the relatively fast pace a student must follow to cover the broad range of concepts presented. Following this planner, the student is coached to the proper pacing required for a successful academic year. Yet this planner also provides flexibility to assure that the student is following a pace that suits them best. More important than covering a lot of material is finding value and meaning in the material that gets covered.