FAQs

What is the cost?

The online course and ck-12 online textbook are available at no cost with direct registration. 

Students registered through a Charter School that offers the course should refer to the school's web site for pricing.

Labs scheduled in community centers in the Conejo Valley and Camarillo, CA areas have pricing listed in the parks and recreation catalogs. Contact hrobinson@horizoneducationandmedia.org for more details.

What makes up the course?

1. Online website with lessons and videos aligned with NGSS and middle school College Board standards in preparation for college.

2. Online textbook providing comprehensive content, aiChatbot support, and feedback. PDF download available.

3. Lab activities with materials lists and brief lab reports.

4. Student organizer worksheets in Google Docs format located in Google Classroom. PDF unit packets available.

5. Guides for each unit.

6. Online unit assessments for enrolled students with results available to families. Aligned with NGSS standards.

What is the schedule?

More details will be forthcoming.

What technology is required?

Thorough learning at middle school level demands the tactile stimulation of writing and drawing rather than typing and scrolling (Askvik et al, 2020). Therefore despite offering an online course, it is strongly encouraged that students write and draw their responses instead of typing them. 

A fast iPad or laptop with the ability to run a split screen is a minimum requirement. 

A home printer is helpful to boost learning.

Student activity sheets are available in Google docs from within Google Classroom. A PDF of unit activity sheets is available for download should a print version be preferred. This can be printed as a unit packet on the home printer. Or this can be printed and spiral bound at a local copy store directly to save shipping costs. It is strongly encouraged for a print version of the activity sheets be used. 

A PDF of the textbook is available for download should a print version be preferred. This can be printed and spiral bound at a local copy store directly to save shipping costs.

Generative ai is offered to guide students in this course through Lexi, the ai chatbot within the ck-12 textbook. Good judgement as a citizen requires sufficient comprehension of the natural world, and this course provides the life science groundwork on which human intelligence can be developed, with ai used as a tool.

Do the labs require specialized materials?

In this homeschool course, the labs are designed to use household and play materials wherever possible, other than a microscope and slides. Materials lists are provided for families to purchase from vendors such as local grocery and drug stores, Amazon or other online resources.

In-person labs are available in the Conejo Valley and Camarillo, CA areas.

Who is the teacher?

Hannah Robinson is an accredited science teacher with numerous education awards spanning her 25 years of experience. You can find more information from her LinkedIn bio.

What is Horizon Education and Media?

This 503c California nonprofit was founded to promote education through online media and other means. 

How do we contact customer service?

Please contact hrobinson@horizoneducationandmedia.org