The number of parents choosing to homeschool their children are rising. Besides being a very economical option, it allows parents to actively participate in their child’s education. However, some parents worry about their competence, especially when it comes to teaching upper grade courses like the more specialized science of Biology. The mere mention of the subject brings to mind biological microscopes in antiseptic-smelling laboratories and white coats — definitely something that would intimidate a parent without a degree.

But beyond this preconceived notion of difficulty (and perhaps the fear of using biological microscopes), teaching your child high school biology is challenging but definitely doable. Here are some useful tips to help you through the rigors of biological studies with your teen:

1. Get access to a laboratory.

Either you set up one at home, look up possibilities at the local library, or ask your local school district for help, it’s very important to have access to one. You probably don’t need to use it very often, especially if you’re using the nature study approach. But you will definitely need use of at least student-grade biological microscopes. To spice lessons up, try getting the more powerful stereo microscope fitted with cameras or video monitors.

2. Try nature study to keep it fun.

Biology is a boring subject to those who are not especially gifted. And because your child is mostly studying from home, it’s important to fan the interest despite the boring nature of the subject. How do you do this? Be creative!

Instead of just using charts and color photographs, take your teen outdoors and study nature outside. The trip can be a combination of fun and learning if you bring sturdy biological microscopes along with your digital camera, and put learning objectives on your itinerary.

3. Know what to use, when, and how.

Biological microscopes are great tools for learning. But there are other equipment you can use as well. Visuals are very important because recall is better if lessons come in graphic, colorful images. Toss in the fact that the organism appears truly alive under a microscope and it becomes unforgettable to a curious teen’s mind. How light plays on different substances is rarely visible to the naked eye. But with polarized light microscopes, you can distinctively see optical properties of both isotropic (usually liquids and gases) and anisotropic materials (about 90 percent of solids).

Distance education programs are also excellent tools you may want to add to your repertoire as an educator. The materials in an online course are wonderfully illustrated and you’ll find detailed explanations for each lesson. In biology classes, you’re likely to find clear color photographs of what you’d see under a biological microscope when you’re instructed to do so. It won’t only give you the help you need for homeschooling your child, it also gives you the opportunity to learn. You can use an online program as a tutor and real life laboratory work to see it for yourself.

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Biological microscopes are wonderful tools for discovery. Check out CanScope.ca’s selection of microscopes in Toronto, microscope accessories Toronto, and more today!