Guest Hollow’s High School Biology

by Guest Hollowhttps://guesthollow.com/

ScienceGrades 9–12

Guest Hollow's High School Biology: Creationist-Adapted Online Course

Guest Hollow's High School Biology is a free online curriculum that adapts the CK-12 Biology textbook from a creationist perspective, removing evolution content and adding Christian resources. The course combines a modified textbook, workbook, extensive supplementary reading lists, and flexible lab options with a detailed daily schedule that integrates multiple resources.

Best for

Homeschool families seeking a comprehensive biology course from a creationist perspective, particularly those comfortable with independent learning and flexible resource management

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 2 concerns · 2 neutral

Knowledge RichStrength

The curriculum provides rigorous biology content knowledge following a typical biology course outline from cellular level through various kingdoms. Content is described as rigorous but manageable for average students, covering biochemistry, genetics, DNA, RNA, and human inheritance.

Review states 'The content is rigorous but should be manageable for average students' and details comprehensive coverage including 'introductory matter and a few weeks on chemistry, then proceeds from the cellular level up through the various kingdoms'

Hands On IntegrationStrength

The curriculum offers extensive lab options with two main approaches, allowing adaptation to different budgets and goals. Lab activities range from sophisticated equipment-based experiments to simpler activities using minimal materials.

Two lab options provided: 'Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Experiments' requiring $250 kit, and 'Guest Hollow Labs' with minimal equipment needs. Includes microscope activities and lab writeup templates.

Scientific VocabularyStrength

The curriculum explicitly supports vocabulary development through added definitions at chapter beginnings and Latin/Greek word root alerts. The modified textbook enhances vocabulary features beyond the original CK-12 version.

Guest Hollow added 'definitions of vocabulary words at the beginning of each chapter' and 'Latin and Greek word root alerts' to the original textbook

Ngss AlignmentConcern

The curriculum explicitly removes evolution content and promotes creationist perspectives, which conflicts with NGSS standards that include evolution as a core disciplinary idea. The modified approach undermines scientific consensus-based standards alignment.

Review states Guest Hollow 'removed references to evolution' and adds 'creationist resources' while the original CK-12 textbook 'presents solid coverage of biology from an evolutionary point of view'

Teacher TrainingConcern

Limited teacher support is provided, though the original CK-12 teacher's guide remains accessible. The curriculum design assumes parent supervision rather than formal teacher preparation.

Review mentions 'there are tests for the original textbook' and 'you can access' the free CK-12 teacher's manual, but Guest Hollow doesn't provide dedicated teacher training materials

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum relies primarily on textbook reading and workbook assignments rather than explicit teacher-led instruction. While content is structured, there's limited guidance for direct instructional delivery.

Review indicates 'students should be able to work through the lesson material and videos on their own' with parents supervising labs and checking work, suggesting independent learning model

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes workbook questions in various formats and end-of-chapter questions, though systematic retrieval practice across units is not clearly emphasized. Some quizzes are available through user groups.

Workbook has 'questions in various formats, critical reading, and writing assignments' and 'free quizzes created by parents are available in the biology curriculum users group'

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesGrades 9–12
SubjectScience
PedagogyInquiry Based
Faith-BasedNo

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy