Wednesday, 5 August 2026

FREE High School Biology Resources

 


Did you know that Guest Hollow offers a completely free online homeschool biology curriculum?  

This online course should take about one hour per day, depending on which activities you choose and what your reading speed it.  It includes a free textbook and printable workbook with answer key, links to online videos, tons of labs, recommendations for living books, and even Greek and Latin roots vocabulary.  A study schedule is included. 

Use this curriculum as-is if you are looking for a biology option with a Christian worldview, or use their schedule with the original CK-12 textbook for a secular option.

  • Chapter 1 What is Biology?
  • Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life
  • Chapter 3: Cellular Structure and Function
  • Chapter 4: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
  • Chapter 5: The Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Meiosis
  • Chapter 6: Gregor Mendel and Genetics
  • Chapter 7: Molecular Genetics: From DNA to Proteins|
  • Chapter 8: Human Genetics and Biotechnology
  • Chapter 9: Classification
  • Chapter 10: Creationism vs. the Theory of Evolution
  • Chapter 11: The Principles of Ecology
  • Chapter 12: Communities and Populations
  • Chapter 13: Microorganisms: Prokaryotes and Viruses
  • Chapter 14: Eukaryotes: Protists and Fungi
  • Chapter 15: Plant Classification
  • Chapter 16: Plant Biology
  • Chapter 17: Introduction to Animals
  • Chapter 18: From Sponges to Invertebrate Chordates
  • Chapter 19: From Fish to Birds
  • Chapter 20: Mammals and Animal Behavior

Helpful add-ons:
  • Anatomy Zone has tons of animation videos of individual body parts and their structures and functions.
  • InnerBody has interactive 3D models of body structures that you can zoom in on to learn more.





Another option for high school biology online is Khan Academy!  Your student can work at their own pace, working toward mastery of the course material, and move up to the AP/College Biology course when they are ready for further study.  For a bit of visual motivation, Khan Academy incorporates a completion chart that tracks the student's "mastery points" - our family appreciated that addition when they first introduced it!

High School Biology includes:
  • Ecology and natural systems
  • From cells to organisms
  • The cell cycle and differentiation
  • Energy and matter in biological systems
  • Gene expression and regulation
  • Inheritance and variation of traits
  • Mechanisms of evolution
  • Common ancestry and phylogeny
  • Biodiversity and human impacts
  • Explore biology through simulations
  • Teacher resources
AP Biology includes:
  • Chemistry of life
  • Cell structure and function
  • Cellular energetics
  • Cell communication and cell cycle
  • Heredity
  • Gene expression and regulation
  • Natural selection
  • Ecology
  • Explore biology through simulations
  • Worked examples of AP® Biology free response questions
  • AP® Biology standards mappings

Two supplemental video channels we like are The Amoeba Sisters and Crash Course Biology (both have a secular worldview).  Learning Biology with Dr. Vanessa also has a lot of content and looks promising.



CK-12 Biology for High School is a free online "flexbook" for grades 9-10.  This interactive textbook (online only) covers core biology concepts and includes videos, student questions, and study guides.  AI-driven "adaptive practice" questions are available for each section.
  • Introduction to Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolution
  • Ecology
  • Prokaryotes and Viruses
  • Protists and Fungi
  • Plants
  • Animals
  • Invertebrates
  • Vertebrates
  • Human Biology

Some helpful vocabulary add-ons, free from Teachers Pay Teachers:




Bioman Biology is not a curriculum, but rather a fun resources with games, simulations, and virtual labs.  There are free and paid options for access.  They also have a YouTube Channel.

Topics include: 
  • Body systems
  • Cell Structure and function
  • Ecosystems & Interactions
  • Evolution & Classification
  • Genetic Change & Diversity
  • Life Chemistry - DNA, RNA, Proteins, etc.
  • Respiration & Photosynthesis
  • Scientific Method, Inquiry & Analysis



Froguts is a free download for Mac/Windows which allows users to virtually dissect a bullfrog, a cow eye, a starfish, a fetal pig, and an owl pellet, as well as being able to explore a Mendelian Pea experiment and observe fruit flies.  Quizzes are included. Students use virtual dissection tools i.e. scissors or scalpel. Each system is completely discussed and the correct order of dissect is ensured. The subject to be dissected is viewed in 3D and students have the ability to manipulate the subject prior to dissection.

First published in 2001, this software can now be downloaded for free from The Science Bank. Please take the time to read the page thoroughly first.  


Additional resources for online labs and simulations:

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