REAL Science Odyssey - Biology 2 textbook

$66.99

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Short Description

RSO Biology 2 is a year-long, secular homeschool biology curriculum for middle and high school. Students immerse themselves in the biological world, from the complex inner workings of cells to food webs and biogeochemical cycles.

Grade Level: 6th–10th

REAL Science Odyssey - Biology 2 textbook

$66.99

REAL Science Odyssey – Biology 2 Textbook

Pages: 306

Grade Level: 6th–10th

Course Type: Textbook

Author: Blair H. Lee, M.S.

What Is Biology Level 2?

REAL Science Odyssey – Biology Level 2 is a year-long, secular homeschool biology curriculum for middle and high school students. The full course is divided into three coordinated components:

Biology Level 2 Textbook (this product)
Biology Level 2 Student Workbook
Biology Level 2 Teacher Guide

Through engaging readings, color images, diagrams, and charts, students explore the living world—from the inner workings of cells to food webs and biogeochemical cycles. Occasional poems and narrative sections bring science to life, helping students connect concepts to real-world systems.

All material is grounded in valid scientific research and theory—never in supernatural explanations or false controversies. Students are encouraged to think critically, perform independent research, and connect scientific ideas across disciplines. Math, a vital tool for all scientists, is integrated throughout the course.

Laboratory investigations, found in the Student Workbook, guide learners in applying the scientific method and making discoveries firsthand. Optional (but recommended) microscope labs allow students to observe the structures of life invisible to the naked eye.

Who Can Use Biology Level 2?

RSO Biology 2 is written for homeschool students in grades 6–10 and can be used in co-ops, micro-schools, or independent study.

The textbook readings are designed for students to work independently, while parents or teachers may provide guidance for lab work and discussions.

If you’re not a scientist yourself—no problem. The Teacher Guide includes concept reviews, background explanations, relevant math, answer keys, and lab guidance to support non-science instructors.

Course Structure

The RSO Biology Level 2 curriculum consists of three coordinated resources:

Textbook: Contains 32 narrative lessons introducing key concepts, terminology, and foundational biology topics.
Workbook: Includes hands-on labs, Famous Science Series research projects, Show What You Know quizzes, and six unit assessments.
Teacher Guide: Offers lesson plans, materials lists, teaching tips, and weekly schedules.

Each lesson follows a consistent structure:

Reading – Introduces key vocabulary and major concepts through the textbook narrative.
Labs and Research Projects – Found in the Workbook, these allow students to apply what they’ve learned.
Assessment – Quizzes and unit tests reinforce understanding and retention.

The flexible design allows customization for your homeschool. You can:

Choose how many days per week to study biology.
Skip or include microscope labs depending on student level.
Use unit assessments as tests, reviews, or open-note exercises.

Science Skills Covered

Throughout Biology Level 2, students develop a wide range of scientific and analytical skills, including:

Applying the scientific method
Conducting laboratory investigations
Recording and interpreting data
Critical thinking and analysis
Understanding biological systems and cycles
Connecting biological theory to real-world examples

The course begins with fundamental principles and advances toward complex topics, ensuring students build a deep and connected understanding of life science.

Planning and Scheduling

RSO Biology Level 2 is designed to fit within a 36-week school year.

The Teacher Guide includes complete scheduling assistance, with options for:

2-day-per-week pacing
3-day-per-week pacing
5-day-per-week pacing

You can easily adapt the schedule to meet your student’s pace and your teaching style.

Important Copyright Information

If you choose the eBook version of this course, you are purchasing a license to use the PDF for your own children. You may make copies for your own children, but you may not share (email, download, print and distribute, resell, etc.) this eBook or any portion of this eBook to others. Licensing is available for group, school, and co-op use. Please contact Pandia Press for details on group licensing (info@pandiapressbooks.com).

A complete supply list is found in the Teacher Guide—you can review it before purchase by downloading the Try Before You Buy file.

Many of the supplies for Biology Level 2 are likely already in your household. Others, you can find them at big-box retailers, grocery, or craft stores. Biology for middle and high school students does require some specialized equipment though, especially if you plan to include the microscope labs from the Workbook. These supplies can be found at online science supply companies. If you choose to include the microscope labs, you will also a need a good quality, student microscope.

Uncommon Supplies Needed for Course Labs:

Microscope- Choose either monocular or binocular, and either oil immersion or not. You don't need to spend a fortune on a microscope, but avoid toy microscopes and those priced under $80 (new).

Microscope slides with covers

Dissecting pins

Dissecting tray or small pan

Forceps(for microscope specimens) or large tweezers

Lens wipes

Prepared slide of an allium (onion) root tip

Methylene blue dye

Oil for oil immersion slide (if applicable and if not included with microscope)

Prepared slide of a lilium (lily), anther meiosis

Legume inoculant (rhizobacteria)

Home Science Tools offers supply kits for all RSO courses.