REAL Science Odyssey – Biology 2 Workbook
Pages: 480
Grade Level: 6th–10th
Course Type: Workbook
Author: Blair H. Lee, M.S.
What Is RSO Biology 2 Workbook?
REAL Science Odyssey – Biology Level 2 is a year-long, secular homeschool biology curriculum divided into three coordinated books:
- Biology 2 Textbook
- Biology 2 Student Workbook (this product)
- Biology 2 Teacher Guide
The Workbook is an essential component of the course, guiding students to EXPLORE, ABSORB, and LEARN through independent research, hands-on labs, and assessments that deepen understanding and reinforce key concepts.
EXPLORE
Each lesson in the textbook is followed by at least one hands-on lab in the Workbook. Students apply the scientific method, collect and interpret data, and build models to demonstrate their learning. Activities include outdoor investigations of local ecosystems, dissections, and creative model-building.
Optional microscope labs invite students to explore the microscopic world—collecting, preparing, and viewing samples to reveal the hidden structures of life. These labs give students a taste of the techniques used by real scientists while providing a sense of wonder at the unseen complexity of living systems.
ABSORB
The Famous Science Series (FSS) projects introduce key scientists and discoveries connected to each lesson’s topic. Students engage in independent research on figures such as Antony van Leeuwenhoek or Jonas Salk, exploring how their discoveries and innovations transformed our understanding of biology. These projects help students connect the history of science with the modern biological principles they study.
LEARN
Show What You Know (SWIK) quizzes and unit assessments allow both student and instructor to evaluate mastery of each topic. They can be used as formal written evaluations or as discussion prompts to encourage deeper reflection and critical thinking.
When completed, the Workbook provides a full record of your student’s laboratory work, projects, and progress throughout the year.
Lab Experiments
No science course is complete without hands-on experiments! With RSO Biology Level 2, students will do science, not just read about it.
General Labs include:
- Building a model of an animal cell with organelles
- Dissecting a frog to study vertebrate anatomy
- Observing organisms in a local biome and mapping the food web
Microscope Labs (optional but recommended) include:
- Collecting, preparing, and viewing a sample of their own DNA
- Observing plant cell chloroplasts and identifying their functions
- Examining the microscopic tissue structure of a chicken wing
- Studying the effects of acid on plant cells
Each lab includes detailed supply lists, safety notes, and step-by-step procedures, supporting both students and instructors.
Course Structure
The REAL Science Odyssey – Biology Level 2 curriculum is composed of three interconnected components:
- Textbook: 32 narrative lessons introducing biological concepts and terminology.
- Workbook (this product): Labs, FSS projects, SWIK quizzes, and six unit assessments.
- Teacher Guide: Lesson plans, scheduling tools, answer keys, and material lists.
Each lesson follows a consistent format:
- Reading from the Textbook introduces key ideas and vocabulary.
- Labs, research projects, and quizzes in the Workbook deepen understanding.
- Unit assessments reinforce learning and retention.
The course design allows full flexibility—you can set your own teaching pace, modify the lab schedule, or adapt the quizzes for review or discussion.
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).