Homeschool Curriculum Review: Thinkwell Science Videos

Thinkwell videos are video courses covering a variety of subjects. I reviewed chemistry and Physics 1 for my 11th grade homeschool son to use. After carefully examining the curriculum, we decided on Chemistry. This is the course that best suited our needs. I really like Thinkwell videos two-week free trial. You can evaluate one or more of their courses to see if it will suit your needs.

Thinkwell chemistry

There are two chemistry courses available for high school students--Chemistry and AP chemistry. The courses are very similar to each other, the only difference is that the AP course has tests that help students prepare for the AP exam. The actual material covered is the same. Both courses cost the same.

Chemistry lessons start with a video lesson. These lessons are short and to the point--average time is about 15 minutes. You have lesson notes that can be printed out or a complete set of notes can be purchased separately. There is a ten question test after each segment. The test is computer scored and parents can keep track of their child's progress.

What I personally find lacking is any sort of hands-on activity. There are no assigned labs and there is no "homework".

I like that the videos are geared toward high school and college level students. The coursework is not "dumbed down". The instructors seem to be passionate about chemistry, and all of the teachers carry advanced degrees relating to chemistry.

Thinkwell Physics 1

Physics 1 follows the same format as chemistry. The lessons consist of a short video lesson followed by a ten question chapter test. Notes can be printed out or purchased as a set for an additional fee.

While I liked the format and presentation of the material, physics 1 is lacking in many areas. First, no labs are assigned--everything is observed through videos. Another issue is that I feel there is not enough focus on how to solve and complete the advanced math concepts that physics requires students to master. My final issue with physics 1 is that it is only a single semester course. Normally high school physics should cover two semesters. This course should be looked upon as an introduction to physics and not as a full-year course.

Kids learn by doing. Science should be a hands-on experience for all students. Along with my decision to purchase the chemistry course, I have purchased an advanced chemistry set so that my 11th grader can experience the concepts taught in the course in an up-close and personal manner. Thinkwell videos are available for purchase at Thinkwell.com.

This review was based on a free two-week trial of Thinkwell Chemistry and Thinkwell Physics 1.