Our world is full of wonderful things to observe and explore. Botany with Julie Polanco touches on one of these things—plants. This is a 16-week course designed for middle and high school students that includes a discussion of soil, plant roots, water, transpiration, leaves and stems, plant cells, defenses, medicine, flowers, ferns, mosses, gymnosperms, and genes. Printable text is available along with worksheets, answer keys, activities, and experiments. High school students can receive a half credit toward Life Science upon completion of all assignments. While we can observe and enjoy nature, we can also use it to our benefit. Homesteading with Lisa Barthuly, located under the Family tab, is a great resource for those who would like to return to nature with respect to their cooking and cleaning. Lisa provides detailed instruction for making natural cleaners, using herbs and essential oils, making homemade sunscreen, canning, making homemade granola, preserving apricots and onions, and so much more. You’ll feel good about nurturing your family with nature.

Tammie Bairen
Editorial Assistant
The Old Schoolhouse’s^® SchoolhouseTeachers.com
The Old Schoolhouse^® Magazine, LLC
Living Life As It Unfolds