Since the most popular posts on Freely Educate are my anatomical printables, I thought I’d spend some time on human anatomy today. There are many “boring” ways to learn anatomy – in a 4″ textbook, for example, as I had to do for nursing school (the pictures were cool, though) – but these days, we can learn through interactive programs on websites. Do college kids have sore backs anymore? I wonder…

When to teach anatomy

We openly taught anatomy since toddlerhood at home, using posters of the skeletal system and a favorite interactive book on the entire anatomical system. This shocked a visitor or two, to see all the things represented, but I was in nursing, and my husband was in engineering – we’re sciency – so we just raised the kids with factual information at their fingertips. We didn’t talk about function necessarily, but we would call things by their name and answer any questions that arose.

Maybe that approach won’t work for you. That’s okay. That’s good! You’re the parent of your child; you know best what to do! You’ll still want to cover anatomy as part of science learning, and I have a few options no matter how you prefer to approach the subject.

HOW TO TEACH ANATOMY IN THE HOMESCHOOL

1. Have the students color and/or fill out anatomy Worksheets:

I created three free printable worksheets for our students and have them available for you. You’ll need to enter your email address to get them (as that’s the only way I could think of to keep spam bots from hacking away at them), but this does not sign you up for extra newsletters = you’ll only get one occasional email from me (I’m not very consistent; I average 1 per month but aim for 2).

The 3 free printable anatomy worksheets I have available are:

• Anatomy of the Human Skull Worksheet
• Anatomy of the Human Hand Worksheet
• Anatomy of the Human Foot Worksheet

2. Have the students self-learn anatomy through an Interactive Online Site:

I found a site for learning human anatomy. You can choose from these areas of the body:

• skeletal system
• muscular system
• cardiovascular system
• digestive system
• endocrine system
• nervous system
• respiratory system
• and others

Your student clicks on the human skeleton to identify the parts of the body represented.

Check out the Human Anatomy Explorer to see if it’s a good fit for your homeschool’s learning.

3. Study these really cool sketches of the human body, with and without labels.

I made these copyright-free images into printables for easy printing. (You’ll need to enter your email address to obtain them, so I can keep out spam bots, but it doesn’t sign you up to additional lists; just to the one list that I have here. )

I like them so much. They’d be awesome on the wall! Here are the vintage skeleton printables.

other resources for learning human anatomy

1. Here is the “favorite book” that I mentioned at the beginning of this post. It includes a little human body, and as you turn the page, you layer on body parts. For example, you’ll begin with a skeleton and information about the skeletal system. Turn the page, and another layer will go over the skeleton – the nervous system or muscular system, and so on. It’s pretty fun – view the book here.
2. Here is an anatomy book for toddlers. They really can’t hurt the book I mentioned above, but when it’s difficult for the older ones to share, hand the little ones this anatomy book. It’s made just for them.
3. And here is a little human that we always keep in our “school room” (a.k.a. “dining room”). It’s perfect for fidget-learning, or curiosity-learning.

Happy Learning!

A post from the past…The 4th grader below is now in his 20s! My, how we loved learning together – and we happily still share knowledge.

I’ve had a love-hate relationship with homeschooling over the years.  We’ve tried all types of schooling, except boarding school.  We sent our children to public school, private school, homeschool, and blended school (a combination of public and homeschool).  With all that trying, you’re probably guessing that our eldest is older than he is.  He’s only in 4th grade!

Only recently have I begun to like homeschooling. There were several things I had to learn before I would view homeschooling as fun. 

Here are a dozen of them:

1.  Homeschool does not have to be in session from 7:45am – 2:45pm five days a week. Children can learn anytime; we can work around our family’s best schedule.

2.  Reading a comic book is still reading.

3.  Writing is more fun – and much more tolerable to a 4th-grade boy – if he can write about his favorite subjects instead of Lincoln or photosynthesis.  It is still called writing even if it is about Bionicles.

4.  Going to the beach can still count as school; we will call it a “Field Trip.”

5.  Learning practical skills is just as important as learning academics.

6.  Doing housework counts as school.

7.  Feeding the chickens counts as school.

8.  Drawing pictures, even of aliens, counts as school.  We’ll call it “Art Class”.

9.  Cooking and housework count as school.

10.  Math can be taught outside of a textbook by using it in chores or cooking, or as in, “Let’s feed 8 chickens with 2 cups of feed.  How much feed will each chicken get?”  (Oh, but we have 17 chickens….that gets harder)

11.  We can have school on Saturday if we want, and not on Tuesday.

12.  A bad day is still a school day, because something is learned every day even on bad days. I’m not the mama who is ahead of you in homeschooling knowledge.  I’m just the gal right beside you, trying to motivate the 4th grade daydreamer, keeping up with the 1st grade scholar, occupying the 4-year-old, and balancing the baby on my hip.  Of course, I do all of that at the same time, just as you are doing! 

Let’s walk beside each other, learning from each other.

If you’re in emergency management or want to be more prepared for emergencies, FEMA offers a wide range of free online courses. Our 15-year-old son, a Civil Air Patrol cadet, recently completed two FEMA exams, introducing us to the many other free learning opportunities available through FEMA. Whether you aim for professional development or personal preparedness, these courses are a great resource.

What Are FEMA Courses?

The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers self-paced, online courses designed for people with emergency management responsibilities and for the general public. The variety of topics covered means there’s something for everyone, from professionals looking to build expertise to individuals interested in improving their preparedness.

Top FEMA Course Categories You Should Know About

Instead of listing all the available courses (there are too many to mention!), here are some key FEMA course categories:

1. Independent Study Program (ISP)

This program includes courses that range from basic emergency management to topics like household hazardous materials and animal care. Most of these courses provide continuing education units (CEUs) and some can even earn you college credit.

• Choose this program to learn about household safety, and environmental hazards, or those seeking to expand their general emergency preparedness knowledge.

Go to the ISP program to begin learning.

2. National Incident Management System (NIMS) Courses

The NIMS program provides detailed training on standardized emergency procedures and how to coordinate efforts across multiple agencies. This training is vital for professionals in public safety, emergency response, or disaster relief.

• Choose this program to learn about careers in public safety, government, or community leadership roles.

Go to the NIMS course to begin.

3. Professional Development Series

This series consists of seven independent study courses that build a strong foundation for anyone in the emergency management profession. By completing these courses, students are well-prepared to continue advancing their careers in emergency services.

• Choose this program to continue learning about emergency management careers.

4. EMI Curriculum

The EMI curriculum goes deeper into specialized areas like mitigation, preparedness, and response. These courses are aimed at individuals who are pursuing leadership roles or advanced certifications in emergency management.

• Choose this program to further learn about careers in emergency management, especially for those seeking advanced training and leadership opportunities.

How to Start: FEMA Course FAQs

If you’re ready to get started, it’s easy! Visit FEMA’s FAQ page for detailed information on how to enroll, take exams, and potentially earn college credits or CEUs. Be sure to check if the course you’re interested in offers transferable credits, as this can be a great way to advance your education at no cost. You may also check with your college or university.

How to Access FEMA’s Free Online Courses

You can dive right into FEMA’s Independent Study courses by visiting the main FEMA course website.

It’s important to teach children how to prepare for natural disasters, but we want to do so without scaring them. Floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes are natural disasters that our children will know through the news if not through personal experience. Life is easier when we are prepared, so I’ve found a free disaster preparedness curriculum for 1st through 12th grades, and free emergency kit checklists for the whole family.

Ivan, Katrina, and Isaac are names the children in our family know well.  Those names – and the hurricanes they represent – gave our children firsthand experience with FEMA (America’s Federal Emergency Management Agency) and natural disasters. The National Guard has passed out MREs to us, and we were blessed by Tennessee power workers who handed out Snickers to our kids as they assessed the damage in our neighborhood.

One of our sons was only 4 years old when Hurricane Ivan passed right over our home.  For weeks after – many weeks – he was concerned whenever he’d hear the wind blow. “Is another hurricane here?” he’d ask. I began searching for online disaster preparedness learning games and disaster preparedness curricula and lesson plans. I knew other parents were asked the same questions.

It’s likely your children have also been affected by a natural disaster.   All children have certainly heard of a natural disaster. FEMA has created a site dedicated to educating children about disasters with full lesson plans for grades 1-12, learning games, and family emergency kid checklists.

Learn how to prepare for natural disasters:

Make a family plan

Print an Emergency Kit checklist for parents and one for kids

Play Disaster Preparedness Online Games

Full Emergency Preparedness Curriculum for grades 1-2, grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12. Each set of curriculum is available as a pdf document (nothing required to download), and contains about 5 lesson plans over 30+ pages.

Visit FEMA’s free disaster preparedness lessons for kids for more.

Here’s another resource for school-age children, from Utah: A Disaster Preparedness Activity Book

Learn how to cope after a natural disaster:

Here’s some help for parents who need to explain a natural disaster to their children.

Further learning:

College students can take these free FEMA Emergency Courses for college credit.

Stay safe out there!

Learning a new language has never been easier thanks to the wealth of online tools available. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your fluency, these free resources make language learning accessible for students, travelers, and lifelong learners alike.

1. Duolingo: Fun and Interactive Language Learning

Duolingo is one of the most popular free platforms for learning a new language. With its gamified lessons, learning is fun and engaging. Whether you’re tackling Spanish, French, or even lesser-known languages like Hawaiian, Duolingo offers bite-sized lessons designed to fit into your daily routine.

• Why it’s great: Perfect for beginners and casual learners. Offers multiple languages, including Spanish, German, Italian, and many others.
• Access Duolingo: Duolingo

2. Memrise: Learn with Native Speakers

Memrise combines traditional language lessons with real-life video clips of native speakers. It covers a wide range of languages and focuses on everyday conversational skills. The app also uses spaced repetition to help you remember vocabulary more effectively.

• Why it’s great: Excellent for improving pronunciation and conversational skills.
• Access Memrise: Memrise

3. BBC Languages: Rich Resources for Multiple Languages

The BBC Languages site offers a vast array of free resources, including audio and video lessons, grammar explanations, and cultural insights. Although it’s no longer updated, it still provides high-quality materials for learners of French, German, Italian, and more.

• Why it’s great: Comprehensive lessons with cultural context, perfect for more in-depth learning.
• Access BBC Languages: BBC Languages

4. Busuu: Structured Courses and Feedback from Native Speakers

Busuu offers free and premium courses in several languages, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The free version includes structured lessons, while the premium upgrade provides feedback from native speakers and access to quizzes.

• Why it’s great: Structured courses that offer more than just vocabulary memorization.
• Access Busuu: Busuu

5. Open Culture: Free Language Courses from Universities

Open Culture curates a wide range of free language courses from universities like Yale and MIT. The platform offers access to over 48 free courses in languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, and many others.

• Why it’s great: University-level courses for serious learners.
• Access Open Culture: Open Culture Language Courses

Suggested Amazon Products for Language Learners:

“Language Hacking (Spanish)” by Benny Lewis
Learn how to have meaningful conversations in Spanish using the language hacking method.

“Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It” by Gabriel Wyner
This book offers effective strategies for mastering languages quickly and retaining vocabulary.

High school math can be intimidating, but with the right tools, students can gain confidence and master everything from algebra to calculus. Here are some of the best free resources that offer lessons, practice problems, and interactive tools to help high schoolers excel in math.

1. Khan Academy: Comprehensive Math Lessons

Khan Academy is a top resource for students of all levels. It offers free instructional videos, practice exercises, and personalized learning dashboards for everything from basic algebra to advanced calculus. Khan Academy even provides SAT math prep, making it ideal for high school students.

• Why it’s great: Provides comprehensive lessons with adaptive learning to suit each student’s pace.
• Access Khan Academy: Khan Academy

2. Desmos: Interactive Graphing and Math Tools

Desmos is a free graphing calculator that helps students visualize complex math concepts. It also offers a range of classroom activities and lessons focused on algebra, calculus, and geometry. Desmos makes math more accessible by allowing students to interact with graphs and equations.

• Why it’s great: Ideal for visual learners and high school students studying algebra, trigonometry, or calculus.
• Access Desmos: Desmos

3. Mathway: Solve Math Problems Step-by-Step

For students looking for step-by-step solutions to math problems, Mathway is an excellent tool. It can solve algebraic equations, calculus problems, and even statistics questions, providing detailed explanations along the way.

• Why it’s great: Perfect for students who need quick solutions or explanations for homework problems.
• Access Mathway: Mathway

4. Wolfram Alpha: Advanced Problem Solver for Higher Math

Wolfram Alpha is a computational engine that can solve advanced math problems, from calculus to linear algebra. It not only gives answers but also provides detailed step-by-step explanations, making it an invaluable tool for high school students tackling higher-level math.

• Why it’s great: Offers detailed explanations for advanced math problems.
• Access Wolfram Alpha: Wolfram Alpha

5. IXL: Practice Problems for Every Grade Level

IXL offers free daily practice problems across a wide range of math topics. While the full site is subscription-based, it still provides an incredible amount of free practice exercises for students working on high school-level math concepts.

• Why it’s great: Provides targeted practice with a focus on reinforcing key math skills.
• Access IXL: IXL Math

Suggested Amazon Products for Math Students:

1. “The Art of Problem Solving: Introduction to Algebra” by Richard Rusczyk
   A comprehensive book that breaks down challenging algebra concepts for high school students.
2. “High School Algebra I Unlocked: Your Key to Mastering Algebra I” by Princeton Review
   A step-by-step guide to help students master the key concepts of Algebra I.

These free online tools for learning languages and the best math resources for high school students are excellent ways to supplement classroom learning or self-study. Whether you’re starting a new language or mastering math skills, these resources will help you on your educational journey.

Podcasts have become one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to learn about history. Teens can listen to the podcasts on their own, once you’ve reviewed them to make sure they’re a good fit for your child. But one of the best things about podcasts is that they’re a way for us to study together. Thought-provoking discussions will inevitably follow each podcast episode. Below are some podcasts I was recommended; be sure to review them to check that they align with your beliefs, values, and style of teaching. I have not listened to all of them. Please let us know in the comments if we’ve missed one, or tell us what you thought of one of these.

1. History Extra Podcast by BBC

The History Extra Podcast by BBC is one of the most popular history podcasts available today. Covering a wide range of historical topics, from ancient civilizations to modern history, this podcast features interviews with historians and experts to bring history alive.

• Why it’s great: In-depth interviews with history experts on a variety of topics.
• Access here: History Extra Podcast

2. Stuff You Missed in History Class

For those who enjoy learning about little-known historical events and figures, Stuff You Missed in History Class is a fantastic resource. With its focus on obscure and underrepresented parts of history, this podcast makes learning fun and accessible.

• Why it’s great: Engaging storytelling and a focus on lesser-known historical facts.
• Access here: Stuff You Missed in History Class

3. Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

If you’re looking for an immersive and deep dive into major historical events, Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History offers multi-hour episodes that explore history in a way few others do. Whether it’s World War II or the history of empires, Dan Carlin’s narrative style captivates listeners.

• Why it’s great: Long-form storytelling with incredible depth and detail.
• Access here: Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

4. Hillsdale College: U.S. Constitution and Literature Podcasts

Hillsdale College offers a series of free podcasts that explore the U.S. Constitution and literature topics in detail. These podcasts discuss the founding principles, constitutional debates, and the key figures involved in shaping the nation’s legal framework. There are also podcasts discussing classical books – currently, Plato’s Republic.

• Why it’s great: Comprehensive educational content on American constitutional history. Or choose literature topics.
• Access here: Hillsdale College U.S. Podcasts

5. The History of Rome Podcast

As one of the best-known history podcasts, The History of Rome covers the rise and fall of the Roman Empire in detail. Spanning hundreds of episodes, this series is perfect for anyone interested in one of the greatest civilizations in human history.

• Why it’s great: A comprehensive look at Roman history from its founding to its fall.
• Access here: The History of Rome

Suggested Amazon Products for History Buffs:

1. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari
   An engaging look at the history of human civilization, from the Stone Age to the modern era.
2. “Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond
   A fascinating exploration of how geography and environment shaped the development of civilizations.
3. “The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome” by Susan Wise Bauer (note: I highly recommend this favorite on our homeschool’s shelves!)
   A comprehensive history book that delves into ancient civilizations and their contributions.

These free history podcasts provide an excellent way to keep learning and exploring the past, whether you’re at home or on the go. Enjoy diving into different eras and perspectives with these top-rated podcasts!

Math can often seem like a challenging subject, but with the right resources, students at any level can build their skills and gain confidence. From interactive practice to full courses, here are the top free tools to support math learning, whether you’re just starting or preparing for advanced topics.

1. Khan Academy: Free Math Courses for All Levels

Khan Academy offers one of the most comprehensive libraries of math lessons online, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus. It provides video tutorials, interactive exercises, and personalized learning dashboards to track your progress.

Key Features:

• Covers K-12 math topics and some college-level material
• Progress tracking and mastery-based learning system
• Suitable for self-paced learning

2. IXL Math: Free Daily Practice

IXL offers personalized math practice for students at every grade level, with free daily problems in a wide range of topics. While IXL is primarily subscription-based, it provides up to 10 free problems per day in math, allowing students to test their skills across various topics.

Highlights:

• Focused practice with immediate feedback
• Adaptive system that challenges students at the right level
• Ideal for reinforcing skills through regular practice

3. CK-12: Interactive Math Simulations and FlexBooks

The CK-12 Foundation provides customizable online textbooks (FlexBooks) and interactive learning resources covering math from elementary levels to high school calculus. Their simulations and adaptive practice make complex math topics easier to grasp.

Why Use It:

• Interactive tools like simulations and quizzes
• Flexible, customizable learning experience
• Ideal for homeschooling or supplementing school education

4. Prodigy Math Game: Gamified Math Practice for Elementary and Middle School

Prodigy Math turns math practice into a game-based adventure where students solve math problems to advance. It’s especially popular among elementary and middle school students for its engaging format.

Why Students Love It:

• Combines math practice with video game-style quests
• Adaptive to the student’s grade level
• Ideal for reluctant learners who need motivation

5. Desmos: Free Online Graphing Calculator

Desmos offers a free, interactive graphing calculator that allows students to visualize math concepts in real time. It’s perfect for algebra, trigonometry, and calculus, helping students better understand graphs and equations.

Best For:

• Exploring and visualizing functions and graphs
• Students learning algebra, trigonometry, and calculus
• Creating interactive demonstrations for math assignments

6. Mathway: Step-by-Step Math Solver

Mathway is an excellent tool for students who need help with specific math problems. It offers step-by-step solutions to algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics problems, making it useful for students looking to understand the process behind the solution.

Features:

• Solves problems in real-time with explanations
• Supports a wide range of math topics, from basic math to calculus
• Ideal for students who need extra help outside of the classroom

Recommended Math Books for Students of All Levels

1. “The Math Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained” by DK
   Covers significant mathematical theories in an engaging way for learners of all levels.
   Available on Amazon.
2. “Pre-Algebra for Dummies” by Mark Zegarelli
   A fun and easy-to-follow guide to mastering the basics of pre-algebra.
   Check it out on Amazon.

Science is a cornerstone of education, and providing your middle school students with engaging and interactive resources is key to sparking their curiosity. Here are some of the best free science resources available online, perfect for homeschooling or supplementing classroom learning.

1. Free Science Lessons at Khan Academy

Khan Academy is renowned for its comprehensive, high-quality educational videos and practice exercises. Their science section covers key subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics, making it an excellent resource for middle school students.

Why it’s great:

• Structured, step-by-step lessons
• Interactive quizzes for self-assessment

2. Hands-On Science Projects from Mystery Science

Mystery Science offers inquiry-based lessons that center around real-life scientific mysteries. Each lesson is designed to lead students through the scientific process with videos, projects, and hands-on activities. The site provides a limited number of lessons for free, ideal for middle schoolers who love a challenge.

Highlights:

• Hands-on learning for students who enjoy experiments
• Great for fostering critical thinking

3. CK-12 Science: Free Digital Textbooks and Simulations

The CK-12 platform offers digital textbooks (FlexBooks), interactive videos, and virtual simulations that cover a wide range of science topics. From ecosystems to the periodic table, students can visualize and interact with complex concepts.

Best Features:

• Interactive simulations and virtual labs
• Suitable for various learning levels, from beginner to advanced

4. NASA STEM for Middle Schoolers

NASA STEM provides free access to incredible resources focusing on space science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Middle school students can explore STEM through engaging projects, videos, and games.

Standout Benefits:

• Real-world applications of science
• Inspires interest in space exploration and engineering

5. National Geographic Kids: Science and Nature Learning

National Geographic Kids offers science and nature-focused resources with an emphasis on wildlife, ecosystems, and geography. It’s a perfect match for middle school students curious about the natural world.

Key Offerings:

• Interactive articles, games, and videos
• High-quality visuals to captivate students

6. Science Buddies: Free Project Ideas and Experiments

Science Buddies provides a wealth of science project ideas, experiments, and detailed guides for middle school students. This resource helps students understand scientific concepts through practical applications and hands-on projects.

Why use it:

• Ideal for science fairs and classroom experiments
• Detailed instructions for DIY experiments at home

Recommended Science Books for Middle Schoolers

1. “The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book” by Tom Robinson
   Hands-on experiments for middle schoolers using household items.
   Check it out on Amazon.
2. “National Geographic Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything” by Crispin Boyer
   An engaging question-and-answer book covering a wide range of scientific topics.
   Get it on Amazon.

These free resources make science fun and accessible, perfect for curious middle school students ready to dive deeper into the subject. Explore these platforms to enhance your child’s education with high-quality science lessons.

With coding being a vital skill in today’s digital world, learning to program has never been more accessible. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your skills, here are some top free resources that offer programming courses for all levels.

Free Programming Courses for Beginners

1. Codecademy Codecademy is one of the most popular platforms for learning to code, offering free courses in Python, HTML, JavaScript, and more.
   • Ideal for beginners looking for interactive lessons with instant feedback. This one is our son’s favorite.
2. Khan Academy Computer Programming Khan Academy offers a range of free coding courses with a focus on web development, JavaScript, and interactive game development.
   • Perfect for those looking to get a hands-on introduction to coding.
3. FreeCodeCamp FreeCodeCamp offers a complete set of free courses covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various full-stack development topics.
   • This platform is excellent for learners who want to develop real-world coding projects while learning.

Intermediate and Advanced Coding Platforms

1. The Odin Project The Odin Project offers free full-stack development courses designed to take learners from zero to job-ready. It covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Ruby on Rails.
   • Ideal for serious learners who want to pursue a career in web development.
2. edX edX provides free coding courses from top universities, including MIT and Harvard. Topics range from introductory Python courses to advanced software engineering.
   • Some of the most popular free courses include “CS50: Introduction to Computer Science.”
3. CS50 by Harvard This free online computer science course is a well-respected introduction to the world of coding, offering students an overview of languages like C, Python, and SQL.
   • Accessible through edX or directly on the Harvard website.

Free Tools and Platforms for Practice

1. LeetCode LeetCode is a popular platform for practicing coding problems and preparing for technical interviews. While it offers premium content, many challenges are free.
   • Great for intermediate and advanced learners looking to practice algorithms and data structures.
2. GitHub GitHub hosts millions of coding projects and open-source repositories. It’s an invaluable resource for learning from real-world code and contributing to projects.
   • A must-use tool for all aspiring programmers to collaborate and practice.

Amazon Products for Coding Enthusiasts:

“Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship” by Robert C. Martin

“Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming” by Eric Matthes