What Does My Homeschooler Really Need to Know About Botany?

Let’s be honest, science can feel intimidating when you're homeschooling!

And when someone mentions botany, you might picture microscopes, Latin words, and lab reports you've forgotten how to write.

But plant science doesn’t have to be dry or complicated. In fact, it can be one of the most hands-on, wonder-filled ways to cover biology at any age.

So, what do your kids actually need to know about botany to “count” for school?

Here’s the short answer: They need to explore plant structure, function, classification, reproduction, and ecology (the plant's relationship to other creatures). And, they need to do it in a way that matches their grade level and shows progression in scientific thinking.

What to Cover in a Complete Botany Course:

Here are the essentials for a strong, well-rounded plant science experience:

• Basic Plant Anatomy - Roots, stems, leaves, flowers, seeds: what each part does, and why it matters.

• Photosynthesis & Plant Chemistry - A basic understanding of how plants make food, grow, and interact with light, water, and soil.

• Plant Life Cycles & Reproduction - From seed to sprout to flower to fruit, plus pollination, germination, and propagation.

• Classification & Plant Families - How plants are grouped and identified. (No, you don’t need to memorize all the Latin names!)

• Plant Ecology & Adaptation - How plants survive in different environments, defend themselves, and help entire ecosystems.

• Hands-On Investigation & Observation - Think: nature journaling, growing experiments, or even cooking with edible plants.

Does This Count as High School Biology? Can I give them Credit?

Yes! If your botany study includes a variety of these core areas and shows academic effort (not just crafts or coloring pages), it can absolutely count as one semester or even a full credit of biology with a botany focus.

To award lab science credit, include experiments, observation logs, and student-created diagrams or fieldwork.

If you use our Botany curriculum, Let's Do School: Botany, it’s already structured to meet these goals, with both middle and high school options, layered for different learning levels.

Quick Tips for Making Botany Work at Home:

• Use houseplants or local weeds. Don’t overthink the “perfect” specimen.

• Let your child draw and label instead of writing long essays/They’re still showing understanding.

• Use kitchen tools and household items (like mason jars, coffee filters, or lemon juice) to do meaningful “lab” work. You don't need a lot of science equipment.

• Grade based on effort, completion, and engagement, not on scientific perfection.

Bottom Line?

You don’t need to be a botanist to teach your kids about plants. You need curiosity, a willingness to slow down and look closely, and some good books to guide you.

🥕You can buy it here: Let's Do School on Etsy

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