Berean Builders Publishing, Inc.

01/07/2025

✨ Why do fireflies glow—and what do glow sticks have to do with it?
Let’s light up your homeschool science with an experiment that connects God’s tiny, glowing creatures to real-world chemistry in a fun, hands-on way! 🐞💡

This activity explores chemiluminescence (in glow sticks) and bioluminescence (in fireflies)—two fascinating chemical reactions that produce light!

Materials:

2+ glow sticks (various colors if you like!)

Clear cups or bowls

Hot water & ice water

Tongs or gloves (for safety)

Optional: flashlight for extra nighttime fun!

Instructions:

Snap your glow sticks to activate the light-producing chemical reaction.

Place one in hot water and one in ice water.

Watch what happens! 🔥❄️

In hot water, the glow is brighter but fades faster.

In ice water, the glow is dim but lasts much longer.

🔬 What’s Happening?
Glow sticks use a process called chemiluminescence, where light is produced through a chemical reaction—no heat or flame required. The temperature affects the reaction speed, which is why hot water speeds things up and cold slows it down.

Fireflies, on the other hand, glow using bioluminescence, a natural chemical process involving:
✨ Luciferin (a light-emitting molecule)
✨ Luciferase (an enzyme)
✨ Oxygen and ATP (cell energy)

Although their chemistry is different, both glow sticks and fireflies show us how light from chemical reactions can be influenced by temperature. 🌡️ And unlike man-made glow sticks, fireflies produce light with amazing efficiency—without heat—showing off God's incredible design!

🌟 Want more science rooted in wonder? Our science courses include hands-on experiments to bring learning to life!

28/06/2025

🎓🔬 Thinking About AP Science for Your Homeschooler?
High school science can feel intimidating for homeschool parents—but it doesn't have to be! At Berean Builders, we make advanced science accessible, engaging, and college-prep ready through our online honors courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. 📚💡

Here’s why it matters 👇
✅ College-Level Rigor – Honors courses mirror the depth and challenge of AP classes
✅ Boost College Applications – Stand out with rigorous coursework on transcripts
✅ AP Exam Prep – Our honors classes lay the foundation for AP self-study success
✅ Earn Potential College Credit – Save time & tuition with strong AP exam scores
✅ Flexible & Faith-Based – Learn from expert teachers online, from anywhere
✅ STEM Exploration – Dive deep into science and discover your student’s passion

💬 “Talk about college prep—my student is learning physics LIVE from Dr. Wile!”

🧪 Hands-on labs, college-level topics, and structured learning—without sacrificing your homeschool flexibility. These courses are ideal for students aiming for STEM fields or looking to demonstrate academic excellence.

📲 Ready to level up high school science?
Check out our online honors courses and set your student on a path to future success.

23/06/2025

🍃 Hidden Colors in God’s Creation? Let’s Find Them! 🌈
Summer is the perfect time to explore the amazing design of nature—and today, we’re uncovering the secret colors inside leaves! 🌿

This leaf chromatography experiment is simple, fascinating, and totally hands-on:

Materials:
A handful of fresh green leaves 🌿
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl)
Clear glass or jar
Spoon
Coffee filter
Small bowl
Tape or pencil

Steps:

1. Tear up the leaves into small pieces and place them in a bowl or jar.
2. Add rubbing alcohol just enough to cover the leaves.
3. Use a spoon to mash the leaves, helping them release their pigments into the alcohol.
4. Let the mixture sit for about 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally. You should see the liquid start to turn green.
5. Cut a strip of coffee filter and tape one end to a pencil so it can hang down into the jar.
6. Place the strip so that the bottom just touches the green liquid—don’t let it submerge completely!

Wait and watch! 🌟 Over the next 1–2 hours, the pigments will begin to separate and rise, revealing hidden yellows, light greens, and maybe even reds or purples!

🧬 This experiment shows how chlorophyll (the green pigment) is just one part of a leaf’s makeup—God’s design includes many pigments that help absorb sunlight for photosynthesis. Each one has a special purpose!

📸 Tag us if you try this! We’d love to see the colors you uncover. 💚

22/06/2025

Can't wait to see you there!

11/06/2025

"I'm an associate professor of Aerospace Engineering at [a secular] University. I'm also a homeschool graduate who learned middle school and high school biology, chemistry, and physics from your books."✨

Send a message to learn more

07/06/2025

🎓 From homeschool to honors engineering! 🚀

We love hearing stories like this one from Kristi, a homeschool mom whose son, Carson, found his spark for science through Dr. Wile’s online Physics course with Berean Builders:

🧠✨

“Our son took Dr. Wile's online Physics course in the 2023–2024 school year. He developed a big love for physics from Dr. Wile. Carson went on to take an AP Physics C course for his Senior year and breezed right through because of the foundation that he was given in Dr. Wile's class.

Carson was accepted into eleven engineering programs for college, and every school that offered an Honors program accepted him into the more advanced program as well.

As a homeschooler, we have no doubt that the letter of recommendation that Dr. Wile wrote for him had a big influence on those admissions offices.

Our only regret is that we did not have the opportunity to take the other online courses offered by Berean Builders. This is a wonderful company—always very responsive and supportive.”

— Kristi, homeschool mom

💡 Whether your student is curious about chemistry, passionate about physics, or dreaming of a future in STEM, our courses are designed to build a solid academic foundation and nurture a love for science rooted in faith.

🖥️ Dr. Wile’s online classes go beyond the textbook—offering real connection, academic rigor, and mentorship from a scientist who understands and supports homeschool families.

📌 Ready to launch your homeschooler’s journey into science success?

🔗Click the link in our bio to explore all that we have to offer!

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06/06/2025

We love seeing our learning in action!

One of the experiments in my first elementary book, Science in the Beginning, has the student measure the shadow cast by a toothpick at different times during the day. A homeschooling family sent me this variation on the experiment, where they outlined the student's shadow at different times during the day. Pretty cool!
Berean Builders Publishing, Inc.

27/05/2025

✨ DIY Fizzy Lava Lamp ✨

Want to create your own glowing lava lamp at home? This simple and fun science experiment will show you how bubbles rise and fall through oil, just like in a real lava lamp! 🌋💡

Follow these easy steps:
1️⃣ Gather your supplies: You’ll need a clear jar or bottle, water, food coloring, vegetable oil, and antacid tablets (like Alka-Seltzer).
2️⃣ Fill with water: Add water to your container until it's about one-fourth full, then mix in a few drops of food coloring.
3️⃣ Top off with oil: Slowly pour in vegetable oil to fill up the rest of the bottle, leaving a little room at the top.
4️⃣ Drop in the antacid: Break an antacid tablet into small pieces and drop them into the jar.
5️⃣ Watch the magic: Observe as the bubbles form and rise through the oil, creating the fun lava lamp effect! 🔮✨

Why does this happen?
The antacid tablet reacts with the water, releasing carbon dioxide gas bubbles. These bubbles are less dense than the oil, so they float to the top. When the bubbles pop, the water sinks back down and the process repeats, creating that classic lava lamp movement! 🌊🔄

The Science: This experiment demonstrates density differences and a chemical reaction that creates the bubble motion. It’s a fun way to watch science come to life! 🌈

🔬 Try it out and enjoy the fizzy show! ✨

23/05/2025

🔬✨ Faith + STEAM = A Powerful Homeschool Combination 🎨📐🔧

At Berean Builders, we believe science is not just about memorizing facts—it’s about asking questions, seeking truth, and marveling at the design of God’s creation. 🌿🧬 And that’s exactly what STEAM learning helps us do.

What’s STEAM?
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—woven together to spark curiosity, develop critical thinking, and build real-world problem solvers. 💡

With Berean Builders, STEAM education becomes more than academics—it becomes a journey of discovery grounded in truth. We approach science as a reflection of God’s order and creativity, encouraging students to explore, question, and innovate with both their minds and their hearts engaged. Whether they’re building, experimenting, or creating, your child will grow in knowledge and wisdom..

💥 Here’s how we bring STEAM to life in your homeschool:
✅ Hands-on science experiments as springboards for deeper discovery
✅ Engineering challenges that teach design thinking and resilience
✅ Artistic expression to help visualize complex ideas
✅ Math skills applied to real data and scientific models
✅ Technology integration that enhances exploration and connection

Whether your student is sketching scientific diagrams, testing a hypothesis, or researching modern innovations, they’re not just learning—they’re thinking deeply and critically through the lens of faith. 🧠✝️

Ready to build confident, curious, and Christ-centered learners in your homeschool?
Start your STEAM-powered journey at bereanbuilders.com 🌍🔍

19/05/2025

🌱 Science Fun Fact of the Week 🌱
Did you know... Plants talk to each other?

That’s right—plants are not as silent as they seem! They communicate using chemical signals, root systems, and even sound. 🤯 Here’s how:

🌿 Chemical “Chatter”
When attacked by insects, plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—tiny airborne messengers that warn nearby plants to prepare their defenses. Think of it as a botanical broadcast: “Bug attack incoming!” 🐛🚨

🌱 Root Networking
Underground, plants share nutrients and hormones through their root systems. Some even cooperate during drought by helping neighbors conserve water. It’s like a leafy support group under your feet! 🤝💧

🎧 Plant SOS
Research shows stressed plants emit high-pitched sounds—possibly a cry for help! They also send electrical signals, like calcium waves, across their leaves. 🌊⚡

✨ Isn’t God’s creation amazing? Even plants are part of a beautifully designed system of cooperation and survival!

18/05/2025