Berean Builders Science
Dr. Jay Wile's Christian homeschool science series for K–12: a hands-on, history-ordered elementary series any K–6 child can use, then Science in the Atomic Age and the Discovering Design high school courses. Textbooks start at $43.
What is Berean Builders?
Berean Builders publishes a Christian homeschool science series by Dr. Jay L. Wile, one of the best-known names in homeschool science. The name comes from Acts 17:11, where the Bereans checked what they heard against scripture, and the stated goal is raising critical thinkers.
The series runs from kindergarten through 12th grade. Its elementary books are organized by history, so science and the history of science are learned together.
How it works
Elementary (K–6). Each book is about 90 hours of instruction, 35 of them hands-on. Every lesson opens with an activity or experiment, then explains what kids just saw. At the end of a lesson there are three levels of review, so you can teach a 1st grader, a 4th grader and a 6th grader at the same table and ask each for the right depth. Free printable notebooks come in Older and Oldest versions.
Junior high and high school. Students read the textbook, run the experiments and take tests from the answer key and tests book. The sequence is gated by math, and the publisher says plainly that a student's math level is the key to success.
What it covers
| Grade | Course | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| K–6 | Science in the Beginning, Ancient World, Scientific Revolution, Age of Reason, Industrial Age | None, any order |
| 7 | Science in the Atomic Age | None |
| 8 | Discovering Design with Earth Science, counted as high school credit | 7th grade math |
| 9 | Discovering Design with Biology | None |
| 10 | Discovering Design with Chemistry | Algebra I |
| 11 | Discovering Design with Physics | Algebra I, geometry, basic trig |
| 12 | Advanced Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Marine Biology | Varies |
Science in the Beginning, for example, uses the days of creation to organize light, energy, air and water, botany, the solar system, zoology and the human body.
Who it's best for
Berean Builders shines for families with several elementary kids who want one science book for everyone, and for hands-on learners. It pairs well with a chronological history program. Teens headed to college get rigorous labs with honors options.
If you want a secular approach, see secular homeschool curriculum or other homeschool science options.
Pricing at a glance
As of October 2026, Science in the Beginning costs $43, or $49 as a set with Helps & Hints. Discovering Design with Chemistry is $79 as a set, plus an $80 lab kit. Audiobooks and online classes are extra.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Homeschool curriculum is commonly an allowable ESA expense in states like Arizona and Utah, but each program sets its own rules, including on faith-based materials. Learn how scholarships and ESAs for homeschool families work, add Berean Builders to your wishlist, and apply once on Edulist.
How it compares
Apologia is the closest comparison, with a similar Christian sequence but topic-based elementary books. Science Shepherd adds video teaching for independent teens. Noeo Science uses living books and kits for grades 1–8, and Elemental Science offers a classical, lighter-prep path.
See the best homeschool science curriculum and Christian homeschool curriculum for more.
Who Berean Builders Science is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Families teaching several elementary ages from one book
- Kids who learn best by doing an experiment before reading
- Christian families who want science tied to history
- College-bound teens who want rigorous, honors-ready lab courses
Look elsewhere if
- Secular families
- Parents who want a video-taught or fully independent elementary course
- Teens who are behind in math, since the high school path is math-gated
Berean Builders Science pros and cons
Pros
- One elementary book works for all K–6 kids, with three review levels
- Hands-on activity in every elementary lesson, mostly with household supplies
- Clear K–12 sequence with stated math prerequisites
- Affordable elementary books
- Honors credit options in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Cons
- Elementary lessons need a parent to lead
- History-based order may not match a state's grade-by-grade standards
- High school chemistry and physics need solid algebra and trigonometry
- Christian, creation-based framing won't suit every family
What’s included
- Multilevel elementary series: any book for any K–6 grade, with three levels of review
- Every elementary lesson built around a hands-on activity
- Elementary books follow history, from creation to the Industrial Age
- Junior high Science in the Atomic Age and Discovering Design with Earth Science
- High school Discovering Design with Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with honors options
- Online and recorded classes for upper-level courses
How much does Berean Builders Science cost?
Berean Builders sells each course as a textbook, a set, and optional extras. As of October 2026 on the publisher's site, Science in the Beginning costs $43 for the hardcover textbook or $49 for the set with Helps & Hints. Discovering Design with Chemistry is $69 for the textbook or $79 for the set with answer key and tests, and its lab kit is $80. Audiobooks and online classes are extra.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science in the Beginning Set (elementary) | $49 | One-time | — |
| Science in the Beginning textbook | $43 | One-time | — |
| Discovering Design with Chemistry Set (high school) | $79 | One-time | — |
| Lab Kit for Discovering Design with Chemistry | $80 | One-time | — |
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
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Berean Builders Science FAQs
Who writes Berean Builders science?
Dr. Jay L. Wile designed the courses. He holds a PhD in nuclear chemistry and is best known to homeschoolers as the original author of many Apologia high school science texts.
What grade is Science in the Beginning for?
The publisher says it suits all K–6 students. Each lesson has three levels of review, so you can teach a 1st grader and a 6th grader from the same book and lesson.
In what order should I do the Berean Builders elementary books?
The elementary books follow history: Science in the Beginning, Science in the Ancient World, Science in the Scientific Revolution, Science in the Age of Reason and Science in the Industrial Age. Any book works for any elementary grade, but going in order lines up with a chronological history study.
What is the Berean Builders high school sequence?
The publisher recommends Science in the Atomic Age in 7th, Discovering Design with Earth Science in 8th, then Biology, Chemistry (after Algebra I) and Physics (after geometry and basic trig). Seniors who love science can add an advanced course.
Is Berean Builders young earth?
Berean Builders is Christian and creation-based; Science in the Beginning organizes topics around the days of creation in Genesis. If a specific position on the age of the earth matters to your family, look through the book or ask the publisher before you buy.
Does Berean Builders have online classes?
Yes. Live online classes for upper-level textbooks run through a partnership with Memoria Academy, and recorded classes are available for junior high and high school.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: