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NOEO Science popped onto my radar when I was searching for a secular, literature-based curriculum that wouldn’t require hours of prep. After a year of using their Biology level with my kids, I’ve found it fills a unique niche. Here’s my honest take on what works, what doesn’t, and who should try it.
Quick Summary
Best For: Families wanting secular, literature-based instruction
Ages: Grades 1-9 (three levels)
Approach: Living books combined with hands-on experiments
Worldview: Secular
Price: $105-$275 per level (with books)
Our Rating: 4.2/5
What is NOEO Science?
NOEO (say “NO-ee-oh”) is a secular homeschool program. It combines living books with hands-on experiments. Logos Press offers three levels that cover biology, chemistry, and physics.
NOEO uses real books instead of dry textbooks. Kids read fun stories by scientists. According to Cathy Duffy Reviews, it’s one of the best secular options. The HSLDA also notes that Charlotte Mason methods are growing in popularity.
Homeschool parents created this program. They wanted fun content without religious bias. So it sticks to basic facts that all families can use.
How NOEO Works
Each level lasts a full school year with 36 weeks of lessons. The program has three main parts:
- Living books: Carefully selected titles that bring concepts to life
- Experiments: Hands-on activities using included materials
- Instructor guide: Weekly schedules and discussion questions
Weekly Structure
A typical week includes:
- Days 1-3: Reading from assigned books (15-30 minutes)
- Day 4: Hands-on experiment or activity (30-60 minutes)
- Day 5: Narration, discussion, or notebooking
This setup worked great for our family. The reading is short and sweet. Having just one experiment day cut the stress I felt with other programs. The U.S. Department of Education says hands-on learning is good for science.
Three Levels
Level 1 (Grades 1-3): Kids learn biology, physics, and chemistry through picture books and easy experiments.
Level 2 (Grades 4-6): Students dig deeper with chapter books and harder experiments.
Level 3 (Grades 7-9): Middle schoolers tackle longer reading and lab-level experiments.
What’s Included
NOEO offers two purchasing options:
Complete Package
- Instructor guide with weekly lesson plans
- All required living books
- Experiment kit with materials
- Student notebook pages
Guide Only
- Instructor guide only (source books yourself)
- Experiment materials not included
I bought the full package at first and suggest it for new users. Having everything in one box was worth the extra cost. Later on, I sometimes got just the guide and found used books.
Student Workbook Pages
Each kit has student notebook pages. These pages help kids record what they learn. They can draw, write, and note key facts. The pages aren’t tests or quizzes. Instead, they help kids process and remember the content.
Advantages of NOEO Science
1. Engaging Living Books
The book picks are great. My kids loved reading time. Titles like “The Magic School Bus” for young kids make learning fun.
2. Truly Secular Content
If you want neutral content, NOEO delivers. It doesn’t teach evolution or creation. Instead, it covers what you can see and test. So we could add our own views when we talked.
3. Charlotte Mason Approach
The focus on narration, living books, and nature aligns well with Charlotte Mason. If you’re already using CM methods, NOEO fits right in. Moreover, it builds on skills your kids already have.
4. Low Prep Time
The guide tells you what to do each day. I spend maybe 5-10 minutes on prep each week. That’s it! This was huge for our busy family.
5. Quality Experiment Kits
The experiment materials are well chosen. Most experiments work well with clear steps. In fact, my 10-year-old can often do them alone.
Challenges and Drawbacks
1. Higher Initial Cost
At $105-$275 per level, NOEO costs more than some options. But the price includes all books and materials. If money is tight, try the guide-only option and use the library.
2. Limited High School Options
NOEO stops at about 9th grade. So families need other programs for high school lab credit. It isn’t a full K-12 option.
3. Book Availability
If you get the guide-only package, some books can be hard to find. Library options vary by where you live.
4. Not Rigorous Enough for Some
Families who want textbooks or intense academics may find NOEO too light. It puts fun over full coverage.
Who Should Consider NOEO?
Great fit if:
- You want secular curriculum without evolutionary emphasis
- You appreciate Charlotte Mason methods
- Your children learn best through living books
- You prefer minimal preparation time
- You value engagement over intensive academics
- You’re teaching elementary or middle school
May not be ideal if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You need high school credit courses
- You prefer textbook-based learning
- You want Christian or explicitly creation-based content
- Your local library lacks recommended books
NOEO vs Similar Options
| Feature | NOEO | Real Science Odyssey | Bookshark Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $105-$275 | $75-$95 | $200-$350 |
| Approach | Literature-based | Lab-based | Literature-based |
| Worldview | Secular | Secular | Secular |
| Grade Range | 1-9 | PreK-8 | K-8 |
| CM Alignment | Strong | Moderate | Strong |
| Best For | Living books lovers | Lab enthusiasts | Sonlight users |
How to Assess Learning
NOEO doesn’t include tests or formal assessments. Instead, it uses narration. Kids tell back what they learned in their own words. You can also check their notebook pages for understanding. If you need grades, assign points for completed work and narrations.
Tips for Success
After a year with this science program, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Preview books first: Read ahead so you can guide discussions effectively
- Gather supplies weekly: Check experiment needs before each week begins
- Use the library: Many recommended books are available through interlibrary loan
- Add notebooking: Have children draw and write about what they’re learning
- Connect to nature: Extend lessons with outdoor observation
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NOEO teach evolution or creation?
Neither one. NOEO focuses on what you can see and test. It skips the origins debate. So families can add their own beliefs. It works for both Christian and secular homes.
Can I use NOEO with multiple children?
Yes! It works great for teaching multiple kids at once. Read together, do experiments together, and discuss as a group. You don’t need to buy extra guides for each child.
How does NOEO compare to Real Science Odyssey?
Real Science Odyssey has more labs and worksheets. NOEO focuses on books and talks with simpler activities. Pick based on what your family likes: reading or lab work.
Is NOEO enough for a complete science education?
Through middle school, yes. It covers major topics in biology, chemistry, and physics. But for high school, you’ll need programs with lab credit for college.
What if I can’t find the recommended books?
The guide often lists other books you can use. Your library may have similar titles. The specific books are just suggestions, not must-haves.
Final Verdict
NOEO fills a key gap: secular, book-based learning without worldview issues. The Charlotte Mason style, good book picks, and low prep time make it great for grades 1-9.
Yes, the cost is higher and it doesn’t cover high school. But if your family loves books over textbooks, NOEO offers something special.
Our Rating: 4.2/5
If you want books instead of textbooks, NOEO is worth a look. Visit Logos Press for samples. Also check our homeschool curriculum guide and NCES for more info.
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