Crash Course is a free educational YouTube channel with 50+ course series covering subjects from world history to organic chemistry. Created by John and Hank Green, it's widely used by homeschoolers as a curriculum supplement.
What is Crash Course?
Crash Course is an educational YouTube channel created by brothers John Green (bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars) and Hank Green in 2012. With over 16 million subscribers and 2 billion video views, it's become a go-to resource for students worldwide. The channel produces fast-paced, engaging video series that break down complex subjects into digestible episodes—typically 10-15 minutes each. From world history to organic chemistry to artificial intelligence, Crash Course covers an impressive range of subjects, all completely free. For homeschoolers, it serves as an excellent supplement to curriculum, particularly for visual learners.
Key Takeaways
- Completely free: 50+ course series covering humanities, sciences, and career skills
- College-level rigor: many courses align with AP and introductory college curricula
- Study Hall program offers transferable college credit through ASU for $400 per course
- Works best as a supplement to curriculum, not a standalone solution
Subjects Available
Crash Course covers an extraordinary range. Sciences include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, anatomy, astronomy, and ecology. History spans U.S. History, World History, European History, Black American History, and Native American History. Humanities cover literature, art history, film history and criticism, linguistics, and world mythology. Social sciences include economics, sociology, geography, and U.S. Government. Skills courses address study skills, media literacy, and "How to College." New series continue to launch—recent additions include artificial intelligence and navigating digital information.
Study Hall: College Credit Option
Study Hall represents a groundbreaking partnership between Crash Course, Arizona State University, YouTube, and Google. It's the first YouTube initiative offering actual college credit. The program works in three tiers: watch videos free, pay $25 for full coursework with assignments and quizzes, or pay $400 to receive transferable ASU credit. Available courses include English Composition, College Math, U.S. History, and Human Communication. At $400 per course, this costs less than one-third of average public university course fees—and students receive official ASU transcripts that transfer to other institutions.
How Homeschoolers Use Crash Course
Most homeschoolers use Crash Course to supplement their primary curriculum rather than replace it. Common approaches include introducing new topics in an engaging way, reinforcing textbook learning with visual explanations, reviewing before tests, and exploring subjects beyond core curriculum. AP-aligned series help with exam preparation. The self-paced format works well for independent learners—students can pause, rewind, and rewatch as needed. Create active learning by having students take notes, discuss episodes, or complete related assignments. The Study Hall option adds accountability through built-in assessments.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths: Free world-class content, engaging presentation that holds student attention, self-paced flexibility, college-level rigor, and continually expanding library. Visual learners particularly benefit from the animation-heavy format.
Limitations: Not suitable as sole curriculum—lacks hands-on activities, personalized feedback, and structured progression. Fast-paced delivery may overwhelm some students. No direct interaction with instructors. Works best for motivated, independent learners. Younger or struggling students may need additional support and slower-paced materials.
The Bottom Line
Crash Course democratizes access to engaging, high-quality educational content. For homeschoolers, it's an invaluable supplement—use it to spark interest in new subjects, reinforce difficult concepts, or prepare for AP exams. The Study Hall program creates an affordable path to college credit. Just remember that video content works best alongside structured curriculum with hands-on activities and assessment. A Crash Course video can make photosynthesis fascinating, but your student still needs to understand it deeply enough to apply it.
