Jay Wile Science

Jay Wile Science refers to K-12 science curricula created by Dr. Jay L. Wile, including his current Berean Builders line. Known for hands-on experiments, engaging writing, and a biblical worldview, the curriculum covers elementary through high school science.

What Is Jay Wile Science?

Jay Wile Science encompasses the K-12 science curricula created by Dr. Jay L. Wile, a nuclear chemist and award-winning educator. You may know his original work through Apologia Educational Ministries (which he founded but left in 2010) or his current line through Berean Builders. Both reflect his signature approach: conversational writing that speaks directly to students, hands-on experiments in every lesson, and integration of science with Christian faith. The Berean Builders line specifically is designed for homeschool families working without a science-knowledgeable parent available.

Key Takeaways

  • Complete K-12 science curriculum from one author with consistent philosophy
  • Hands-on experiments using mostly household items in every lesson
  • Written directly to students for independent work
  • Creation-based, young-earth perspective (not secular)

Course Offerings by Level

Dr. Wile's Background

Dr. Wile holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Chemistry from the University of Rochester and has published over 30 peer-reviewed scientific articles. He's taught at Indiana University, Ball State University, and The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics and Humanities (for gifted students). A former atheist who became a Christian in high school, he brings genuine scientific credentials alongside his faith perspective. He currently teaches chemistry and physics as an adjunct professor at Anderson University.

What Makes It Different

Unlike Apologia (his original company), Berean Builders courses are specifically written for homeschool families rather than co-ops. The writing is conversational and assumes students will work independently without a science expert available. Each lesson includes hands-on experiments using mostly household items. The elementary series takes a unique historical approach, teaching science through the lens of history rather than isolated topics. Students learn about gravity while studying the Scientific Revolution, for instance, understanding discoveries in their historical context.

Understanding the Worldview

The Bottom Line

Dr. Jay Wile has spent decades creating science curriculum that makes the subject accessible, engaging, and integrated with Christian faith. His Berean Builders line offers complete K-12 coverage with hands-on learning, direct author support, and writing that assumes no science background from parents. If you're a Christian homeschool family who wants rigorous science with a creation perspective, this curriculum deserves serious consideration. The historical approach in elementary years and college-prep rigor in high school have prepared many students for science careers and pre-med studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Wile founded Apologia but sold it in 2006 and left in 2010. His current work is through Berean Builders. Key differences: Berean Builders is written for homeschool families (not co-ops), is more conversational, and includes more efficient elementary coverage. Some families prefer his newer Berean Builders chemistry to the revised Apologia version he didn't write.

John Tambunting

Written by

John Tambunting

Founder

John Tambunting is passionate about homeschooling after discovering the love of learning only later on in life through hackathons and working on startups. Although he attended public school growing up, was an "A" student, and graduated with an applied mathematics degree from Brown University, "teaching for the test," "memorizing for good grades," the traditional form of education had delayed his discovery of his real passions: building things, learning how things work, and helping others. John is looking forward to the day he has children to raise intentionally and cultivate the love of learning in them from an early age. John is a Christian and radically gave his life to Christ in 2023. John is also the Co-Founder of Y Combinator backed Pangea.app.