Dr. Jay L. Wile is a distinguished nuclear chemist, educator, and author renowned for his contributions to homeschool science education. With a Ph.D. in Nuclear Chemistry from the University of Rochester and a B.S. in Chemistry, Wile has earned multiple awards for excellence in teaching and research. He is best known for creating the Exploring Creation with… series, a cornerstone of homeschool science curricula, and later founding Berean Builders Publishing to produce engaging, rigorous science courses for K-12 students. A passionate advocate for homeschooling, Wile has influenced countless families through his textbooks, online classes, and speaking with us each year at our Great Homeschool Conventions.
Wile’s love for science was sparked by a childhood chemistry set, leading to a fascination with nuclear chemistry. After conducting research under the Department of Energy and National Science Foundation, publishing over 30 peer-reviewed articles, he transitioned to education, driven by a desire to make science accessible. In the 1990s, he authored the Exploring Creation with… series for Apologia Educational Ministries, covering biology, chemistry, physics, and more for junior high and high school students. In 2006, he sold the Apologia textbook business to focus on new ventures, later launching Berean Builders in 2011. His Science in the… series for elementary students introduces science through a historical lens, using hands-on experiments and a Christian worldview, with titles like Science in the Beginning and Discovering Design with Chemistry.
A committed Christian and young-earth creationist, Wile integrates faith into his curricula, addressing topics like creation vs. evolution in his books and lectures. His blog, Proslogion, explores science, apologetics, and homeschooling, often challenging mainstream scientific narratives, such as the age of dinosaur fossils based on carbon-14 data. Despite criticism from sources like RationalWiki for his views, Wile’s clear, conversational teaching style and practical examples have earned praise from homeschoolers, with students noting his ability to make complex concepts engaging and relevant.
Dr. Wile and his wife, Kathleen, married for over 35 years, homeschooled their adopted daughter, Dawn, from childhood through high school. Jay teaches online courses in chemistry and physics through Berean Builders, offering 32-week videoconference classes that blend textbook material with current scientific discoveries. A much sought-after speaker, he addresses homeschooling, science, and apologetics.
Based in Anderson, Indiana, Wile continues to innovate in science education, emphasizing critical thinking and hands-on learning. His Berean Builders curricula, lauded for their flexibility and depth, cater to diverse homeschooling styles, earning high reviews (4.5-5 stars on Christianbook.com). As an author of 13 books, a researcher, and a mentor, Wile’s mission is to equip students to explore science through a lens of faith and reason, leaving a lasting impact on the homeschooling community.
