About Us

At Cactus Curricula, learning should spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and encourage students to explore, question, and solve problems using science, logic, and creativity.

Our flagship program combines forensic science, creative writing, and applied critical thinking to create immersive mystery cases tailored for middle and high school students. Each of our four original mysteries unfolds over six to nine weeks, with students stepping into the role of investigators as they analyze evidence, perform hands-on science labs, and write their own endings to the story. Along the way, they earn credit in Forensic Science with Lab, English/Creative Writing, and Applied Critical Thinking.

We design our curriculum for both solo learners and group settings, such as co-ops, micro-schools, and homeschool families. Each mystery includes weekly story chapters, teacher’s guides, evidence files, and science labs. Everything you need, so you don’t have to be a scientist or a mystery writer to make the experience memorable.

The Cactus Curricula approach:

  • Engaging—story-driven cases keep students invested from the first clue to the final reveal.
  • Hands-on—weekly forensic labs and interactive evidence files bring learning to life.
  • Flexible—works for busy families and varied learning styles.
  • Credit-ready—meets high school credit standards in multiple subjects.



About the Creator

Angela Hardiman is a homeschool educator with over ten years of teaching experience and the founder of Cactus Curricula. With a background in business and a deep commitment to meaningful learning, Angela created Cactus Curricula to bridge the gap between academic rigor and true student engagement.

Over the past two years, she personally researched, designed, and wrote each of the forensic science mysteries from the ground up. Every mystery blends science, critical thinking, and creative writing into a cohesive, story-driven investigation rooted in real scientific principles.

Each case was reviewed by multiple educators with degrees in education, biology, and English to ensure both academic integrity and age-appropriate structure. Before final publication, approximately 850 homeschool parents and educators participated in a focus group that had access to the full mystery series. Families tested the curriculum in both home and co-op settings, providing real-world feedback that helped refine and strengthen the final materials.

Storytelling has always been central to Angela’s teaching philosophy. After years of homeschooling her own teen, she recognized the need for a curriculum that didn’t simply check academic boxes but truly captured students’ imaginations. Her approach transforms lessons into immersive experiences, helping even reluctant learners step into the role of investigator, scientist, and writer.

Angela’s passion for experiential learning includes a three-year journey traveling to 48 states with her grandson, homeschooling through hands-on exploration, and walking through history. That same spirit of curiosity and discovery shapes every Cactus Curricula mystery.

Angela lives near Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband, a novelist, and their grandson.