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.



Angela Hardiman, a homeschool educator with over 10 years of experience, created Cactus Curricula out of a passion for rich, interdisciplinary learning. After homeschooling her own teen, Angela saw the need for a curriculum that didn’t just “check the box” but truly engaged students while meeting academic goals. Storytelling has always been at the heart of her teaching, turning lessons into adventures and engaging even the most reluctant learners.

Her years of weaving narrative into science, history, and hands-on exploration include a three-year journey with her grandson, Landon. Together, they traveled to 48 states and homeschooled by “being there” and walking through history. That same spirit of curiosity and discovery infuses the mysteries, blending forensic science with compelling storylines to create unforgettable learning experiences.

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