Best Homeschool Science Curriculum
Elementary & Middle School
The hardest thing about picking a homeschool science curriculum for your kids is...
- There are SO many options.
- They can be... well, boring.
- They can cost an arm and a leg.
- They require YOU to be a science expert.
We have compiled a list of the most fun, most cost-effective, most get-your-kids-excited-about-science curriculum programs we can find!
1. EdZOOcating Adventures
A K-8 science curriculum program designed for kids who love animals
$9.99/month | $100/year
Fast Facts:
- More than 50 lessons (2 added each month)
- Virtual with printables
- Teacher's guide included
- Monthly Wildlife Webinar included
- Secular & geared toward NGSS
- Charter school funds & Arizona ESA funds accepted
- One membership for the whole family
- Free trial available
If your kids are obsessed with Wild Kratts and nature documentaries, then this may be the perfect science curriculum for them!
EdZOOcating Adventures is designed by experienced zoologists and ecologists whose mission is to engage kids in core science topics using their passion for wildlife, nature, and conservation. This self-paced science curriculum can be used as a complete year of science or as a supplement. These easy-to-navigate lessons take all the hassle out of teaching science while the teacher's guides allow you to check their work using answer keys and discussion questions.
"I like how much information is in each unit. It has been a wonderful supplement for our study of vertebrates and invertebrates, and I'm sure will continue to be useful for other topics. I appreciate that the presentation is interesting but does not rely on excessive graphics and video game-style activities. It works well for ADHD kids and/or kids with sensory issues, without being overwhelming or causing screen addiction.
I also appreciate that there is an option for online or printables for the activities. I feel like I can trust the site and the presenter to provide accurate, thorough information. I don't feel like that about every site we've tried! I like that there are resources for additional information easily at hand, should a particular topic catch our attention."
-Melissa, Homeschool Parent
2. National Geographic
K-12 science resources easily adapted for homeschoolers
Free
Fast Facts:
- STEM resources for every grade level
- Self-paced
- Secular
- Build your own STEM curriculum
- Search for specific resources
- Resources vary between videos, articles, and lesson plans
National Geographic makes science resources for nearly every component of STEM education and introduces thousands of educational topics through lesson plans, educational videos, engaging articles, and beautiful photos. Using their Education Resources tools, you can search for the topics you're looking to include in your homeschool science curriculum.
Filter through their extensive list of resources by grade level, content types, and area of study to find exactly what you're looking for! We love how thorough their resources are, including vocabulary, first-person experiences, quizzes, and more.
"I have used National Geographic for its documentaries in many subject areas such as life sciences, oceanography, and aquatic biology. It is also a good resource for students to gather information when performing research for papers and presentations. It is a very engaging source with cool multimedia links to videos, images, sounds, and more."
-Dan, Educator
3. Science Mom
3-8 grade comprehensive, self-paced science and math courses
Courses range from free to $330 per course
Fast Facts:
- Self-paced
- Virtual (with printables)
- Secular & geared toward NGSS
- Extensive videos in each lesson
- Complete guided units
- Science and art projects
- One membership for the whole family
- Courses offer free preview
Science Mom is an incredibly thorough virtual resource for homeschool families looking to dive head-first into biology, chemistry, and math. Each unit includes dozens of induvial video lessons with printable fill-in-the-blank worksheets and comics.
The Earth Science unit is completely free, giving you and your kiddos the perfect opportunity to explore a core science topic while seeing if the Science Mom resources are a good fit for your family. You can also check out their YouTube channel to get even more fun and educational resources.
"My son and I have both loved this course. It’s our favorite he has taken over the past 2.5 years of homeschooling!
It was well done for a range of ages. As a scientist, I loved seeing balancing equations for my older child but that it was not the only focus so my younger one could follow along. My children ask to do Science Mom and Math Dad Chemistry lessons, which is amazing."
-Former Science Mom user
4. Mystery Science
K-5 grade engaging standards-based science lessons
$109/year
Fast Facts:
- Self-paced or guided
- State standards aligned
- Teacher's guides included
- Google Classroom option
- Videos + printables
- Secular
- Several lessons available for free
Mystery Science has a fantastic reputation among science educators as an engaging tool that makes teaching science easy. Lesson plans and other pre-lesson resources make your job simple as you can be fairly hands-off once your kids get started.
Each lesson is standards-aligned and they even break down standards by state. In the footer under "Getting Started," you'll find standards, pacing guides, and additional information about the thoughtful layout of each lesson and unit.
"Mystery Science is filled with interesting, thoughtful lessons that align with our TEKS. They are easy to follow and very detailed in giving students what they need to succeed."
-Shelly, Science Specialist
5. Generation Genius
K-8 grade engaging science and math lessons
$225/year
Fast Facts:
- Standards-aligned
- Secular
- Virtual with printable materials
- Lesson plans
- Includes exit tickets
- Free trial available
Generation Genius is an extensive science and math curriculum that is used in more than 30,000 elementary and middle schools. With a membership, you can access dozens (and I mean dozens!) of engaging lessons that cover STEM topics from grades K-8.
Lessons include an exciting video, discussion questions, vocabulary, readings, a DIY activity, and many resources to help you make the most out of their program. Memberships are available for just science, just math, or both!
"The teacher guides and activities are engaging and well thought out. I particularly enjoy the hands-on activities because they are open-ended, affordable, and really support the NGSS Design principles."
-Covey, Educator
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