Top Homeschool Science Curriculum
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Looking for the best homeschool science curriculum for your family? Whether you’re new to homeschooling or just searching for something fresh, this guide offers a comprehensive list of favorite science programs — based on real homeschooler feedback and years of experience.
Teaching science at home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right curriculum (and maybe a few simple science kits), you can make science one of the most exciting parts of your homeschool week.
Need extra help choosing? Check out my e-book, The Quick Guide to Choosing a Homeschool Curriculum, for even more tips!
And don’t forget to listen to my podcast, Called to Homeschool, where I share even more ideas and support for your homeschooling journey.
How to Choose a Homeschool Science Curriculum
In the early years, homeschool science is often organized by topics like:
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Human Body
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Animals
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Astronomy
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Earth Science
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Chemistry
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Physics
I usually start by deciding which topic we want to explore that year — it helps narrow down curriculum choices and keeps science fresh and fun!
Some families prefer full-year programs, while others like to build their own science year through unit studies, nature journals, or hands-on experiments.
Top Homeschool Science Curriculum Picks
Apologia Science
Apologia Science was the #1 most recommended program in my survey of homeschool families!
It’s a Christian curriculum with strong science content across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Hands-on activities, notebooking journals, and beautiful writing style.
We used Apologia for years with great success — it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a faith-based science curriculum.
Teaching science can seem overwhelming, but it does not have to be! If you get a great science program, it can make things so much easier! Many websites also sell science kits to go along with the curriculum to make teaching and doing labs much easier!
Science in homeschool for the elementary grades is often grouped by topic or specific science concepts such as human body, biology, astronomy, physical science, animals, etc. So typically I start by choosing what topic we want to cover that year. This helps me narrow down out choice.
More Homeschool Science Curriculum Faves:Â
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More Favorite Homeschool Science Curriculum Options
The Good and the Beautiful Science Units
We are currently using these with my elementary kids and LOVE them!
Each unit focuses on one topic at a time (e.g., Botany, Space Science, Marine Biology) and blends beautiful visuals with simple experiments.
Great for grades K–8.
High school levels are still in development.
Elemental Science
Offers full programs based on classical and living book approaches, with options for every grade level.
We especially adore their Sassafras Science Adventures living science book series!
Read My Review Here.
TOPScience
Affordable science experiments and lab kits for all grades.
Excellent for supplementing or hands-on families who prefer less textbook-style learning.
Real Science 4 Kids
Colorful, engaging textbooks focused on Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
Fun, hands-on experiments included.
We’re using the Chemistry pre-level with lots of success this year!
Real Science Odyssey (Pandia Press)
A secular science curriculum option that combines textbook learning with frequent hands-on experiments.
Great for relaxed, interest-led homeschoolers.
Nature Study and Journals
Perfect for families who love Charlotte Mason-style homeschooling.
Instead of a formal textbook, you spend time outdoors, observing and journaling about the natural world.
Helpful Resources:
Christian Kids Explore (Bright Ideas Press)
Creation-based science curriculum with hands-on activities and engaging text.
Covers Biology, Earth & Space Science, Chemistry, and Physics.
God’s Design for Science
Faith-based curriculum for grades 1–8.
Covers Life Science, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics.
Designed for multi-age teaching — perfect for families with several kids close in age.
Noeo Science
Science programs for ages 5–15 based on living books and hands-on experiments.
Great for Charlotte Mason and relaxed homeschoolers.
Shining Dawn Books Nature Studies
Nature study unit guides on topics like birds, rocks, trees, fungus, ponds, and more.
Creek Edge Press Task Cards
Discovery-based science learning through open-ended tasks.
Great for self-directed learners or interest-led families.
Covers grades K–8.
Video-Based & Interactive Science Programs
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Biology 101 (DVD Series)
Bible-based video curriculum. They also offer Chemistry 101 and Physics 101. -
Supercharged Science
A fun, experiment-heavy video curriculum filled with DIY projects. Great for hands-on learners! -
Exploring the World of Series (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
A more advanced series of living science books ideal for middle grades and up.
Hands-On Science: A Great Addition to Any Curriculum
Hands-on experiments bring science to life! Many programs now offer science kits, experiment add-ons, or suggested activities using everyday materials.
Looking for fun ideas? Check out some of our Favorite Hands-On Science Experiments!
What Science Curriculum Do You Love?
Did I miss your favorite homeschool science curriculum? Share it in the comments — I’d love to keep adding to this list with real recommendations from homeschool families!
See the other posts in this series:
- Homeschool Math Curriculum
- Homeschool Language Arts Curriculum
- Homeschool History & Geography Curriculum
- Homeschool Art & Music Curriculum
Karyn – This is great information! I remember when I started out homeschooling I had a list of curriculum for all the different subjects that I compiled myself that I wanted to check out. But it was a lot of work and research and I had no opinions from others back then. This is a great resource for all homeschoolers. Are you going to be doing all subjects? I hope so!! 😉
Thanks for putting this together!
Great post, Karyn!! I’ve looked at several of these and for the summer decided to do the Earth & Space Task cards by Creek Ridge Press– glad to see them on here! Also interested in Real Science!
Will you poll your followers for Language Arts curriculum?! History?!
Thanks! My plan is to go through each of the subjects, yes! It was really fun asking around to see what others like. I am really wanting to try something new now!
Thanks for all of these links. I will check them out as I make my decisions for next year. We do mostly use Apologia here. 🙂 Coming to visit from our Comment Club at the Crew. 🙂 Many blessings, Lisa
This is a great list! I love Apologia and Shining Dawn books!
Thanks for this great list! You know I’m of the Charlotte Mason influence for science in the early years, but I do plan to add formal curriculum in a few years so it’s nice to have some ideas to research.
We aren’t using formal science curricula yet, but I’ve heard and seen great things about Apologia. (I’ve gotten to look at a few of their textbooks.) Thanks for putting together this list!
This is a great post! I have been looking for some great science resources.
I have been seeing lot of questions on forums about science curriculum – I wish I had seen this post before!! Thanks for all the great info!
We love Supercharged Science. The lessons and videos and experiments are great and the kids love doing them. You can use it to supplement any curriculum or you can use it as a stand alone. And they have a fun summer e-camp too. Check them out. http://www.superchargedscience.com/?utm_expid=19610108-5
I usually design my own curriculum for science with good experiment books and lapbooks.
Wonderful information. Apologia is our favorite.
3 of our family’s favorites are on your list. Apologia is my #1.
Thanks for sharing this over on Science Sunday! You did a great job compiling everyone’s answers in a way that everyone can understand 🙂
What a fun list! Great job! I really love Biology 101 and have decided to buy Chemistry 101 for next year. Congrats on a great list!
Awesome list! We have loved Apologia! My daughter did Anatomy last year and Swimming Creatures this year. Next year, she will do Land Animals. She’s really against doing the Flying Animals as she is disgusted by bugs. LOL!
I just came across a subscription science kit for preschoolers. Monthly themed activities are delivered to your home with all the supplies and guides. My 3 year old daughter loved her first one. It had 4 activities in the box so each day she asks if it is Blast day. I will definitely get a subscription. Check out http://www.littleblast.com
As far as videos are concerned, middle to high school students can get a ton out of SciShow and CrashCourse on Youtube.com. For reading, I know http://www.birdbrainscience.com has some awesome differentiated science lessons.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My 9th grader is doing Apologia this year and hates it. I have been searching for a new science curriculum for her (well, a whole new program for her) , and you have given me SO many ideas to look into. I am loving the Top Science idea. We might be able to pick a few topics each year that interest her instead of a big text book. Although, Elemental Science classical series looked pretty good too (I was disappointed they didn’t have a logical stage Physics though).
Lots of stuff my younger boys would like as we’ll.
Thanks for the shout-out, Karyn! I’ll definitely add this awesome list to my weekly report!
Have you had any feedback on the Truth in Science series?
http://www.truth-in-science.com/
Thanks from a mom about to start homeschooling a kindergartner, we’re newbies (since I graduated homeschooled in 1998 anyway!).
You can fix that review link for Apologia Zoology 1 with this one I found (we’re really interested in it): http://www.myjoyfilledlife.com/2013/02/08/apologia-exploring-creation-with/
This was exactly what I needed! I immediately fell in love with Elemental Science & ordered the PDF right away for “Intro to Science.” Exactly what I was looking for!!!
I see that you list free educational lessons for early elementary science learners.
Here’s a few that you might like to list:
Location and Perspective;
http://www.science4us.com/SCO/act_717/index.aspx?aid=717&cid=P-0
Master list of Free Early Elementary Science Lessons
http://www.science4us.com/demo/
Can anyone recommend one that is best for young preschoolers? 3-4 age?
Yes!! I wrote a post about a curriculum I used for my preschooler that I loved! https://teachbesideme.com/preschool-curriculum-review-giveaway/
Wonderful ! Thanks for post. beautiful and amazing way of education.
I am trying to find a science curriculum for my 9th grader to do. We currently have Alpha Omega Lifepac Science. I am feeling this is not going to be very enjoyable for her. She is one that likes things to be fun/and enjoyable. Hand’s on type. She’s interested in drawing/art, cooking. Please I’m in need of help. Tanks
What did you come up with to use? I am exactly where you were a year ago, I feel very lost in looking for high school science classes.
We are in the elementary levels, so we piece together our own experiments and projects together with Kiwi Crate and SciShow Kids and Crash Course Kids (SciShow and Crash Course are both YouTube channels and I believe are related. Their older counterparts have everything from World History to Psychology, Philosophy, Engineering, Science, etc).
We did Apologia General Science with our 5th grader (he wanted to work with his older sibling) and Apologia Physical Science for 6th. General Science was pretty tough and on the dry side, but thorough. Physical Science seemed much more enjoyable. We also purchased the instructional DVD and the kit for experiments, which was a huge help. We did Monarch (7th grade General Science) online last year. It was fine, but I felt out of the loop and he felt isolated, so we are going back to book studies so we can “be on the same page” easier. Now, I’m at a loss as to what he should study this year. I expect he will go back to public school next year and study Biology. I thought Earth and Space made sense for this year, but I’m not sure which would be best. I’d love to find something where he would watch an instructor on DVD (as science is not my forte), read the chapter, do experiments, have review work that opens discussions and tests that I grade.
Tops Science was one of our favorites. I loved that many of the activities also had material kits you could purchase. Saved me running around looking for a bit of this and a bit of that!