Science

Generation Genius is a video-based science curriculum that brings science concepts to life through engaging lessons, demonstrations, experiments, and real-world applications. Aligned with NGSS and many state science standards, the program combines short, high-quality instructional videos with reading materials, vocabulary activities, discussion questions, quizzes, and hands-on experiments. Students learn through observation, inquiry, and exploration, making science both accessible and exciting.

The curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and help students understand complex scientific concepts through visual learning and active participation. Its flexible format makes it easy to use as a complete science program, a supplement to another curriculum, or a review tool for reinforcing concepts.

Best suited for: Students who learn best through videos, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Generation Genius is especially effective for visual learners, reluctant readers, STEM-focused students, and families looking for an engaging, low-prep science program that makes science fun and easy to understand.

Visual support level: High
Hands-on component: High
Reading load: Light–Moderate
Learning Coach/Parent involvement: Low–Medium
Structure level: Flexible

Notes: Excellent for families who want a highly engaging science curriculum with minimal preparation. The videos are often a favorite among students and can help build enthusiasm for science. While many families use it as a stand-alone science program in elementary grades, some middle school students may benefit from additional reading, writing, or lab experiences for deeper study.

Mystery Science is an inquiry-based science curriculum that teaches students through engaging videos, real-world questions, and hands-on investigations. Each lesson begins with a high-interest "mystery" question—such as Why do volcanoes erupt? or How do animals survive in extreme environments?—and guides students through exploration, discussion, and simple experiments to discover the answer. The curriculum is aligned with NGSS standards and emphasizes critical thinking, observation, and scientific inquiry.

Designed as an "open-and-go" program, Mystery Science provides video instruction, lesson plans, activities, assessments, and extension resources, making it easy for parents and teachers to facilitate meaningful science learning without extensive preparation. Most experiments use common household materials, making the curriculum especially homeschool-friendly.

Best suited for: Students who learn best through videos, hands-on exploration, and asking questions about the world around them. Mystery Science is an excellent fit for visual learners, kinesthetic learners, reluctant readers, and families looking for an engaging, low-prep science curriculum that sparks curiosity and excitement.

Visual support level: High
Hands-on component: High
Reading load: Light
Learning Coach/Parent involvement: Low–Medium
Structure level: Moderately Structured

Notes: A favorite among many homeschool families because lessons are highly engaging and easy to implement. The video-based instruction and hands-on activities make science accessible and enjoyable, especially in elementary grades. While it can function as a complete elementary science curriculum, some families choose to supplement with additional reading and writing activities in the upper grades for deeper exploration.

Studies Weekly Science is a standards-based curriculum that presents science concepts through engaging, magazine-style publications and interactive learning activities. Each week, students explore topics in life, physical, earth, and space science through informational text, photographs, diagrams, investigations, and inquiry-based activities. The curriculum is designed to make science accessible and relevant while building literacy skills alongside scientific understanding.

Lessons encourage students to read closely, analyze evidence, ask questions, and apply scientific concepts to real-world situations. With both print and digital options available, Studies Weekly Science offers a balanced approach that combines reading, hands-on exploration, and interactive learning opportunities.

Best suited for: Students who enjoy learning through reading, visual supports, and short, engaging lessons. It works well for families seeking a standards-aligned science curriculum that integrates science and literacy while providing a structured yet manageable weekly format. It is particularly beneficial for independent learners and students who thrive with clear routines and organized content.

Visual support level: High
Hands-on component: Medium
Reading load: Moderate
Learning Coach/Parent involvement: Low–Medium
Structure level: Highly Structured

Notes: The magazine-style format is often less intimidating than a traditional textbook and helps keep students engaged. Strong visual supports, photographs, and graphics make complex concepts easier to understand. While investigations and activities are included, families seeking extensive lab experiences may wish to supplement with additional hands-on science experiments.

Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) Units offer a wide variety of teacher-created resources designed to supplement or provide instruction in specific topics, skills, or standards. Units often include lessons, activities, projects, assessments, and printable resources that can be tailored to meet the needs of individual students. Because resources are created by a variety of educators, formats and teaching approaches can vary significantly.

Best suited for: Families seeking flexible, customizable learning experiences and teachers looking to supplement instruction with engaging, topic-specific resources. TpT units can be especially beneficial for students who enjoy project-based learning, hands-on activities, and learning through a variety of formats.

Visual Support Level: Varies by resource (typically Medium–High)

Hands-On Component: Varies by resource (typically Medium–High)

Reading Load: Varies by resource

Learning Coach/Parent involvement: Medium–High

Structure Level: Flexible

Elevate Science is a comprehensive, NGSS-aligned science curriculum that encourages students to learn through inquiry, investigation, and real-world problem solving. Lessons are built around engaging phenomena, essential questions, and hands-on experiences that help students think and work like scientists. Through science quests, labs, engineering challenges, and interactive activities, students develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The curriculum combines colorful student materials, digital resources, videos, simulations, and hands-on investigations to create an engaging learning experience. Elevate Science emphasizes the "doing of science" rather than memorization, making it a strong option for students who learn best through exploration and active participation.

Best suited for: Students who enjoy hands-on learning, asking questions, conducting investigations, and exploring real-world scientific phenomena. It is an excellent fit for curious learners, STEM-focused students, visual learners, and families seeking a standards-based science curriculum that balances digital resources, reading, and experimentation.

Visual support level: High
Hands-on component: High
Reading load: Moderate
Learning Coach/Parent involvement: Medium
Structure level: Highly Structured

Notes: Elevate Science provides strong support for both classroom and homeschool settings with clear lesson progression, engaging visuals, and built-in digital resources. The science quests and inquiry-based activities help students make meaningful connections between science concepts and the world around them. Families looking for a comprehensive, standards-aligned science program with plenty of opportunities for exploration and critical thinking often find it to be an excellent choice.