How to Do Homeschool Science Without a Curriculum (And Still Cover What Matters)

If you’ve ever looked at a homeschool science curriculum and thought something like, “That’s a lot of money on top of math and ELA,” or “This looks like way too much work—for my kid and for me,” you’re not alone.

Many science programs feel overwhelming right out of the box. They’re dense. They expect a lot from your child—which usually means a lot from you just to get through it. And when your homeschool days already feel full, the idea of adding another subject with a thick teacher’s manual and multiple steps can be enough to make you skip science altogether.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a traditional curriculum to teach science well. You can absolutely cover everything that matters doing homeschool science without a curriculum—using books, hands-on projects, everyday exploration, and a little curiosity. 

Skipping a formal curriculum doesn’t mean skipping science. It means:

• More flexibility
  
  

• Lower costs
  
  

• The ability to follow your child’s interests
  
  

• Less pressure to stick to someone else’s schedule
  
  

It also means you get to create a homeschool experience that feels more connected and hands-on—without squeezing into a rigid structure that doesn’t fit your style.

You don’t need a teacher’s manual or a 36-week scope and sequence—but you do need a few basic pieces in place:

• A way to explore topics (books, videos, field trips, experiments)
  
  

• A plan to cover core science areas over time
  
  

• Some form of reflection or documentation (journals, projects, photos)
  
  

• A willingness to ask questions and stay curious
  
  

That’s it. If you have those, you’re well on your way to a strong, complete homeschool science plan! 💪

To make sure you’re not missing anything big, focus on cycling through these three broad categories:

1. Life Science

Animals, plants, ecosystems, the human body, life cycles, habitats

2. Earth & Space Science

Weather, landforms, geology, natural disasters, planets, stars

3. Physical Science

Matter, energy, motion, simple machines, light, sound, magnetism

You don’t need to hit each category every year—but aim to touch on all three regularly over the elementary years.

Here’s how homeschool families are already doing science—without even realizing it:

📚 Use Books as Your Foundation

Grab nonfiction books from the library or explore series like:

• Let’s Read and Find Out
  
  

• National Geographic Kids
  
  

• The Magic School Bus
  
  

• DK Eyewitness
  
  

Follow up with a conversation, journal entry, or activity. That’s a lesson!

🧪 Do Easy Hands-On Experiments

You don’t need goggles and lab coats—just simple experiments with household items:

• Baking soda + vinegar reactions
  
  

• Sink or float tests
  
  

• Freezing and melting observations
  
  

• Making oobleck or slime
  
  

Pro tip: take photos and write down what happened. That’s your record.

🌱 Observe the Natural World

Go for nature walks, start a weather log, grow a plant, or sketch birds in your yard. These count as life and earth science—and they’re free.

🧠 Follow Your Child’s Curiosity

If your child is obsessed with volcanoes, space, or bugs… lean in. Gather books, watch videos, build a model, or find a related kit. They’ll remember what they’re interested in far more than anything from a textbook.

📦 Use Ready-Made Kits When You Want Structure

Open-and-go kits like Knowledge Crates are a great way to add structure without a full curriculum. They include themed books, experiments, art, and science activities—all packaged and ready to use. It’s a flexible middle ground between unschooling and full-on formal programs.

Worried you’re missing something important without a curriculum? Here’s how to keep it simple but intentional:

• Pick 3–4 topics per year to explore deeply
  
  

• Use a science notebook or binder to collect journal entries, drawings, photos, or project instructions
  
  

• Make one project per topic —a poster, model, diorama, slideshow, or experiment
  
  

• Talk about what you observe in daily life: Why does that happen? What do you think caused that?
  
  

If you do that, you’re covering plenty—and probably more than a workbook would!

Here’s a simple structure you can repeat each season:

1. Pick a Theme

Choose something broad but focused (e.g. Weather, Ocean Life, Rainforest Biome, Simple Machines).

2. Gather Books

Look for 3–5 picture books or reference books you can read together.

3. Choose 2–3 Experiments or Activities

Find simple, hands-on ways to explore the topic.

4. Add a Creative Project

Make a model, paint a diagram, write a report, or record a video.

5. Journal or Reflect

Have your child draw or write what they learned in a notebook.

Repeat with a new theme each quarter, and you’ve got a complete year of science—curriculum-free.

When you ditch the formal plan, you gain:

And if you ever need to “prove” what you’ve covered, your science notebook, project photos, and reading list will do the trick.

Your homeschool doesn’t need to look like school to be successful. You can teach real, meaningful science without a curriculum—just by staying curious, following your child’s lead, and doing your best to explore the world together.

So if the idea of a formal science program feels overwhelming (or just doesn’t fit your style), trust yourself.

You’ve got this. And chances are—you’re already doing more than enough.