How to Teach Science in Your Homeschool (Even If You’re Not a Science Person)

Let’s be honest—science can feel a little intimidating when you’re the one in charge of teaching it. Maybe you didn’t love it in school. Maybe you’ve never dissected an owl pellet or mixed vinegar and baking soda outside of a middle school volcano project. But here you are, homeschooling your child and realizing … you’re the science teacher now. 😳

Don’t worry. You do not have to be a science expert to teach your child well. In fact, you don’t even need to know all the answers—curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to explore alongside your child are far more important.

Whether your background is in art, English, business, or anything else, here’s how to teach science confidently in your homeschool—no textbook expertise or white lab coat required. 🧑‍🔬

When you’re not a science person, it can be tempting to default to a checklist: memorize the planets, label a plant, do a quick worksheet. But that’s not how real scientists learn—and it’s not what makes science stick for kids, either.

Instead of starting with what kids “should” know, begin with what they’re curious about. Ask questions like:

• What do you wonder about animals or space or the weather?
  
  

• Have you ever wanted to invent something?
  
  

• Why do you think the moon looks different each night?
  
  

Build from those sparks. If your child loves dinosaurs, go down that rabbit hole together. If they’re fascinated by bubbles, great! You’re already doing chemistry.

One of the best ways to teach science—especially in the early years—is to practice observing and asking good questions.

Try this:

• Go outside and find 5 different leaves. What’s the same about them? What’s different?
  
  

• Watch a short video about volcanoes and pause halfway to ask: “What do you think happens next?”
  
  

• Grow a plant or sprout seeds in a jar. What do you notice each day? What do you wonder?
  
  

Teaching science doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means helping your child ask better questions. And you don’t have to know the answers either! Model how to find them: books, videos, experiments, or even just watching and recording what happens.

Hands-on science is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make learning stick—and it’s perfect for parents who aren’t science experts.

Here are a few simple, low-prep ways to bring science to life:

• Sink or float experiments with household objects
  
  

• Nature walks with a scavenger hunt
  
  

• Baking soda + vinegar reactions in different containers
  
  

• Building bridges from popsicle sticks or LEGO bricks
  
  

• Exploring shadows, light, and color with flashlights
  
  

You don’t need a lab or fancy equipment. You just need materials you likely already have and the freedom to experiment and explore.

One easy way to build confidence and track learning is with a science notebook or journal. This can be as simple as a spiral notebook or composition book where your child:

• Draws pictures of what they observe
  
  

• Records the steps of an experiment
  
  

• Glues in photos or prints of projects
  
  

• Answers simple prompts like “What did you notice?” or “What surprised you?”
  
  

Journaling builds in reflection without needing a test or formal assessment. Plus, it’s a great way to “count” science for your homeschool portfolio.

If you’re not confident teaching science, the right resources make all the difference—especially when they’re designed to support both you and your child every step of the way.

That’s where Knowledge Crates shines.

Each of our hands-on homeschool science units includes:

Whether your child is exploring insects, ecosystems, weather, or the solar system, Knowledge Crates gives you everything you need to confidently teach science—without piecing it together yourself or running back and forth to the craft store.

Real science is messy. Experiments fail. Hypotheses are wrong. Kids (and adults!) spill things, make guesses, and get things backwards.

And that’s okay.

The goal isn’t to master every topic or check off every box—it’s to nurture a lifelong love of asking questions, testing ideas, and thinking critically.

So if your volcano erupts sideways or your caterpillar chrysalis doesn’t open, don’t call it a failure—call it a chance to learn more. That’s what real science looks like.

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, here are a few quick questions to help you move forward:

• What topics does your child already show interest in?
  
  

• Would you feel better with a kit, a curriculum, or a book list?
  
  

• How much prep time are you realistically willing to spend?
  
  

• What supplies do you already have on hand?
  
  

• Do you want science to be daily, weekly, or project-based?
  
  

Once you know those answers, you’ll be able to choose the right format—and the right level of involvement—for your family. And remember, it’s totally okay to learn alongside your kids. In fact, it might even make science more fun for all of you!

You don’t need to be a science person to teach homeschool science well. You just need to be curious, flexible, and willing to explore. With hands-on learning, open-ended questions, and the right support, science can become one of your family’s favorite subjects.

You’ve got this. And who knows? You might just end up becoming a science person after all!