The Best Homeschool Science Curriculum (That Isn’t a Textbook)
By: Knowledge Crates
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When you're planning your homeschool year, science can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many options out there—and a lot of them look and feel like classroom textbooks. But for families looking for a more engaging, hands-on alternative to traditional curriculum, there are some wonderful options that still “count” as real science… and don’t require hours of prep.
In this post, we’re diving into what actually counts as science for homeschoolers, how to teach it in a way that sparks curiosity, and why a unit study approach might be a better fit than you think for your homeschool science curriculum.
One of the most common questions parents have is: What exactly counts as science in a homeschool setting? Do you need a formal textbook? A full-year curriculum? A lab notebook?
The truth is, it depends on your state—but in most cases, the answer is: any meaningful exploration of scientific concepts counts.
That might include:
Conducting hands-on experiments
Keeping a nature journal during walks or hikes
Watching and recording weather patterns
Visiting a science museum or zoo
Reading nonfiction books about animals, planets, or ecosystems
Building models of the solar system, simple machines, or life cycles
Observing bugs, birds, or plant growth in your backyard
Completing a hands-on science unit study
What matters most is that your child is actively learning about the world around them—asking questions, exploring, and applying scientific thinking. That can look very different from one homeschool to another.
How to Teach Science in Homeschool (Without a Textbook)
Textbooks can be useful, but they’re far from the only way to teach science—especially with young children. In fact, many families find that kids learn science best when they can see, touch, and experiment with the world around them.
Choose a theme. Whether it’s space, insects, oceans, or weather, focusing on one topic at a time helps kids build deeper understanding.
Read real books. Picture books, nonfiction readers, and chapter books are powerful tools for learning science—especially when they’re paired with hands-on activities.
Try an experiment. Even a simple baking soda and vinegar reaction or growing seeds in a baggie teaches key scientific concepts.
Get outside. Nature study is one of the easiest (and most powerful!) ways to explore biology and environmental science.
Create and build. Kids remember more when they draw, paint, build, and write about what they’re learning.
This kind of approach—sometimes called an “inquiry-based” or “unit study” method—lets science feel more like discovery than memorization.
What Is the Best Homeschool Science Curriculum?
There’s no universal “best,” because every child and every family is different. But many parents agree that the best homeschool science curriculum is one that:
Is hands-on and engaging
Encourages curiosity and exploration
Aligns with real scientific topics
Doesn’t take much prep
Works for multiple ages (especially important for families homeschooling more than one child!)
That’s one of the reasons unit studies are growing in popularity. With a unit study, you don’t need to follow a rigid lesson plan. Instead, you explore one topic through a mix of books, activities, art, writing, and real-world projects.
Science becomes more than something to “get through.” It becomes something your child gets to experience.
What Is the Best Secular Science for Homeschoolers?
Many homeschool programs are faith-based, which can be a challenge for secular families. If you’re looking for secular homeschool science, be sure to check the materials and worldview before purchasing.
Secular options include:
Real books from your library or curated lists
Nature study and field-based learning
Online resources and documentaries
DIY experiments and science kits
Secular unit studies that focus on observation, inquiry, and real science
Many families build their own curriculum using a mix of these tools—and that’s where open-and-go unit studies can be really helpful. They offer the structure and supplies of a traditional program, with the flexibility and engagement of hands-on learning.
Why Unit Studies Are a Smart Option for Science
If you’re not ready to commit to a year-long program or you just want to keep things flexible, unit studies make it easy to dive into science without feeling overwhelmed.
With a unit study, you can:
Adjust the pace to fit your family
Include multiple ages at once
Choose topics that match your child’s interests
Integrate science with reading, writing, art, and more
Have fun while learning!
If planning your own sounds like a lot of work, there are pre-made unit study kits (like the ones we offer at Knowledge Crates) that include:
Dozens of themed, open-and-go activities across subjects
High-interest nonfiction and fiction books
A printed parent guide
All materials included—right down to the glue stick
No matter how you do it, unit studies are a simple, fun way to explore science in your homeschool.
Ready to Make Science Hands-On?
However you choose to teach it, science is one of the most exciting subjects to explore in your homeschool. Unit studies give you the freedom to slow down, follow your child’s curiosity, and dive deeper into the topics that really spark their interest.
Not sure if this approach is right for you? Ask yourself:
Does my child learn best by doing rather than reading or listening?
Am I looking for a more flexible, creative alternative to traditional science workbooks?
Would hands-on experiments, art, and nature exploration help bring our science lessons to life?
Do I want to combine science with other subjects like reading, writing, and art?
If you're nodding along, a hands-on, unit study approach might be just what your homeschool needs!
Whether you're mixing up oobleck, modeling the water cycle, or reading about desert creatures, a hands-on science unit study helps make learning stick—and makes homeschooling a whole lot more fun.
Elizabeth is a former public school teacher turned homeschool mom. She's been homeschooling for six years with her kiddos who are currently in kindergarten and third grade. At Knowledge Crates, Elizabeth develops the elementary unit studies and test-runs activities with her kids.
What is the best homeschool science curriculum for elementary?
The best homeschool science curriculum for elementary learners is one that matches your child’s learning style and your teaching preferences. Many families love hands-on, open-ended programs that include experiments, real-world exploration, and minimal prep. Popular options include unit studies, literature-based science, and kit-based programs.
Do I need a formal curriculum to teach science at home?
Nope! You can teach science effectively using a mix of books, experiments, nature study, and everyday observations. Many families skip formal curriculum altogether in favor of hands-on learning and still meet state requirements.
What makes a good homeschool science curriculum?
A good science curriculum should be engaging, age-appropriate, and flexible. Look for programs that include clear instructions, a variety of topics (like life, earth, and physical science), and opportunities for hands-on learning.
What are some hands-on science options for homeschoolers?
Hands-on options include science kits, unit studies, nature journals, and activity-based programs. These help kids understand and remember concepts better by doing rather than just reading or watching.
Is there a homeschool science kit that includes everything?
Yes! Knowledge Crates offers open-and-go homeschool science units that include 20+ activities, all materials (down to the scissors and paint), themed fiction and nonfiction books, a suggested pacing guide, and optional state standards for reporting. It’s a complete, stress-free way to cover science at home.
