How to Start Teaching Science in Your Homeschool (Even If You’re Not a Science Person)
How to Start Teaching Science in Your Homeschool might sound like a big challenge—but it’s totally doable. If you feel nervous about teaching science at home, you’re not alone. Many homeschool parents worry they need a lab, a degree, or a strong science background to teach it well. The truth is, you don’t need any of that. With the right approach, you can learn how to teach homeschool science without the overwhelm—no stress, no fancy equipment, just simple, engaging ways to explore science together.
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What You Don’t Need to Teach Science
Let’s clear the air right away: you don’t need a microscope that costs hundreds of dollars, a shelf full of lab chemicals, or a white lab coat (though your kids might love wearing one for fun). Teaching science at home doesn’t have to look like a professional lab setup.
The early grades are all about curiosity and observation. The kitchen counter, your backyard, and a good book are more than enough to fuel scientific discovery.
Key Concepts to Focus on in the Early Years
In the elementary years, science is about asking questions, noticing patterns, and building a basic understanding of the world. You’re laying the groundwork for more complex ideas that come later.
Some foundational skills and concepts include:
- Observation: Noticing what’s around you and describing it.
- Classification: Grouping objects or organisms by shared characteristics.
- Measurement: Using rulers, scales, or thermometers to collect simple data.
- Cause and effect: Asking “What happens if…?” and testing predictions.
- Recording findings: Drawing pictures, writing simple reports, or keeping a science notebook.
You don’t have to teach all the answers—just help your kids explore the questions.
Starter Topics That Kids Love
If you’re unsure where to begin, choose topics that naturally grab a child’s attention. These areas are not only fun but also loaded with learning opportunities:
- Plants: Grow a seed in a jar, explore parts of a flower, or go on a leaf hunt.
- Weather: Track the daily forecast, learn about clouds, or make a simple rain gauge.
- The Human Body: Learn the names of bones, how the heart works, or why we sneeze.
- Animals: Study habitats, classify animals by type, or observe birds and insects in your area.
- The Five Senses: Test what the tongue can taste or how sound travels.
You can explore these topics through stories, crafts, hands-on experiments, and even short documentaries.
Recommended Science Books
There are so many great books to have on hand when you’re teaching science, you’ll need a fantastic science encyclopedia. I like the Usborne one for younger kids up to grade 3 and then the Kingfisher one for grades four and up.
Usborne Science Encyclopedia: An In-depth Guide for Young Scientists Exploring Gravity, Flight, Genes, DNA and More, with Over 180 Video Clips and 1000 Recommended Websites for Further LearningThe Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia: With 80 Interactive Augmented Reality Models! (Kingfisher Encyclopedias)Encyclopedia of ScienceMudpies to Magnets: A Preschool Science CurriculumBy Anita J. Brandolini Fizz, Bubble & Flash!: Element Explorations & Atom Adventures for Hands-On Science Fun! (Williamson Kids Can!) (Paperback) January 3, 2003Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)
Building Confidence If You Feel Unqualified
Feeling unsure is okay—your confidence will grow as you go. Here are some tips to help:
- Learn alongside your child: You don’t have to know it all. Saying “Let’s find out together” teaches curiosity and problem-solving.
- Start simple: There’s no pressure to cover everything. One topic at a time is just fine.
- Use open-and-go resources: Choose curricula or guides that are designed for beginners and don’t assume prior science knowledge.
- Join homeschool groups: Ask others what they’re using and what’s worked for them. Many science-loving parents are happy to share tips and experiments.
I taught homeschool science in my homeschool co-op, but other mothers who loved history and art taught those subjects with such passion and love that I could never have done it their way. We miss our co-op.
Most importantly, remember that your enthusiasm and willingness to learn will make a bigger impact than any fact you might forget.
Recommended Learning Packs
Your kids will enjoy any of these printable science learning packs, add them to any of your science lessons for some learning fun.
Free or Low-Cost Resources for First-Timers
You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a meaningful science experience. Here are some tried-and-true resources:
- Library books: Look for science-themed picture books, nonfiction series, and experiment guides.
- YouTube channels: Try SciShow Kids, Mystery Doug, or Crash Course Kids for engaging video lessons.
- Printables and unit studies: Many blogs, like this one, offer free resources, notebooking pages, and mini-units on specific science topics.
- Simple science kits: Look for basic kits at dollar stores or craft supply shops—think baking soda and vinegar, magnets, or a magnifying glass.
- Local nature walks: Observe the changing seasons, collect leaves, or look for animal tracks.
Even with minimal supplies, you can turn everyday experiences into rich science lessons just by asking questions and encouraging your child to wonder out loud.
You don’t need to be a scientist to spark curiosity. You just need the willingness to explore, observe, and grow alongside your child. Start small, stay curious, and let science be a natural part of your homeschooling rhythm.