Things to Look for in a Science Curriculum for K-6
Choosing a science curriculum for elementary-aged students can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you find one that truly engages your child, fosters a love of learning, and adapts to your homeschool’s unique rhythm?
Science at this stage isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about building curiosity, encouraging exploration, and helping kids understand the world around them. The right curriculum should make science come alive, not feel like another subject to check off a list.
After trying multiple science programs over the years, we’ve learned what really matters when choosing a K-6 curriculum. Here are the key things to look for—and a curriculum that exceeded our expectations in every way.
This article is sponsored by Berean Builders. All opinions and experiences are my own.
1. A Curriculum That Engages, Not Overwhelms
One of the biggest mistakes we made in the past was choosing a curriculum that was too rigid, too dense, or simply too dry.
Young learners thrive on discovery and hands-on learning, so a curriculum that reads like a college textbook is a fast track to frustration for both kids and parents!
Instead, look for a curriculum that balances structured learning with hands-on experiences. Lessons should be informative but also engaging, so kids don’t just retain the information—they get excited about it.
What to look for:
- Engaging writing that sparks curiosity
- Hands-on activities that reinforce learning
- A balance of structured lessons and flexibility
2. Hands-On Experiments That Make Science Click
A truly great K-6 science curriculum won’t just tell kids about scientific concepts—it will show them.
Experiments are where the magic happens.
Kids learn best when they can see, touch, and experience science in action. The more interactive a curriculum is, the more likely your child is to remember (and enjoy!) what they’re learning.
One curriculum that absolutely nailed this was Berean Builder’s Science in the Industrial Age by Dr. Jay L. Wile. The hands-on experiments are woven into the lessons in a way that feels completely natural, making it easy to reinforce learning through experience.
I especially loved how the experiments were in the middle of the lesson instead of thrown in at the end. Not having to go find experiments that fit the lessons was also so, so helpful!
Our Favorite Experiments from the Curriculum
- The Depth Perception Activity – This one was so much fun! We got to see firsthand how our eyes work together to judge depth, and it completely changed the way we think about vision. It was a simple experiment, but it stuck with us in a way no textbook explanation ever could. It was also easy to weave it into everyday life when we were driving!
- Optical Illusions Exploration – The curriculum includes a fun activity on optical illusions, which led us down a rabbit hole of discovery. We spent the whole day looking up different optical illusions, trying new ones, and discussing how our brains process images. That’s the kind of spontaneous learning experience that makes homeschooling so rewarding!
What to look for:
- A curriculum that integrates experiments into lessons
- Activities that are simple but effective in demonstrating concepts
- Hands-on learning that naturally sparks curiosity
3. Flexibility to Fit Your Homeschool Style
Every homeschool family is different—so a science curriculum should allow for flexibility in both pace and structure. Some kids love science and want to do a lesson every day, while others benefit from a more relaxed approach. The best curriculums acknowledge this and give parents the freedom to adapt.
One of the things we loved about Science in the Industrial Age is how easy it is to tailor to your schedule. Dr. Wile suggests teaching science every other day, but if your homeschool flows better with twice-a-week lessons, that works too! You can even slow down or speed up depending on your child’s interest level.
What to look for:
- A curriculum that allows flexibility in scheduling
- Options to adjust pace based on your child’s learning needs
- The ability to explore topics in greater depth when interest is high
4. A Curriculum That Grows With Your Child
When choosing a science curriculum, it’s important to think long-term. Does it lay a solid foundation for deeper scientific learning? Does it encourage critical thinking and exploration?
Science in the Industrial Age excels here, too. Not only does it introduce fascinating scientific discoveries in historical context, but it also prompts discussions that extend beyond the textbook.
We found ourselves asking questions, looking up additional information, and engaging in genuine scientific discussions—something that rarely happens with standard textbooks!
What to look for:
- A curriculum that builds a strong foundation for future learning
- Content that encourages curiosity and further exploration
- A program that prepares students for more advanced scientific thinking
Our Top Pick: Science in the Industrial Age
After trying several different science curriculums for elementary ages, Berean Builders’ Science in the Industrial Age by Dr. Jay L. Wile is hands-down one of our favorites.
It checks every box:
- Engaging, well-written lessons that make science feel like a story rather than a chore
- Integrated hands-on experiments that bring concepts to life
- Flexibility in scheduling so you can tailor science to your homeschool needs
- A deep, discussion-based approach that prompts real exploration and curiosity
If you’re looking for a comprehensive science curriculum for your elementary-age learners that fits every homeschool and learning style, this is the one we recommend. It’s made an enormous difference in how we approach science, and we’re so grateful for the way it has transformed our learning experience.
You can check it out here: Berean Builders’ Science in the Industrial Age by Dr. Jay L. Wile
A Curriculum Game-Changer
Choosing a science curriculum doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on engagement, hands-on learning, flexibility, and long-term growth, you can find a program that not only teaches science but also inspires a love for learning.
For us, Science in the Industrial Age was a game-changer. Whether your child is a budding scientist or a reluctant learner, this curriculum adapts to your family’s unique needs—making science an adventure rather than an obligation.
Ready to bring science to life in your homeschool? Check out Science in the Industrial Age here!
