Alternatives To Public School
When Public School Is Failing
Social Studies, History, and Geography
Are you unhappy with the curriculum or lesson plans that your child is learning in school? You’re not alone! There are thousands of parents around the country who feel the exact same way as you do. During the COVID Pandemic, many parents were able to see first hand what their children were learning in school and stood up at school board meetings across the country to make their voices heard. The first thing that many parents became aware of was the 1619 Project and BLM propaganda being pushed into the curriculum.
Concerns that have been raised about the 1619 Project and BLM in classrooms:
- I Helped Fact Check the 1619 Project. The Times Ignored Me. Politico
- A Divisive, Historically Dubious Curriculum, City Journal
- The New York Times’ Correction To The 1619 Project Proves It Is Not Fit For Schools, The Federalist
- Curriculum based on New York Times’ wildly wrong ‘1619 Project’ would be educational malpractice, New York Post
- The ‘1619 Project’ Gets Schooled, Wall Street Journal
- What Happens When a Slogan Becomes the Curriculum, The Atlantic
- Black Lives Matter Comes to the Classroom, City Journal
Here are a few options you can present to your school board to include in the curriculum in place of the 1619 Project and BLM. These options are more comprehensive and much less divisive. You can also use these resources if you plan to homeschool. Almost all these resources are completely free.
1776 Unites, The Woodson Center
The 1776 Unites curriculum offers authentic, inspiring stories from American history that show what is best in our national character and what our freedom makes possible even in the most difficult circumstances. 1776 Unites maintains a special focus on stories that celebrate black excellence, reject victimhood culture, and showcase African-Americans who have prospered by embracing America’s founding ideals.
Teaching American History, The Ashbrook Center
Teaching American History helps teachers bring the documents and debates of America’s past into the present through document based seminars, document collections, a web based document library, and other resources.
Curricula, Bill of Rights Institute
The Bill of Rights Institute provides quality, primary-source based resources to civics educators for U.S. history, civics, and government teachers. All resources are free of charge.
IZZIT.org, Free to Choose Network
We offer no-cost, high-quality educational materials to educators: teachers, homeschoolers, parents, grandparents, scout troop leaders – to anyone interested in learning/teaching! Our entertaining & educational videos come with tons of additional resources – Teachers’ Guides, activities, quizzes, and much more! We also offer Current Events lessons – two each school day with vocabulary words and discussion questions.
1776 Curriculum, Hillsdale College
The Hillsdale 1776 Curriculum determines what students should learn in history and civics based on the answers to a single question: What ideas, words, and deeds have most significantly formed the world into which students were born? Studying the answers to this question provides students the fullest understanding of the world in which they will live their lives.
What So Proudly We Hail, The Great Hearts Institute
Created by distinguished teacher-scholars Amy Kass and Leon Kass, the What So Proudly We Hail literary-based e-curriculum is a rich source of materials compiled to aid in the classroom instruction of American history, civics, social studies, and language arts. This collection of classic American stories, speeches, and songs is based on the Kasses’ critically acclaimed anthology of the same name. It seeks to educate both hearts and minds about American ideals, American identity and national character, and the virtues and aspirations of our civic life.
Cato Home Study Course, The Cato Institute
When was the last time you were truly energized by ideas? In our WiFi, high def, high res, compressed digital, podcast and video clip era of 24‐hour news channels and sound bites – how can you gain calm perspective and thoughtful understanding? Whatever happened to real thinking?
For that, you can turn to the Cato Home Study Course. It offers you the opportunity to deepen your perspectives, knowledge, and insight through exposure to some of the world’s most compelling thinkers. The growth of human freedom – and with it science, culture, and capitalist prosperity – are examined, explained, and clarified through the works and ideas of some of our civilization’s most brilliant thinkers. Mastering their ideas can make you a more effective advocate of freedom, a more informed and interesting member of your community, and someone more people will turn to for guidance and insights.
The Cato Home Study Course immerses you in the thoughts and views of John Locke, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, James Madison, Adam Smith, Voltaire, John Stuart Mill, Henry David Thoreau, Ayn Rand, F.A. Hayek, Milton Friedman, and others. You are stimulated and surrounded by their ground‐breaking ideas on liberty, justice, property, constitutionalism, free trade, capitalism, toleration, and peace.
The Federalist Society, The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies
The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies maintains a YouTube page with videos on law, the U.S. Constitution, and political philosophy. Principles which it defends include liberty, the separation of powers, and an Originalist interpretation of the Constitution.
Preparing For The Oath, Smithsonian Institute
This website presents videos and activities from the Smithsonian Institution and a study guide for the civics portion of the 2008 U.S. Naturalization test.
This blog provides non-partisan coverage of U.S. Supreme Court cases. A good resource for any educator or student who wants real-time updates and analysis of court decisions.
The national archives are a great resource to research and learn about history, genealogy, and the U.S. government.
Kids In The House, Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
This website is a public service provided by the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives. Their goal is to provide information about the legislative branch that is both educational and fun. They teach lessons on the role of the U.S. House of Representatives and, the legislative process, and its history.
Civic ED, Center For Civic Education
This organization seeks to develop an understanding of the institutions and principles of constitutional democracy among teachers, students, and the general public. They provide eBooks, lesson plans and webinars on civic education.
Interactive Constitution, Constitution Center
This resource provides an annotated, interactive version of the US Constitution and its Amendments. Each major clause of the Constitution includes an essay from the Federalist Society explaining originalist or conservative interpretations of the Constitution, and essay from the American Constitution Society explaining a more liberal approach, and a joint essay by scholars from both groups, establishing common ground regarding the Constitution’s meaning.
Civic Online Reasoning Curriculum, Stanford History Education Group
A product of the Stanford History Education Group, this website features a set of lessons teaching kids about the importance of double-checking claims they see on Wikipedia, Twitter, etc., including distinctions between lateral and vertical research.
Civic Literacy Curriculum, Arizona State University’s Center for Political Thought and Leadership
Arizona State University’s Center for Political Thought and Leadership has designed this resource based on the US Naturalization Test. It includes seven units on topics like the Principles of American Government and Recent American History, each with flashcards and a cumulative quiz. There is also a final test on all seven sections that is 100 questions long.
Video Series on The Declaration of Independence, Jack Miller Center
In this short video series, students can learn about what the Founders meant by equality, liberty, and the role the Declaration of Independence played during the Civil War.
Founding Civics Initiative, Jack Miller Center
We have compiled all of the primary texts our scholars use in our teacher programs. You will find speeches, letters, and written works from influential philosophers, American founders, and other important leaders in American history. In addition to primary texts, we have gathered helpful lesson plans, select videos, and secondary readings.
This online curriculum guide provides five video lessons on free enterprise. Student can engage in essay or discussion questions provided in the curriculum guide after watching the videos. The website also provides various other resources.
Adventure Tales of America (4-10 Grade)
This website offers two downloadable American History textbooks. Volume one covers Exploration to the Civil War, and volume two covers the Gilded Age to the Depression. There is also a teacher’s guide for each book.
An Adventure in Liberty, American Heritage Education Foundation
AHEF’s social studies course, America’s Heritage: An Adventure in Liberty is available through downloadable lesson plans. The course is offered at elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Each lesson is based on at least one of the four main themes of freedom, unity, progress, or responsibility.
This website provides the following social studies courses: Ancient Civilizations & Geography, World History & Geography, and U.S. History & Geography. The material is taught using a combination of online textbooks and videos.
Certell.org offers courses in American history, world history, economics, and government. The courses are taught using an eBook textbook, video clips, and audio files. The teacher’s editions include lessons, assignments, quizzes, and more.
U.S History FlexBook textbooks are available at basic and advanced levels.
This U.S. history curriculum includes an online textbook, downloadable lesson plans, quizzes, student handouts, timelines, primary sources, historical music, and more.
These downloadable fill-in-the-blank worksheets correspond to the Crash Course History videos available on YouTube.
EdX, a nonprofit created by Harvard and MIT, offers a wide variety of courses covering history, geography, government, culture, religions, and more. The length and format vary from course to course, and availability changes periodically. The courses are free to audit, or certificates of completion are also available for a fee.
The material is taught using an online textbook, assignments, and projects. Social studies is offered for grades 6th to 8th. High school courses available include U.S. History, World History, World Geography, and American Government. Several AP courses are also offered. Assessments are not included.
GLOBALMANIA: Master World Geography in 7 Months or Less (3rd - 12th Grade)
This eBook provides a detailed plan for learning world geography.
Heritage History (1st - 12th Grade)
Heritage History offers an extensive online library of classic history books organized by reading level. They also have multiple history study programs available. Each program includes reading, review questions, and other study aids.
Hillsdale College (9th - 12th Grade)
Hillsdale College offers several courses related to history, government, and politics. The courses are taught through video lectures. Quizzes and recommended readings are also included.
The History Cat (7th - 12th Grade)
This website offers online textbooks for World History and U.S. History. Please note that only the textbooks are free. The lesson plans are sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Home Geography for Primary Grades (1st - 4th Grade)
Home Geography, a classic available for download at Gutenberg, provides an introduction to basic geography concepts.
Homeschool Creations Geography (1st - 6th Grade)
Homeschool Creations provides a large collection of country and state notebooking pages and worksheets. Families can research the state or country using books or websites of their choice.
iCivics (6th - 12th Grade)
This civics curriculum has downloadable teacher’s guides, student handouts, and reading materials for each lesson. Some lessons also include PowerPoint presentations and other resources.
Journey With A Destination (6th - 8th Grade)
This website offers World History I and II courses that are taught using YouTube videos. Printable workbooks and answer keys are also included.
Joy And Valor U.S. History (8th - 12th Grade)
U.S. History 1 covers history before the Civil War. U.S. History 2 covers the Civil War to the present. Both courses consist mostly of links to free videos, reading materials, lessons, and other activities. However, there are some books that you’ll need to borrow or purchase. The courses also cover American literature and include composition assignments.
Michigan Open Book Project (K - 12th Grade)
This website offers downloadable textbooks for social studies, history, geography, economics, and civics. The textbooks include links to interactive activities and videos. The books were designed for use in Michigan schools but can be used by homeschoolers in other states.
Modern States (10th - 12th Grade)
Modern States courses prepare students to take College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. Students can earn college credit through CLEP exams while still in high school, making college more accessible and affordable. Several history and government courses are available.
Open Learn (10th - 12th Grade)
OpenLearn offers courses on numerous history topics. The length and format of the classes may vary.
OpenStax (10th - 12th Grade)
OpenStax offers downloadable student textbooks, instructor guides, and other instructor resources for U.S. History and American Government. While these courses are intended for college students, high school students should be able to complete them.
Saylor Academy (10th - 12th Grade)
Saylor Academy is a nonprofit initiative offering courses at the college and professional levels. However, high school students may also take their classes. Saylor offers several history, geography, and political science courses.
Starts At Eight (6th - 8th Grade)
Starts at Eight’s blog post provides the following downloadable textbooks: Journey Across Time from Glencoe, World History: Ancient Civilizations from Houghton Mifflin, Discovering Our Past: Ancient Civilizations from Glencoe, and World History: Human Legacy from Holt.
Student's Friend (8th - 12th Grade)
The Student’s Friend Concise World History textbook is a downloadable textbook that teaches both world history and geography. The Teacher’s Tools page of the website has lesson plans, quizzes, study questions, and other support materials.
Systems - Based Learning (8th - 12th Grade)
Marion Brady wrote the following downloadable textbooks: Introduction to Systems, Investigating American History, Investigating World History, Investigating World Cultures, and Civic Systems.
U Read Through History (K - 8th Grade)
Semester-long lesson plans are offered for each of the following topics: Early American History, Revolutionary War, Westward Expansion, Civil War Era, Post Civil War Era, Ancient Mesopotamia/Egypt, Ancient Greece & Ancient Rome, Dark & Middle Ages, Renaissance & Reformation, and Enlightenment. It will be necessary to purchase or borrow the required books.
Under The Home (1st - 5th Grade)
Under the home offers courses covering geography, US history, and world history. The courses are based on classic books in the public domain. Most of the courses include a printable workbook.
US History (9th - 12th Grade)
UShistory.org offers the following downloadable textbooks: U.S. History, American Government, and Ancient Civilizations.
World History For Us All (8th - 12th Grade)
This course teaches nine eras of world history, chronologically in one school year. The materials are presented through online text and PowerPoint presentations. There are also downloadable complete teaching units.
YAPA Kids (1st - 8th Grade)
YAPA Kids provides free online courses taught by live teachers. The courses available may change, and some have a waitlist.
Free History Unit Studies and Lesson Plans
This extensive selection of unit study and lesson plan sources can be used to create or supplement a history curriculum.
History Websites For Homeschoolers
Students can explore history further with these websites.
Homeschool History With YouTube
Students can learn about history with this selection of engaging YouTube channels.
This page lists printable and online timelines, which can help students understand the chronological flow of historical events.
Explore the world, including many historical sites and museums, through virtual field trips.
Math
If you plan to Homeschool or are wanting to supplement what your kids are learning in school, we have compiled a large resource to help you. Most of these resources are available free. Some may overlap with other subjects as well since some of these websites have a full curriculum available for free.
At Home Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
This website teaches middle school math using free resources from Khan Academy, Math Antics, TecMath, TedEd, and other sources. It organizes these materials into 180 daily lessons.
Comprehensive School Mathematics Program (K - 6th Grade)
Lesson files, worksheets, blackline masters, and storybooks are available for download.
Easy Peasy All-In-One Homeshool (Pre-K - 8th Grade)
Easy Peasy teaches math using a variety of methods and sources, including video lessons and games. The lower grades also include a downloadable workbook.
Easy Peasy All-In-One High School (9th - 12th Grade)
The material is taught using a variety of sources and methods, including video lessons and online textbooks. Courses available are Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Trigonometry/Pre-calculus, and Calculus.
edX (10th - 12th Grade)
EdX, a nonprofit created by Harvard and MIT, offers numerous math courses. The length and format vary from course to course, and availability changes periodically. The courses are free to audit, or certificates of completion are also available for a fee.
Everyday Arithmetic (2nd - 8th Grade)
These vintage textbooks, available for download, were originally published in the early 1900s. Included books are First Year in Numbers (2nd grade), Primary Book (3rd & 4th), Intermediate Book (5th & 6th), Book 3 (7th & 8th), and a teacher’s guide.
Flipped Math (8th - 12th Grade)
Concepts are taught using videos. There are also downloadable note-taking pages and assignments. Courses included are Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, and Pre-calculus. While the curriculum content is free, if you choose to use the assessments, they must be purchased.
Free Math (K - 5th Grade)
Free Math teaches mathematics using online text and downloadable practice worksheets.
The Good And The Beautiful (K - 6th Grade)
This math curriculum includes a printable worktext and hands-on activities. Only the PDFs of this curriculum for grades 1st through 5th are free. Other levels and physical books are available for purchase.
HippoCampus (8th - 12th Grade)
HippoCampus offers Algebra 1 and Developmental Math courses. The courses include an online textbook, video, lectures, and practice problems.
Khan Academy (K - 12th Grade)
Khan Academy uses video-based instruction. Online practice problems, quizzes, and tests are included. Courses covered are K through 8th grade math, Pre-algebra, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Trigonometry Pre-calculus, Calculus, Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, and Statistics. Some AP courses are also offered.
Light And Salt Learning (GED)
Light & Salt Learning’s GED Math Course uses instructional videos and practice problems to teach students math concepts they’ll need for the GED test.
Master Math (6th - 9th Grade)
This is a video-based curriculum with printable worksheets and online quizzes. Courses included are 6th through 8th grade math and Algebra 1.
Match Fish Tank (3rd - 12th Grade)
Match Fish Tank offers 3rd through 8th grade math, Algebra 1 & 2, and Geometry. The downloadable courses include lesson plans, student worksheets, tests, and answer keys.
Math Is Fun (Pre-k - 12th Grade)
This website offers Pre-K through 8th grade math, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Statistics, and Calculus. Lessons include online text and practice problems. Some lessons also include videos, games, or other interactive components.
Math And You (9th - 12th Grade)
Math & YOU is an online consumer math textbook that integrates mathematics with lessons about history, science, finance, pop culture, and other topics. The course’s focus is on math that is relevant to the student’s everyday life.
Mathematics Enhancement Programme (K - 9th Grade)
MEP was created for use in UK schools but is also used by homeschoolers worldwide. Lesson plans, copy masters, practice books, and answer keys are available for download.
Miniature Masterminds (Pre-K - 2nd Grade)
Miniature Masterminds offers downloadable full-year workbooks, which you can find here: kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade. They also offer many shorter themed workbooks for Pre-K through 2nd grade.
Modern States (10th - 12th Grade)
Modern States courses prepare students to take College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. Students can earn college credit through CLEP exams while still in high school, making college more accessible and affordable. There are courses available for precalculus, calculus, college mathematics, and college algebra.
Number Stories (K to 1st)
These classic books use a storybook format to teach early math skills. Book 1 and Book 2 are both available for download.
Olney's Primary Arithmetic (1st - 4th Grade)
Cynce’s Place has made these vintage textbooks, which are now available in the public domain, into downloadable workbooks. Part I is for 1st and 2nd grades and Part II is for 3rd and 4th grades. There is also a teacher’s manual.
OpenStax (9th - 12th Grade)
OpenStax offers downloadable student textbooks, instructor guides, and other instructor resources for Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, Algebra & Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus Volumes 1 to 3, Introductory Statistics, and Introductory Business Statistics. While most of these courses are intended for college students, motivated high school students may be able to complete them.
Plain And Not So Plain (2nd - 9th Grade)
These math courses are taught using downloadable workbooks.
Parallel Alternative Strategies For Students: Consumer Math (9th - 12th Grade)
This course covers budgeting, banking, borrowing, housing, taxes, investing, retirement, and more using a downloadable workbook and teacher’s guide. While it’s designed for special needs students, other students may use it as well.
Ray's Arithmetic (1st - 11th Grade)
These vintage textbooks, available for download, were published in the 1870s and 1880s. Included books are Ray’s New Primary Arithmetic (1st to 2nd grade), Ray’s New Intellectual Arithmetic (3rd to 4th), Ray’s New Practical Arithmetic (5th to 6th), Ray’s New Higher Arithmetic (7th to 8th), Ray’s New Geometry and Trigonometry (9th to 10th), Ray’s New Elementary Algebra (9th to 10th), and Ray’s New Higher Algebra (11th).
Saylor Academy (10th - 12th Grade)
Saylor Academy is a nonprofit initiative offering courses at the college and professional levels. However, high school students may also take their classes. Saylor provides College Algebra, Calculus I, Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning, Introduction to Statistics, Foundations of Real World Math, Algebra, and Geometry courses.
School Yourself (8th - 12th Grade)
School Yourself teaches math through interactive video lessons with personalized learning paths. Subjects included are Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Statistics.
Siyavula Textbooks (7th - 12th Grade)
These downloadable textbooks follow the South African school syllabus, but can likely be used by residents of other countries too. Only grades 10th through 12th currently have a teacher’s guide available.
ST Math (Pre-K - 8th Grade)
ST Math teaches a conceptual understanding of math through the use of interactive math puzzles. This program can be used as a standalone math curriculum or as a supplement to another curriculum. ST Math is free to homeschoolers through June 30, 2023.
Ukukwonda Math Textbooks (4th - 6th Grade)
The Ukuqonda Foundation created these downloadable textbooks and teachers guides. The courses follow the South African syllabus, but they can likely be used by residents of other countries as well.
Under The Home (K - 4th Grade)
Under the Home’s math courses are based on the classic textbooks, The Eclectic Manual of Methods and Ray’s Arithmetic. Printable workbooks are included.
Utah Math Project (6th - 8th Grade)
A downloadable student workbook and parent edition are available for each grade. Please be aware that while the parent edition offers detailed explanations, solutions are only provided for select problems. The books were designed for use in Utah schools, but can be used by homeschoolers in other states.
Zearn Math (K - 5th Grade)
This curriculum teaches math through videos, interactive digital lessons, and practice problems. To create your free account, sign up as an adult and then add your students.
Free Math Resources (K - 12th Grade)
This page lists additional free resources that can be used to supplement any math curriculum. There are worksheets, workbooks, online practice, videos, games, online graphing calculators, and more.
This resource helps children learn how to improve their multiplication skills.
This online platform helps children (ages 3-12) develop math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
The program is free to students, parents, and teachers due to COVID-19. Students (grades 1-6) can improve their math skills on this online platform.
University of Waterloo Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC)
Here students (grades 4-12) can gain access to free online games and projects. Content is regularly updated by faculty and retired teaching staff.
Purchasing access to this online resource helps students (grades K-8) hone their math skills by earning badges.
This resources can help students to hone their math skills with quizzes and games. The platform is providing free access to their resources on ACT, ISEE, SAT preparation and its materials for grades 4-11 during the COVID-19 crisis.
To help students improve their math skills, this online platform is now offering free access to their math and science games for the rest of the school year. There are more than 2,000 games available.
Students can engage in lessons, hands on projects, and videos about mathematics.
This online platform offers free math games helping students hone skills like multiplication, division, and addition and subtraction.
This online resource is offering a 30 day trial to more than 500 math activities. Parents can track student progress and test scores.
Students in grades 1-3 can learn about math, measurements, and more. The platform has online games that students can use to improve the understanding of mathematics.
This resource helps 1-12 student supplement their math learning. The online platform walks students through particular assignments to help them improve their math skills.
A free online platform to help 1-8 grade students learn math.
An online math learning program that aims to support teaching, homework, and lessons. The program offers 7 days of complimentary access.
Carnegie Learning: Long Live Math
Carnegie Learning accumulated various math learning resources to help families find additional math resources (specifically grades 6-12). They also are providing free access to their online math coaching resource, MATHia.
Science
We have tried to compile a good list of extra Science resources. You can use them to enhance current school curriculum or use them for Homeschooling.
This platform shows students how to perform various DIY experiments at home. Experiments include making a parachute, catapult, a solar cooker, and more.
This platform provides videos and other learning resources about animals and the environments they live in across the globe.
Students can use this online resource to access videos, and articles about chemistry for free. Usually used as a supplemental resource by teachers, this material is a great way to help students interested in science remain engaged in their studies.
Purchasing a membership to Backpack Sciences provides access to videos and lesson plans for teachers and homeschooling parents.
At 10 am PDT during weekdays, the center streams live science experiments for children that can be done with household supplies.
With schools closed across the country this online platform is making its website free to all visitors through the end of June and making current digital editions of its magazines free for the next few months.
Students can explore the planet Mars this this online platform with 360° views.
Students can learn about birds through DIY activities and how to identify birds in their backyard.
The San Francisco museum’s website provides children with access to online learning materials so they can continue to learn about science remotely.
Here students can access free resources and publications as they learn more about anatomy.
Students learn from a variety of free STEM based lessons and activities. The platform also provides access to virtual field trips.
The online platform offers more than 200 STEM free lessons to high school students. It also offers information about the ongoing pandemic. There is also material appropriate for younger students as well.
Students can use this website to learn more about science. The tools include videos and experiments to help students learn.
This online resource is providing simulations of experiments for high school districts for free. Students can learn about biology, chemistry, and more.
The platform gives students free online projects and lessons. Each lesson includes a video to help guide students. The program is STEM based, and also includes additional resources that families can use to supplement student learning.
Students can use these free online lessons to do hands-on, DIY science projects. They can also access free webinars (MEL Academy) where teachers explain science lessons and experiments.
Students can visit the aquarium virtually. At 10 am students can enjoy a STEM based lesson, and at 1 pm they can participate in a Family Nature Challenge.
An online resource that engages students with videos and projects.
The institution provide online activities and resources for learners. The Learning Lab, in particular provides access to more than a million resources that can be tailored to improve the student experience.
In partnership with Peanuts, The Space Foundation created 10 free lesson plans in its “ongoing quest to catalyze the next generation of space explorers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.”
ACS Middle School Chemistry (6th - 8th Grade)
This course is taught using a downloadable textbook.
At Home Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
This website teaches life, earth, and physical sciences using CK-12’s free online textbooks. They divide the textbook into 180 daily assignments.
CK 12 (K - 12th Grade)
Flexbook textbooks are available for kindergarten through 5th grade science. Middle school and high school Flexbooks offered are Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy.
CPO Science (6th - 8th Grade)
Focus on Earth Science, Focus on Life Science, and Focus on Physical Science textbooks are available for download.
Easy Peasy All-In-One Homeshool (Pre-K - 8th Grade)
Courses are taught using a variety of online sources. Courses offered are Zoology, Biology, Earth Science, and Chemistry/Physics. Each course is available at two levels.
Easy Peasy All-In-One High School (9th - 12th Grade)
Courses are taught using a variety of online sources and printable worksheets. Courses offered are Oceanography, Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics, and Forensics.
edX (10th - 12th Grade)
EdX, a nonprofit created by Harvard and MIT, offers a wide variety of science courses, including anatomy, chemistry, biology, medicine, earth science, and more. The length and format vary from course to course, and availability changes periodically. The courses are free to audit, or certificates of completion are also available for a fee.
Forensics Illustrated (9th - 12th Grade)
This forensic science course includes an online textbook, PowerPoint presentations, practice worksheets, projects, tests, labs, and answer keys.
Guest Hollow's Biology (9th - 12th Grade)
Guest Hollow’s Biology includes a free textbook (which can be accessed online or downloaded), a workbook, answer key, Bible/creation study, labs, and links to videos among other resources.
Khan Academy (9th - 12th Grade)
Lessons are taught using videos. Some courses also include online practice questions and tests. Courses include Physics, Cosmology & Astronomy, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Health & Medicine. Several AP courses are also available.
Marvelous Exploration Through Science And Stories (MESS) (Pre-K - K)
The MESS curriculum is made up of 10 month-long downloadable units. Each unit includes science experiences, suggestions for ways to integrate the topic across the curriculum, and a list of recommended books. If the suggested books aren’t available at your library, you may substitute other books on the topic.
Marine Science 1 (8th - 12th Grade)
This high school marine science course is taught using a downloadable student textbook and teacher’s guide. Chapter questions, lab activities, and unit assessments are included.
Modern States (10th - 12th Grade)
Modern States courses prepare students to take College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. Students can earn college credit through CLEP exams while still in high school, making college more accessible and affordable. Courses are available for natural science, biology, and chemistry.
Mr. Q's Science Class (1st - 6th Grade)
Mr. Q’s Life Science student textbook and parent’s guide are both free to download. Other science courses are available for purchase.
Ms Nucleus (K - 6th Grade)
Online lesson plans, storybooks, slideshows, and activities are provided for each grade.
Old Earth Minitries (6th - 12th Grade)
This organization offers the following courses from an Old Earth Creationism perspective: Geology, Earth History, and Dinosaurs. Each course is one semester in length and is high school level but may be used for advanced middle school students. The material is taught through the use of online text, research questions, quizzes, and tests.
Open Learn (10th - 12th Grade)
OpenLearn offers courses on numerous science topics. The length and formats of the classes may vary.
OpenStax (10th - 12th Grade)
OpenStax offers downloadable student textbooks, instructor guides, and other instructor resources for Anatomy & Physiology, Astronomy, Biology, Concepts of Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, College Physics, and University Physics Volumes 1 to 3. While these courses are intended for college students, motivated high school students may be able to complete some of them.
Parallel Alternative Strategies for Students (9th to 12th)
These downloadable science courses are designed to help students with special needs succeed. Each course includes a student workbook and teacher’s guide. Courses available are Biology, Physical Science, and Earth/Space Science.
Saylor Academy (10th - 12th Grade)
Saylor Academy is a nonprofit initiative offering courses at the college and professional levels. However, high school students may also take their classes. Saylor currently offers chemistry and physics courses.
Science Matters (4th - 6th Grade)
Science Matters provides downloadable inquiry-based science units. The units cover life science, physical science, and earth science.
Siyavula Science Textbooks (4th - 12th Grade)
These downloadable textbooks follow the South African school syllabus, but can likely be used by residents of other countries as well. Textbooks are available for natural science, technology science, physical science, and life science. There is also a teachers guide for each course.
Teach Preschool Science (Pre-K - 1st Grade)
This website provides lesson plans for 75 science-related learning experiences. Each discovery-based lesson also includes extensions to other curriculum areas.
Thunderbolt Kids (4th - 6th Grade)
These online textbooks teach natural science and technology. The books were written for students in South Africa, but homeschoolers around the world may use them too.
Toward A Sustainable Agriculture (9th - 12th Grade)
This online textbook, which was developed by the University of Wisconsin Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, covers sustainable agriculture, field crops, livestock, horticulture, and organic agriculture.
Under The Home (1st - 5th Grade)
Under the Home’s science courses focus on nature study and are based on classic books available in the public domain. Each course includes a printable workbook or field book.
Utah Education Network (3rd - 12th Grade)
UEN offers downloadable textbooks for 3rd through 8th grade science. They also provide earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics for high school. There is a page where you can access online interactive activities for each textbook.
YAPA Kids (1st - 8th Grade)
YAPA Kids provides free online courses taught by live teachers. The courses available may change, and some have a waitlist.
Science Unit Studies, Lesson Plans, and Experiments
This collection of unit studies, lesson plans, and experiment guides can be used to create or supplement a science curriculum.
Science Websites For Homeschoolers
Students can learn more about science with these websites.
Homeschool Science with YouTube
This blog post lists numerous YouTube channels students can use to learn more about a wide variety of science topics.
Virtual Science Labs and Dissections
This blog post lists many resources for virtual science labs, dissections, and simulations.
Explore the world, including many science topics, through virtual field trips.
Christian Liberty Nature Readers (K - 6th Grade)
This series is based on public domain books that can be downloaded online.
Exploring Nature With Your Child (Pre-K - 8th Grade)
This book shows parents how to help their children enjoy and understand nature. It covers plants, animals, weather, stars, and more.
Handbook of Nature Study (K - 12th Grade)
This book is a guide for studying nature with children.
Nature Study: A Pupil's Textbook (2nd - 6th Grade)
This book provides information for a year-long nature study including information, observation through discovery based questions, sketching, and composition.
Nature Study By Grades (1st - 5th Grades)
Nature Study by Grades Volume 1 is for grades 1st through 3rd, and Volume 2 is for 4th and 5th grades. These downloadable books provide information, suggestions for activities, and discussion prompts for numerous nature topics. The books were published in the early 1900s and intended for school use, but many of the suggestions will be useful to today’s home educators.
Our Wonderful World (K - 6th Grade)
The DIY Homeschool has created units to go along with the free nature study eBook, Our Wonderful World. Each unit includes several activities and additional reading.