The Best Kindergarten Science Curriculum

Only 36% of U.S. fourth graders performed at or above “Proficient” in science on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which means most children reach the upper elementary years without strong, durable science mastery. That gap does not begin in fourth grade. It begins early, when science is often crowded out by reading and math, and when “science time” can quietly turn into disconnected crafts or one off experiments that do not build real understanding. Parents feel that tension in kindergarten: you want to protect your child’s natural curiosity, but you also want science that is accurate, coherent, and worth the time it takes to set up. To find the best kindergarten science programs, we reviewed widely used homeschool curricula and supplements, read sample lessons closely, and prioritized resources that are secular, scientifically accurate, engaging, mastery based, and aligned with NGSS expectations for early elementary science.

For most kindergarteners, Blossom & Root Kindergarten Science Unit (Level 0) is our top pick because it blends nature study, strong read alouds, and a gentle weekly rhythm that builds scientific thinking without requiring a complicated lab setup. It is an ideal fit for families who want a screen free science plan they can do together a few days per week. The main drawback is that it is parent led and requires light prep and printing, which is why we also recommend alternatives for families who want a monthly kit, a free option, or more structured, sequential science.

How we vetted

We look for kindergarten science resources that do more than entertain. A strong program helps children notice patterns, ask questions, try simple investigations, and explain what they observed using age appropriate language. In our review process, we start by screening out programs that present science through a religious lens or include scientific errors. Then we review scope and sequence to see whether topics build logically across the year, and we read sample lessons to evaluate clarity, teacher guidance, and the quality of the activities. We also assess how realistic the materials and prep requirements are for a typical home, because even a wonderful curriculum fails if it is too complicated to use consistently. Finally, we cross check each option against kindergarten NGSS themes and practices to ensure families are not just “doing fun science,” but developing the foundations of real scientific reasoning.

• Secular. We prioritize non religious programs that present science as science and do not avoid mainstream scientific topics as students progress, including evolution and climate science when they appear later in the sequence.
• Scientifically accurate. We look for explanations and demonstrations that match scientific consensus, use correct terminology, and avoid misleading shortcuts.
• Engaging. We favor resources that keep children eager to participate through meaningful questions, vivid presentation, and activities that feel purposeful.
• Mastery based. We prefer programs that build concepts step by step, revisit key ideas, and ask children to explain what they noticed instead of rushing through topics.
• NGSS aligned. We check for coverage of kindergarten science practices and core themes such as patterns in weather, needs of living things, and simple pushes and pulls.

Our top choice overall: Blossom & Root Kindergarten Science Unit (Level 0)

Blossom & Root Kindergarten Science Unit (Level 0) is a gentle, imaginative kindergarten plan that uses literature, nature study, and simple investigations to build real scientific thinking in a developmentally appropriate way. Although Level 0 is a broader kindergarten curriculum, many families use its science and nature components as a complete science plan, especially if they already have separate reading and math. What differentiates it is the weekly rhythm: science is not a random collection of activities, but a coherent sequence of observations, questions, experiments, and simple recording through drawings and discussion. Parents often appreciate that it feels calm and meaningful, not loud and chaotic, and that it can be done with common household materials and library books. The digital download is typically about $67, and the value is strong because it is reusable and does not require expensive lab kits. The main limitation is that it is not independent and it does not provide formal testing, so families who want a more structured, teacher scripted course may prefer a different option.

What parents like

Parents tend to choose this program because it protects a child’s curiosity while still building real scientific habits. They also like that it feels coherent and doable week after week, rather than overwhelming.

• The weekly structure helps science feel consistent and meaningful instead of sporadic.
• The nature and literature based approach keeps many children genuinely excited to participate.
• The activities build observation and explanation skills rather than focusing only on crafts.
• The resource uses common materials and library friendly book lists, which keeps costs manageable.
• The program is flexible enough to use a few days per week without losing the thread of learning.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

The most common frustrations are about logistics rather than quality. This is a strong option, but it is not a fully open and go boxed kit.

• The program requires printing and light weekly preparation, which can be inconvenient for busy families.
• It is parent led, so children cannot complete most lessons independently.
• Families who want formal quizzes or clearly graded assessments may find it too gentle.
• Some parents prefer a more traditional scope and sequence that mirrors school pacing and terminology.
• Book sourcing can take planning if your library system has limited availability.

Alternatives to Blossom & Root Kindergarten Science Unit (Level 0) for different families

Real Science Odyssey Life Level One

Real Science Odyssey Life Level One is a secular, project based, sequential life science program that many families use when they want science to feel more like a true course, with topics that build across the year and labs that reinforce what students are learning. It differentiates itself by treating science as inquiry, with modeling, hands on investigations, and clear vocabulary used in context. It is an ideal fit for families who want a more structured science spine, enjoy doing experiments together, and want a resource they can reuse across multiple children. It is not a great fit for families seeking very short, lightweight lessons or for children who become frustrated by longer explanations without adult support. Parents often like that it feels serious and thorough, and they appreciate the built in lab culture. Common frustrations include supply gathering and the amount of facilitation required. The core text is typically about $87.99, and the value is strong if you want a full, reusable program and are willing to invest time in the labs.

What parents like

• The lessons build in a logical sequence, so science feels like a connected story rather than isolated activities.
• The labs and models help children learn by doing and remembering what they explored.
• The program is explicitly secular and grounded in scientific inquiry.
• Many families can reuse the curriculum with younger siblings, which improves long term value.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• Lab supplies require planning, and some families need a dedicated day and workspace for experiments.
• The program is parent facilitated, so it does not function as an independent option for most kindergarteners.
• Some children need lessons broken into shorter segments to stay focused and successful.
• Families who want a minimal prep plan may find the investigations too involved.

KiwiCo

KiwiCo is a hands on STEM subscription that families often choose when they want science and engineering projects to arrive with the materials already organized. It differentiates itself with well designed builds and clear directions, which reduces the parent burden of planning and shopping. It is an ideal fit for families who want a predictable “science project day,” children who enjoy building and testing, and households that need science to be convenient to happen consistently. It is not a great fit if you want a coherent, year long science scope and sequence, since the crates are designed as engaging standalone projects rather than a full curriculum. Parents often like the quality of the materials and the excitement of receiving a box in the mail, while frustrations tend to center on cost and the need to connect projects to bigger scientific ideas through conversation. Pricing varies by crate and subscription length, but many families should expect roughly $20 to $35 per month, which can be a strong value when convenience is the primary barrier to doing science.

What parents like

• The kits reduce planning time because most materials and instructions are included.
• The projects often keep children engaged through building, testing, and iteration.
• The subscription routine helps science happen regularly in busy weeks.
• Many families report that children feel proud showing a finished project they built themselves.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• The crates are not a complete kindergarten science curriculum with a planned scope and sequence.
• Costs can add up across a full year if you subscribe continuously.
• Some children need adult help for assembly and troubleshooting, especially at the younger end.
• Parents often need to add discussion questions to connect each build to the underlying science.

Green Kid Crafts

Green Kid Crafts is a monthly STEAM subscription designed to blend science with creative making, which can be especially effective for kindergarten because young children often learn best when ideas are tied to tangible projects. What differentiates it is the combination of science concepts and craft oriented execution, so children get a clear “do something” endpoint while still exploring a real topic. It is an ideal fit for families who want a fun, guided activity that feels like a special project day, and for parents who want reliable structure without designing lessons from scratch. It is not a great fit if you want deep scientific explanations, a year long curriculum sequence, or a plan with formal assessments. Parents often like the convenience and kid appeal, while frustrations tend to involve ongoing subscription costs and occasional mess. Pricing is typically about $33.95 per box for a month to month plan, with lower per box prices on longer subscriptions, and the value is best when the kit replaces the need to source and plan activities yourself.

What parents like

• The projects feel special and motivating, which can help science become a consistent routine.
• Materials are included, which reduces shopping and planning time for parents.
• The blend of science and crafts can help young children stay focused and finish successfully.
• Longer subscription options can lower the per box cost for families who want consistency.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• The kits do not provide a comprehensive scope and sequence for a full year of kindergarten science.
• Some activities involve glue, paint, or small parts that require setup and cleanup.
• Families seeking deeper explanations may need to add books and conversation to extend learning.
• The monthly cost may not fit every budget when combined with other curricula.

Mel Science STEM experiments for kids

Mel Science STEM experiments for kids is a subscription kit built around hands on projects supported by app guided video instructions and digital experiences. Its biggest differentiator is the instruction layer: instead of relying on a parent to interpret a worksheet, the program uses guided media to walk children through steps and help them see what is happening. It is an ideal fit for families who want the convenience of a kit, enjoy structured demonstrations, and have a child who stays engaged when learning is supported with clear visuals. It is not a great fit for families who are minimizing screen exposure, or for households that want science to be primarily book based and discussion based. Parents often like that the kits feel polished and that materials arrive consistently, while frustrations tend to include subscription cost and the need for adult oversight with procedures. Subscriptions generally start around $29.90 per month, and the value is strongest when the program replaces parent planning and helps a child stay excited about science through well produced guidance.

What parents like

• The app guided instructions can make the steps clearer than written directions alone.
• The kits lower the barrier to doing science consistently because projects arrive ready to use.
• Many children stay engaged because the projects are concrete and visually interesting.
• The subscription model provides a steady flow of science activities across the year.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• The experience includes screen based guidance, which some families prefer to avoid in kindergarten.
• Subscription costs can be significant when used month after month.
• Adult supervision is still important for setup, safety, and cleanup.
• Families often need to add discussion to connect each project to broader concepts.

Khan Academy Science

Khan Academy Science is the best free option on this list for families who want simple, trustworthy explanations available on demand. For kindergarten, it works best as an occasional supplement, such as previewing a topic, reinforcing vocabulary after a nature walk, or giving a quick explanation when a child asks a question you want to answer clearly. It differentiates itself with short lessons and a huge library, so parents can easily find a concept without purchasing another curriculum. It is an ideal fit for families on a tight budget and for parents who want a low pressure way to add science without prep. It is not a great fit as a complete kindergarten science plan because it does not provide a hands on investigation sequence, and young children typically need adult support to engage productively with videos. Parents like the clarity and the fact that it is free, while the most common frustration is that children can become passive watchers without follow up activities. Cost is $0, and the value is excellent when used intentionally as a supplement alongside real world exploration.

What parents like

• The resource is free, so families can add it without increasing their curriculum budget.
• Short explanations can help parents answer science questions quickly and accurately.
• It is easy to use for targeted review after a hands on activity or reading.
• The library spans many topics, so it remains useful as children grow.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• It does not provide a full kindergarten science scope and sequence with hands on investigations.
• Young children often need adult support to engage actively instead of watching passively.
• Screen based learning can be tiring if overused in early childhood.
• Families may need to add real world activities to make concepts stick.

Wild Kratts World Adventure App

Wild Kratts World Adventure App is an educational game that channels a child’s enthusiasm for animals into practice with habitats, adaptations, and basic ecological facts. Its key differentiator is motivation: children who love Wild Kratts often engage willingly, which can make it a useful bridge when science time is hard to start. It is an ideal fit for families who want a low cost, low prep way to reinforce animal science vocabulary, especially on days when outdoor time is limited. It is not a great fit as a core kindergarten science program because it is screen based and it prioritizes review and recall through gameplay rather than hands on investigation and explanation. Parents typically like that it feels more purposeful than random screen time, while frustrations can include device based coordination challenges and the need to balance screen use. The app is usually a one time purchase around $3.99, and the value is strong when it replaces less educational screen habits and prompts real conversations about animals and ecosystems.

What parents like

• The app often motivates reluctant participants because it connects to a familiar, loved series.
• It reinforces animal and habitat facts in a playful, memorable way.
• The one time purchase cost is low compared with many subscriptions.
• It can spark questions that lead to books, nature walks, and richer learning.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• It is not a full science curriculum with investigations, experiments, and documentation.
• Some children become focused on winning the game rather than absorbing science content.
• Device based controls can frustrate younger children with developing coordination.
• Families who are limiting screen time may prefer offline options.

NGSS science standards for kindergarten

Kindergarten NGSS expectations focus on building scientific habits, not memorizing a long list of facts. A strong kindergarten science plan typically supports children in noticing patterns, asking questions, testing simple ideas, and communicating what they found through drawings and simple explanations, often in these areas:

• Observing and describing patterns in local weather over time.
• Using observations to explain what plants and animals need to live and grow.
• Exploring pushes and pulls by comparing how different strengths or directions change motion.
• Using simple models, pictures, or objects to represent how living things meet needs in different places.
• Sharing findings through conversation, labeled drawings, or short, dictated sentences.

What's the point of science? How to convince your kid to learn science

For kindergarteners, science is not a subject to “get through.” It is a way of paying attention to the real world. When children learn to notice patterns, ask questions, and describe what they see, they are building the foundation for later reading comprehension, reasoning, and problem solving. The best motivation strategy at this age is to connect science to what your child already cares about. If they love bugs, do bug science. If they love weather, become a cloud watcher. If they love building, do simple tests with ramps, blocks, and different materials.

Keep science small and consistent. A ten minute nature walk, a quick sink or float test, or a simple “what do plants need” observation is enough when you return to it regularly and ask good questions. Encourage your child to explain, not just to answer. Ask, “What did you notice?” and “How do you know?” When science feels like curiosity plus competence, most kindergarteners participate willingly, and the habit lasts.

Further reading

If you want a broader view of what separates strong science resources from shallow ones, read The Best Secular Science Programs for Homeschoolers, which explains common curriculum formats and what to look for in scientifically accurate, secular instruction. If you are trying to decide whether to slow down for deeper understanding or move on for variety, So what’s the big deal about Mastery Learning? offers a practical framework for pacing. If you want trustworthy science videos and demonstrations to use selectively, 200 Amazing Educational YouTube Channels includes many strong options for young children with adult guidance. If you want help building a complete homeschool plan that fits your family, Modulo’s Free Curriculum Planner can help you compare programs and map out a realistic weekly routine.

About your guide

Manisha Snoyer, CEO and co founder of Modulo, wrote this kindergarten science guide. Over more than 20 years of teaching in three countries, she has worked with more than 2,000 children across public schools, private schools, and alternative programs, giving her a practical lens on what actually helps young children build scientific thinking. She graduated summa cum laude from Brandeis University with degrees in French Literature and American Studies, and she minored in Environmental Studies, which supports careful vetting of nature, earth science, and climate related content. She founded CottageClass, an early microschool marketplace, and co founded SchoolClosures.org with Eric Ries to support families during pandemic shutdowns. She also leads Masteryhour.org, a free online tutoring program listed in Stanford’s National Student Support Accelerator database. At Modulo, her work includes reviewing curricula, interviewing founders, and helping families choose secular, evidence based resources that are engaging, accurate, and realistic to use at home.

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