The Best 2nd Grade 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 is a warning sign that many children are not building durable scientific understanding in the elementary years. For parents, second grade can feel especially tricky because children are naturally curious, but school science is often inconsistent, vocabulary can replace investigation, and it is hard to find a plan that is both engaging and academically sound without turning your day into a full-time lab setup. To identify the best second-grade science options, we reviewed widely used homeschool curricula and supplements, examined sample lessons for accuracy and clarity, and prioritized resources that are secular, engaging, mastery-based, and aligned with NGSS expectations.

For most second graders, Blossom and Root Second Grade (Science and Nature Study Bundle) is our top pick because it makes science feel joyful and real through nature study, high-quality books, and simple investigations that build observation skills and scientific habits. It is an ideal fit for families who want a gentle, screen-light approach that still feels purposeful. The main drawback is that it is parent-led and requires some book gathering and light prep, which is why we also recommend strong alternatives for families who want a more structured or more independent option.

How we vetted

We look for science resources that help children think like scientists, even in the early grades. In second grade, that means a program should build the habit of noticing, asking questions, making simple predictions, and explaining what happened in clear language. We read sample lessons closely to see whether the science is accurate and age-appropriate, whether activities actually reinforce the concept being taught, and whether the program encourages understanding over busywork. We also evaluate how realistic it is for a normal household, including time, materials, and how much adult facilitation is required. Finally, we check whether a program’s sequence matches the big ideas students are expected to encounter in elementary science, so families can feel confident they are building a strong foundation that will support later biology, Earth science, chemistry, and physics.

• Secular. We prioritize non-religious science resources that teach mainstream science without ideological framing and do not sidestep foundational topics students will encounter later, including evolution and climate science.
• Scientifically accurate. We look for correct explanations, clear terminology, and content that aligns with scientific consensus, without misleading shortcuts or errors.
• Engaging. We favor programs that children genuinely enjoy and want to return to, because attention and curiosity are essential for real learning in the early grades.
• Mastery based. We choose resources that build understanding step by step, revisit important ideas, and give children repeated chances to explain concepts in their own words.
• Aligned with NGSS. We prioritize programs that reflect the kinds of questions, practices, and core topics emphasized in NGSS, including observation, modeling, and evidence-based explanations.

Our top choice overall: Blossom and Root Second Grade (Science and Nature Study Bundle)

Blossom and Root Second Grade (Science and Nature Study Bundle) is a nature-based, literature-rich science plan designed to keep curiosity alive while still building real scientific habits. What sets it apart is the way it blends simple investigations, observation prompts, and gentle science narration into a rhythm that feels doable in a real home. Instead of treating science as a separate, worksheet-driven block, it encourages students to notice patterns in the natural world, keep simple records, and connect what they see to clear explanations. Parents often love that it feels warm and engaging without being “fluffy,” and children typically stay motivated because the work feels like discovery rather than drills. It is not the best fit for families who want a fully independent, open-and-go textbook course with minimal adult involvement. Cost is typically very reasonable for a full digital curriculum, with options that range from a lower-cost science-only purchase (often around $51) to a higher-cost science plus nature study bundle (often around $78), making it a strong value if you want a cohesive plan without recurring subscription fees.

What parents like

Parents choose this program because it feels genuinely enjoyable while still building real scientific thinking. They also like that it supports consistent science without requiring complicated lab supplies.

• The lessons make science feel like discovery, which helps children stay curious and motivated.
• The activities emphasize observation and explanation, so students build strong science habits early.
• The program is flexible enough to fit different schedules without breaking the learning flow.
• The materials feel thoughtfully curated, which reduces decision fatigue for parents.
• The overall approach is a strong value because it can be reused and adapted year to year.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

Most frustrations are about logistics and fit, not quality. This program works best when a parent is willing to facilitate and gather a few resources.

• The program is parent-led, so families wanting a highly independent second-grade option may need a different approach.
• Some families find book gathering and printing more time-consuming than they expected.
• Children who want frequent, highly structured experiments may want a more lab-heavy supplement.
• Because it is gentle and flexible, parents who prefer a rigid daily script may feel they need to make more pacing decisions.

Alternatives to Blossom and Root Second Grade (Science and Nature Study Bundle) for different families

Real Science Odyssey Life Level One

Real Science Odyssey Life Level One is a structured, secular life science curriculum that treats elementary science seriously while still keeping lessons accessible for young students. What differentiates it is its incremental design: concepts build in a clear sequence, and lessons frequently include hands-on investigations that reinforce the idea being taught. Families often choose it when they want a more formal science spine than a nature study approach, or when they need a program that feels closer to “school science” while still being appropriate for homeschool. It is an ideal fit for parents who can facilitate read-aloud science, guide simple labs, and maintain a steady routine. It is not a great fit for families who want minimal prep or who prefer a very gentle, open-ended approach without scheduled investigations. Cost is typically in the higher but still reasonable range for a full curriculum, often around $87.99 (with occasional sales), and it offers strong value if you want an academically coherent program that can carry a full year of science with meaningful activities.

What parents like

• The sequence is clear and organized, which helps parents feel confident about what to teach next.
• The curriculum is secular and emphasizes real scientific reasoning rather than trivia.
• Hands-on investigations reinforce the content instead of feeling like unrelated crafts.
• The program can serve as a complete science spine for families who want structure.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• Labs require planning and supplies, so it is not a zero-prep option.
• The program generally requires active parent facilitation, which can be hard in busy seasons.
• Some children need extra support with writing or recording observations.
• Families wanting a very light, story-based approach may find it more formal than they prefer.

Real Science Odyssey Earth Environment 1

Real Science Odyssey Earth Environment 1 is a strong choice for families who want Earth science to be explicit, coherent, and grounded in real-world phenomena such as weather, rocks, water, and climate. What differentiates it is its content depth: it does not treat Earth science as a few disconnected “unit study” weeks, but as a connected system that students can begin to understand through modeling, observation, and simple investigations. It is an ideal fit for children who love maps, nature, storms, rocks, and outdoor observation, and for parents who want a clearly secular program that does not avoid topics like climate change. It is not a great fit for families seeking a minimal-supplies course or a program that can be completed with little adult support. Cost is typically around $72.99 for the core course, which is a strong value if you want a substantial Earth science spine that can be used across multiple children with minor adjustments.

What parents like

• The program gives Earth science real structure instead of scattered activities.
• The explanations are secular and aligned with mainstream science.
• Many lessons connect naturally to outdoor observation and simple home investigations.
• The content builds understanding across topics rather than treating each topic in isolation.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• Some activities require materials planning and parent setup.
• The reading and concepts may feel advanced without parent read-aloud and discussion.
• Families who want a fully independent student course will need to provide more support.
• Children who dislike recording observations may resist the notebooking component.

Real Science Odyssey Astronomy 1

Real Science Odyssey Astronomy 1 is an excellent alternative when your child is captivated by space and you want a semester-long course that still teaches serious science. What differentiates it is that it combines story-like momentum with real scientific modeling, so students do not just memorize planet facts. Families often choose it to add excitement to the year or to create a focused “space semester” with hands-on projects that make abstract ideas like gravity and light more concrete. It is an ideal fit for parents who want a secular space course with a clear plan and are willing to facilitate activities and occasional stargazing. It is not a great fit for families who want an ultra-light, no-materials program or who need science to be fully independent. Cost is typically around $72.99, which is a strong value if your child is motivated by astronomy and you want a structured course rather than scattered space books and videos.

What parents like

• The course keeps children interested because the topic is naturally high-interest and well organized.
• Activities help students model and explain ideas rather than only absorb facts.
• The program is secular and presents astronomy through mainstream science.
• Many families find it works well as a satisfying semester science plan.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• Hands-on projects still require supplies and parent coordination.
• Some children need extra support to connect models to the underlying concept.
• Families in poor weather or light-polluted areas may need to adapt stargazing components.
• It may feel too focused if you want a broader mix of life, Earth, and physical science in one year.

Real Science Odyssey Biology 1

Real Science Odyssey Biology 1 is a strong pick when your family wants a deeper, more systematic biology course in the elementary years. What differentiates it is that it treats biology as a connected set of ideas and skills, with lessons and labs designed to build understanding over time. Families often choose it for second grade when a child is advanced, highly interested in living things, or when parents want a science program that feels academically substantial and clearly secular. It is an ideal fit for families who can read aloud, guide hands-on exploration, and keep a simple lab notebook routine. It is not a great fit for families who want a very gentle, minimal-prep program, or for children who are still developing stamina for structured lessons and recording. Cost is typically around $87.99 for the core course, which is a strong value if you want a full-year biology spine with meaningful investigations instead of a lighter survey.

What parents like

• The course feels like “real biology” and builds concepts in a coherent way.
• Labs and activities reinforce understanding instead of being decorative add-ons.
• The program is secular and grounded in mainstream scientific explanations.
• Families can use it across multiple children with pacing adjustments.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• Parent facilitation is required, especially for reading and lab setup.
• Supply gathering can feel demanding if you prefer a kit-based approach.
• The program may be more structured than some second graders need.
• Children who resist writing may need accommodations for recording work.

Evan Moor Science Homeschool Bundle Grade 2

Evan Moor Science Homeschool Bundle Grade 2 is a practical alternative for families who want short, predictable lessons and a workbook-driven routine that is easy to implement. What differentiates it is convenience: it is designed for steady daily practice, clear directions, and straightforward coverage of common elementary topics. Families often choose it when they want science to happen consistently without extensive prep, when a parent is juggling multiple children, or when they need a resource that feels familiar and school-like. It can be an ideal fit for children who do well with written work and for parents who want a clear plan that does not require assembling many outside books. It is not a great fit for families seeking a deeply inquiry-driven science approach or children who disengage quickly with workbook-heavy formats. Cost is typically modest for a full bundle, often around $35 with frequent discounts, and it can be a good value if you prioritize routine and simplicity over elaborate investigations.

What parents like

• The lessons are straightforward and easy to schedule into a busy day.
• The structure makes it easier for parents to stay consistent with science.
• Many families appreciate having clear written work they can save as evidence of learning.
• The price is relatively affordable compared with many full-year curricula.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• The format can feel worksheet-heavy for children who need more discussion and exploration.
• Families may need to add hands-on experiences to deepen understanding.
• Some children lose interest if the work becomes too repetitive.
• It may not feel as rich or story-driven as literature-based science programs.

LearnLibre

LearnLibre is a Montessori-inspired online platform that offers open-and-go lessons built around standards and clear skill progression. What differentiates it is clarity and organization: families can follow structured lessons with built-in guidance rather than assembling resources from scratch. Many families choose it when they want science instruction that feels orderly and consistent, especially if a parent wants less planning and a child benefits from concise, guided tasks. It can be an ideal fit for families who are comfortable using screens for instruction and want a platform that supports tracking and a predictable routine. It is not a great fit for families pursuing a screen-light day or children who thrive primarily through outdoor nature study and hands-on experimentation without digital scaffolding. Cost is subscription-based, typically about $17 per month billed annually (around $198 per year), and it can be a good value if you want a comprehensive, organized platform you can use across subjects and across multiple students.

What parents like

• The lessons are organized and easy to implement without extensive parent planning.
• The platform format can help families stay consistent and track progress.
• Many children respond well to the clarity and step-by-step structure.
• It can work well when you want a dependable, repeatable routine for science.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• Families who prefer minimal screen time may not want a platform-based option.
• Some children need additional hands-on activities to retain concepts deeply.
• The subscription cost may not feel worthwhile if you only use it for science.
• Parents may still want to add real-world projects to make learning feel more tangible.

Khan Academy Science

Khan Academy Science is the best free resource on this list, and it works well as a support tool for second grade science even when it is not your main curriculum. What differentiates it is accessibility: families can quickly pull up an explanation, a short video, or a set of practice questions when a child is curious or when a parent needs a clear refresher on a topic. Families often use it to preview a concept before a nature walk, review after a hands-on activity, or reinforce vocabulary and diagrams that appear in books. It is an ideal fit for budget-conscious families and for parents who want a dependable library of explanations available on demand. It is not a great fit as a stand-alone second grade science plan for most homeschoolers because it does not provide a coherent year-long sequence of investigations, read-alouds, and offline activities. Cost is free, and the value is excellent when used as a targeted supplement rather than a complete curriculum.

What parents like

• It is free, which makes it easy to add without increasing your curriculum budget.
• Short explanations can help parents teach a concept clearly without scrambling.
• It works well for quick review and reinforcement when something does not “stick.”
• Families can use it flexibly without committing to a subscription or a full program.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• It does not provide a complete second grade science plan with offline investigations and a cohesive sequence.
• Children may drift into passive watching unless parents add discussion and follow-up work.
• Families who want a clearly scheduled weekly plan may need to create their own structure.
• It may not satisfy children who need frequent hands-on exploration to stay engaged.

wild kratts world adventure

wild kratts world adventure is an educational game app that channels animal enthusiasm into basic science and geography practice through creature missions and habitat exploration. What differentiates it is motivation: for children who already love Wild Kratts, the app can turn screen time into a more purposeful learning activity and encourage curiosity about real animals and ecosystems. It is an ideal fit for families who want a light, low-cost supplement that sparks interest, especially on days when a child needs a “science entry point” before reading or hands-on work. It is not a great fit as a primary second grade science program, because it does not provide systematic concept development, investigations, or sustained explanation. It is also not ideal for families who want to minimize screens, or for children who become easily frustrated by game controls. Cost is typically very low, often around $3.99 as a one-time purchase, and the value is strongest when you treat it as a small engagement tool paired with real-world nature study and books.

What parents like

• The app can motivate children who love animals to pay attention to real facts about habitats and species.
• It is inexpensive compared with most curriculum purchases.
• It can serve as a gentle “warm-up” that builds interest before offline science work.
• Families appreciate having a more purposeful alternative to random entertainment apps.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• It does not provide a complete science curriculum with investigations and a coherent scope and sequence.
• Some children get frustrated by device controls, which can distract from learning.
• Screen time can become the focus unless parents connect the app to books and real-world observation.
• It is best for engagement, not for mastery and explanation on its own.

KiwiCo

KiwiCo is a hands-on project subscription that many families use to keep STEM learning concrete and satisfying in the elementary years. What differentiates it is convenience: kits arrive with most materials included, and projects are designed to guide children through building and experimenting without parents having to invent activities from scratch. Families often choose it when they want science and engineering to happen consistently, especially in homes where sourcing supplies is the main reason experiments do not happen. It is an ideal fit for children who enjoy making, testing, and revising, and for parents who want a reliable “project day” that feels productive. It is not a great fit as a full second grade science curriculum, because a kit subscription does not usually provide the same coherent life, Earth, and physical science sequence as a dedicated curriculum. Cost varies by crate and subscription length, but many plans start around the mid-$20s per month, and the value is strongest when you use each crate as a springboard for discussion, reading, and simple written reflection.

What parents like

• The kits reduce prep because most materials are provided and organized.
• Projects keep children engaged through building, testing, and iteration.
• It helps families sustain hands-on science when time and energy are limited.
• Many children remember concepts better when they have physically built something.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• It does not replace a full-year science curriculum with a coherent sequence and assessments.
• Subscription costs can add up over time.
• Some children want more explanation than a kit format naturally provides.
• Parents may need to add follow-up questions to deepen understanding.

Green Kid Crafts

Green Kid Crafts is a monthly STEAM subscription kit designed for younger children, and it can be a solid science supplement for second graders who love making and creating. What differentiates it is its kid-friendly presentation and the way each box bundles multiple activities around a theme, which helps families create a complete “science afternoon” without much planning. Families often choose it when they want reliable, hands-on projects that feel exciting and when they prefer having a predictable kit rather than gathering materials themselves. It is an ideal fit for busy households and for children who need science to be tactile and visually engaging to stay interested. It is not a great fit as a complete second grade science curriculum, because it does not typically offer a full scope-and-sequence across life, Earth, and physical science with repeated concept development. Cost is subscription-based, often in the $30 to $35 per month range depending on plan length, and the value is best when you treat the box as hands-on enrichment paired with books and simple explanation.

What parents like

• The kits make it easier to do hands-on projects without sourcing supplies.
• Many children stay engaged because the activities feel creative and satisfying.
• The themed format helps parents run science in a predictable, low-decision way.
• It works well as enrichment alongside a primary curriculum or read-aloud science plan.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• It is not a full curriculum with a year-long plan and repeated mastery checks.
• Ongoing subscription pricing may not fit every family’s budget.
• Some activities require cleanup time and a protected workspace.
• Parents often need to add discussion to connect each project to the underlying science idea.

Mel Science STEM experiments for kids

Mel Science STEM experiments for kids is a subscription kit that combines hands-on experiments with guided digital supports, making it a strong option for families who want science to feel exciting and modern. What differentiates it is the polish and structure: kits are designed to be approachable at home, and the experience can feel more “complete” than improvised experiments. Families often use it to re-energize science when a child is bored, or to make sure hands-on work happens regularly without parents spending time shopping for supplies. It is an ideal fit for children who enjoy following procedures and seeing clear cause-and-effect results, and for parents who want a kit that lowers planning effort. It is not a great fit for families aiming for minimal screen use or for those who want a full second grade scope and sequence with read-alouds, narration, and long-form exploration. Pricing varies by plan, but subscriptions often start around $29.90 per month with discounts for longer commitments, and the value is best when you pair each experiment with brief discussion and a simple notebook page.

What parents like

• The kits reduce planning time because experiments arrive organized with clear guidance.
• Hands-on results can keep children engaged when other science formats feel dull.
• The subscription rhythm helps families do science consistently across the year.
• Many parents appreciate having a structured experiment without designing it themselves.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• It is best as a supplement, so families still need a primary curriculum for complete coverage.
• Subscription costs can be significant over many months.
• Some experiments require adult supervision and careful cleanup.
• Parents may need to add reflection questions to ensure understanding goes beyond “wow.”

For chemistry

Real Science Odyssey Chemistry Level One

Real Science Odyssey Chemistry Level One is a chemistry-focused curriculum that introduces big ideas such as atoms, molecules, states of matter, acids and bases, and reactions in an elementary-friendly way. What differentiates it is seriousness without intimidation: the content is real chemistry, but lessons are designed so a parent can teach it without a science degree. Families often choose it when a child is exceptionally curious about mixing, materials, and chemical change, or when they want a structured chemistry year rather than occasional “kitchen science.” It is an ideal fit for parents who can supervise experiments, keep safety expectations clear, and support simple recording and explanation. It is not a great fit for families who want a low-prep science plan, or for children who are easily overwhelmed by multi-step procedures. Cost is typically around $87.99 for the core course, which is a solid value if you want a full-year, lab-supported chemistry experience rather than a loose collection of experiments.

What parents like

• The course presents real chemistry concepts in a way young students can understand.
• Activities and labs make abstract ideas more concrete.
• The program is secular and aligned with mainstream science explanations.
• It can satisfy a child who wants “more” than general elementary science.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

• Experiments require supplies and supervision, so it is not a quick add-on for busy weeks.
• Some second graders will need heavy parent support to manage the sequence of steps.
• Families may need to slow down significantly for true understanding.
• Parents who prefer a gentle, nature-based approach may find it more formal than they want.

NGSS science standards for 2nd grade

Second grade NGSS expectations focus on building scientific habits and explaining simple patterns in the natural world. In practice, strong second grade science typically includes:

• Observing and comparing the properties of materials and describing how heating, cooling, or mixing can cause changes.
• Using simple models and drawings to explain ideas, such as how plants depend on animals for pollination or seed dispersal.
• Exploring biodiversity by comparing different kinds of plants and animals and noticing patterns in traits.
• Investigating Earth and space patterns, such as day and night, seasonal changes, and observations of the sun, moon, and stars.
• Learning about Earth processes, including how wind and water shape land, and practicing making and using simple maps or diagrams.

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

Second graders learn science best when it feels like a superpower for understanding their real world. The purpose of early elementary science is not memorizing long vocabulary lists. It is learning to notice carefully, ask good questions, and explain what happened using evidence. Those are the same skills children use when they figure out why a plant is drooping, how shadows change during the day, or why ice melts faster in one spot than another. When parents connect science to everyday life, children are more motivated because the “why” is obvious.

You can make science feel meaningful by giving your child a simple job: be the family scientist. Ask them to keep a small notebook where they draw one observation a day, record the weather, or describe one experiment outcome in a sentence. Let them choose a weekly curiosity question such as “Which birds visit our neighborhood?” or “Which materials sink or float?” When science becomes a way to investigate what they already care about, children usually persist longer and remember more.

Further reading

If you want a broader framework for choosing secular, scientifically accurate science resources, start with The Best Secular Science Programs for Homeschoolers, which explains the major categories of science programs and what to look for when you are comparing options. If you are deciding whether to slow down for true understanding or push for coverage, So what's the big deal about Mastery Learning? offers a clear way to think about pacing and retention. If your child is especially interested in nature, ecosystems, and Earth science, Our six favorite environmental science programs for kids can help you choose a motivating science track that still teaches real concepts. Finally, if you want help comparing programs quickly and building a plan you can actually follow, Modulo's Free Curriculum Planner helps you explore curated recommendations across grades and subjects.

About your guide

Manisha Snoyer, CEO and co-founder of Modulo, wrote this second-grade science guide. Over 20+ years of teaching in three countries, she has worked with more than 2,000 children across public schools, private schools, and alternative programs, which gives her a sharp eye for the difference between a “cute experiment” and instruction that actually builds scientific thinking. She graduated summa cum laude from Brandeis University and minored in Environmental Studies, a useful lens when vetting nature study, Earth science, and climate content for young kids. Before Modulo, she built 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 by Stanford’s National Student Support Accelerator. For Modulo’s science recommendations, she applies a consistent vetting process that includes reviewing scope and sequence, reading sample lessons closely for scientific accuracy and secular alignment, checking NGSS coherence, and pressure-testing top contenders with real students to confirm they are engaging and practical at home.

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