The Best 4th Grade Science Curriculum

Only about one third of U.S. fourth graders score at or above “Proficient” in science on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which means many students reach upper elementary without strong, lasting science mastery. For families homeschooling or supplementing, fourth grade is often when science becomes harder to “wing,” because students need clearer explanations, more consistent practice, and a routine that includes real investigation instead of scattered worksheets. To find the best fourth grade science programs, we reviewed widely used curricula, kits, and online options and prioritized resources that are secular, scientifically accurate, engaging, and designed to build mastery over time.

For most fourth graders, Science Mom is our top pick because it combines lively, teacher led video instruction with comprehension checks and doable experiments that help children understand what they are learning. It is an ideal fit for families who want an open and go plan and for students who respond well to strong explanations, especially if you start with Science Mom Earth Science. The main drawback is that some lessons can feel long for younger students, which is why we also recommend alternatives for different learners.

How we vetted

Fourth grade science should build confident scientific thinking, not just vocabulary. We look for programs that teach children to observe carefully, ask good questions, and explain what happened in an experiment using evidence. We also screen for scientific integrity, because elementary is when misconceptions can quietly take root and become difficult to unlearn later. In practice, we review scope and sequence, sample lessons, and assessments to see whether a program actually checks understanding or just rewards completion. Finally, we consider whether the program is realistic in a normal home: reasonable prep, clear instructions, and hands on activities that reinforce concepts without requiring a lab setup.

• Secular program. We prioritize resources grounded in empirical science, without religious or political framing.
• Scientific accuracy. We look for explanations that match scientific consensus and use correct terminology.
• Engaging teaching. We favor programs that spark curiosity and keep students interested long enough to learn deeply.
• Mastery based. We choose options that build foundations step by step and require application, not rote memorization.
• Eclectic flexibility. We value resources that can be adapted to a family’s schedule and combined with experiments, books, and field trips.
• Evolution and climate. We expect accurate treatment of evolution and climate science where relevant, without false balance.

Our top choice overall: Science Mom

Science Mom is a video based science program designed for grades four through eight, and it is one of the easiest ways to give a fourth grader a strong, coherent science year without turning the kitchen table into a full time lab. Lessons are taught with visible energy and humor and include follow along notes, interactive questions, quizzes, and experiments or projects that help students connect ideas to the real world. For many fourth graders, the most approachable starting point is Science Mom Earth Science, because the content feels concrete and naturally interesting at this age.

Families like the clear instruction and open and go structure, but some wish the program included more frequent hands on work by default. Pricing varies by course, but most families find the cost reasonable for a complete, well taught science spine they can finish, especially compared with piecing together resources week by week.

What parents like

Parents tend to choose Science Mom because it makes science feel understandable and enjoyable, even for students who have felt bored or confused by workbook science. They also appreciate that the program provides a clear weekly rhythm, so science actually happens consistently.

• The teaching is clear and engaging, which helps children understand concepts rather than memorize definitions.
• The program is open and go, which reduces parent planning time and makes consistency easier.
• Interactive questions and quizzes help parents confirm understanding without designing assessments themselves.
• The lessons build confidence because students can follow the explanations step by step.
• The course works well as a complete science spine that can be supplemented with extra experiments as desired.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

The most common frustrations are about pacing and format rather than quality. Some families also find they need to add more hands on work if their child learns best through frequent experiments.

• Some video lessons feel long for younger fourth graders, especially if attention stamina is still developing.
• Families seeking a very screen light school day may prefer a book and experiment based program.
• Students who want constant building and testing may need additional experiment days beyond the default schedule.
• Children who struggle with listening comprehension may need parents to pause and discuss during lessons.
• Some families prefer more written narration and notebook work than the course requires by default.

Alternatives to Science Mom for different learners

REAL Science Odyssey Level 1

REAL Science Odyssey Level 1 is a strong choice if you want fourth grade science to be hands on, project based, and rooted in real investigation. Families often choose it when they want less screen time and more doing, because the program’s strength is building scientific habits through experiments, models, and structured activities that make concepts concrete. Parents also appreciate that it is written for homeschool implementation and tends to use accessible materials, which makes it easier to run labs at home without specialized equipment. This program is not the best fit for families who need a fully open and go plan with minimal adult involvement, because hands on lessons require setup, supervision, and cleanup. It can also feel dry for students who are motivated primarily by a charismatic video teacher. If you want a sturdy, academically serious curriculum that still feels active, this is one of the best elementary options available.

What parents like

• The investigations help students practice real science skills such as observation, modeling, and explanation.
• The program supports hands on learning without requiring expensive or rare materials.
• The structure helps families complete a full year instead of hopping between random activities.
• The curriculum works well for siblings because many activities can be adapted by age.

What parents think could be improved

• Parents need to plan ahead for materials and lab days, which can be challenging in busy seasons.
• Some students want more direct teaching and may need parents to add short videos or read aloud support.
• Children who dislike writing may resist recording observations unless parents scaffold expectations.
• Families seeking a minimal prep routine may find the hands on workload demanding.

Fourth Grade (Level 4): Science and Nature Study Only

Fourth Grade (Level 4): Science and Nature Study Only is a strong fit for families who want science to feel like nature study, with outdoor observation, literature, and gentle projects guiding the year. Many parents choose it because it supports curiosity and wonder while still offering enough structure to avoid the “what do we do today?” problem. It can be especially motivating for children who thrive outdoors and for families who want science to connect to seasons, local ecosystems, and real world noticing. This is not the best option if you want a fast paced, highly systematic science sequence with frequent formal assessment, and it does require parents to gather books and materials and to read ahead. Some families in cold climates also find the outdoor emphasis hard to sustain in winter without adaptation. If you want science to feel calm, rich, and rooted in the natural world, it is a beautiful option.

What parents like

• The nature based approach helps many children stay curious and emotionally engaged with science.
• The curriculum is flexible enough to adjust for seasons, field trips, and family rhythms.
• The activities encourage careful observation and real world scientific thinking.
• The tone feels gentle and enjoyable, which can reduce resistance for hesitant learners.

What parents think could be improved

• Parents often need to source many books and supplies, which adds planning time.
• The pace can feel slow for children who want a more intensive or accelerated program.
• Families may need indoor substitutes when weather or location limits outdoor study.
• Some parents want more explicit assessments to document understanding.

LearnLibre

LearnLibre is a Montessori inspired science option that works well for fourth graders who benefit from concise instruction and strong visuals. Families often use it as a core program for younger elementary students or as a supplement when a child needs a clearer, calmer explanation than they are getting elsewhere. The lessons are approachable and can support independent work, which can reduce parent teaching pressure. LearnLibre is not a full hands on science year on its own for most families, because it does not provide a complete experiment routine or extended scientific writing expectations. It also may feel light for students who want deeper investigations every week. Many families get the best results when they pair LearnLibre with a project based curriculum or a kit, so students can apply what they learn through experiments and models. If you want a simple, well presented way to build science knowledge consistently, it is a strong resource.

What parents like

• The lessons are visually clear and concise, which helps many students stay focused.
• The format supports independent work and can reduce the need for constant parent instruction.
• The program can serve as a helpful second explanation when a concept does not click the first time.
• The tone feels calm and approachable for children who get overwhelmed easily.

What parents think could be improved

• Families often need to add more experiments to create a robust hands on science experience.
• Some parents want a more explicit year plan that maps out a full sequence for fourth grade.
• Advanced students may need extension work to go deeper.
• Children who dislike video learning may prefer a print based option.

Evan Moor Science Homeschool Bundle Grade 4

Evan Moor Science Homeschool Bundle Grade 4 is a practical choice for families who want a clear, workbook based plan that is easy to implement consistently. Many parents choose it when they need low prep daily work, when they want science to reinforce reading comprehension and vocabulary, or when they are supplementing school and want a predictable routine. The structure can be especially helpful for children who feel calmer when expectations are clear and work is short and finishable. This bundle is not the best option if you want science to be primarily experiment driven, because workbook programs tend to emphasize reading and written responses over investigation. Many families improve results by adding a weekly experiment day using household materials or a kit, and by asking children to explain concepts aloud instead of only filling in blanks. If you want a simple, dependable science routine, it can work well.

What parents like

• The daily structure is straightforward, which helps families stay consistent.
• The program requires minimal preparation, which is helpful for busy parents.
• The workbook format reinforces vocabulary and science reading comprehension.
• Assignments are clear and easy to track for accountability.

What parents think could be improved

• The approach can feel worksheet heavy for children who need more hands on investigation.
• Families often need to add experiments to develop deeper scientific reasoning skills.
• Some students find workbook science less engaging than project based options.
• Advanced learners may want richer explanations and more challenging application.

Evan Moor Science and STEM bundles

Evan Moor Science and STEM bundles are a good fit when you want flexible, workbook based units you can use to reinforce science across multiple ages. Families often choose these bundles to add structure to an otherwise eclectic plan, to provide extra practice after a lesson, or to keep science going during seasons when labs feel unrealistic. The materials are straightforward to assign and can be helpful for building steady vocabulary and content knowledge. These bundles are not a complete substitute for hands on science for most children, because science understanding grows when students investigate, observe, and explain results. They can also feel repetitive if a child already understands the concept and is simply completing pages. Many families use Evan Moor best as a support layer, combined with a stronger core program and regular experiments. If you want low prep, flexible reinforcement, this can be a useful tool.

What parents like

• The units are easy to assign and require little parent preparation.
• The format can reinforce key vocabulary and concepts consistently.
• Families can use the materials flexibly to match their schedule.
• The bundles can support multiple children because lessons are easy to adapt.

What parents think could be improved

• Worksheets alone do not provide enough investigation for many children to retain concepts.
• Some students disengage when science becomes mostly reading and filling in blanks.
• Families often need to add experiments to make learning feel real.
• Advanced students may need more depth than a workbook format provides.

Khan Academy Science

Khan Academy Science is the best free option on this list for science reinforcement, especially if your fourth grader needs extra practice, review, or a second explanation. Families often use it to close gaps, preview a topic before a hands on activity, or review after a unit. It can also be a practical choice when parents need a simple plan for independent practice. Khan Academy is not usually a complete fourth grade science experience by itself, because it does not provide a consistent experiment routine or the kind of discussion and explanation that helps young students build scientific reasoning. Some children also drift into passive watching unless parents require short written responses or verbal explanations. Used as a supplement alongside a core program, it can be a strong tool for building confidence and reinforcing key ideas at no cost.

What parents like

• The resource is free, which makes it easy to add without increasing your curriculum budget.
• The platform supports review and remediation at a child’s pace.
• Short lessons make it easy to target specific concepts that are not sticking.
• Parents can use it to identify gaps without guessing.

What parents think could be improved

• It does not provide a full hands on science routine without additional resources.
• Some children treat it as entertainment unless parents require active response.
• The experience can feel fragmented if families do not choose a clear sequence.
• Students who need tactile learning may not retain concepts without experiments.

Mel Science STEM experiments for kids

Mel Science STEM experiments for kids is a subscription kit that can make science happen consistently in a busy home, because materials arrive ready to use and instructions are clearly organized. For fourth grade, it works best as an enrichment track or a weekly “lab day” supplement alongside a core curriculum. Many families choose it for children who are capable but disengaged, because a high quality experiment can make science feel concrete again. The main limitation is that subscription kits are not always designed as a coherent year long curriculum with a single scope and sequence. Students can also complete projects quickly and move on unless parents require reflection. To get the most educational value, ask your child to predict what will happen, record what they observe, and explain the result in their own words. If you want hands on experiments with minimal prep, this is a strong option.

What parents like

• The kits reduce prep time because materials and instructions are organized for you.
• Hands on experiments can re engage children who feel bored by worksheets.
• The routine of a kit can help families do science consistently across the year.
• Many children remember concepts better after they have tested them physically.

What parents think could be improved

• It is a supplement rather than a complete fourth grade science curriculum for most families.
• Subscription costs can add up, especially if you also purchase a core program.
• Some experiments are messy and require a dedicated workspace and cleanup time.
• Projects can feel disconnected unless parents link them to a broader concept sequence.

KiwiCo

KiwiCo is a smart pick for fourth graders who stay motivated when science includes building, testing, and problem solving. Families often use it as a hands on STEM supplement that keeps curiosity alive even when a child resists reading heavy work. The projects encourage real engineering habits such as planning, measuring, troubleshooting, and improving a design. KiwiCo is not a complete fourth grade science curriculum by itself, because the kits are not designed as a single year long sequence across life science, Earth science, and physical science. It also works best when parents require a short explanation after each build, so the activity becomes science rather than just crafting. Costs can be significant over time, but many families find it worthwhile when it helps a child engage deeply and practice perseverance. If you want a convenient way to add high interest hands on science, it is a strong option.

What parents like

• The projects are engaging and hands on, which supports motivation for many children.
• Materials arrive ready to use, which reduces parent planning and supply shopping.
• Builds naturally support problem solving and persistence through trial and error.
• It can be a helpful complement to a book or video based science program.

What parents think could be improved

• It does not replace a coherent year long science curriculum with full coverage and assessment.
• Subscription costs can become significant across many months.
• Some children want deeper explanation than a kit format naturally provides.
• Families may need to add reflection questions to connect each project to underlying concepts.

Green Kid Crafts

Green Kid Crafts is a good choice when you want hands on STEM projects with an eco conscious theme, especially in families with younger siblings where one kit can serve multiple children. For fourth graders, it works best as a supplement that keeps science active and positive and pairs well with nature study. Parents often appreciate that the projects feel accessible and that the brand emphasizes environmental responsibility. This is not a complete fourth grade science curriculum, and some older fourth graders may want more depth or more explicit concept teaching. As with most kits, learning improves when parents ask children to predict, observe carefully, and explain results. Families also need to plan for workspace and cleanup. If your goal is to add hands on projects that connect naturally to the environment, it can be a strong fit.

What parents like

• The projects encourage hands on exploration and can make science feel fun and approachable.
• The eco conscious emphasis can support conversations about nature and stewardship.
• Kits can be used with multiple children, which can increase value for families.
• The activities can support a consistent science routine without heavy planning.

What parents think could be improved

• It is not a complete curriculum and usually needs a concept teaching spine.
• Some children outgrow certain projects without added challenge and deeper explanation.
• Cleanup and storage can still be frustrating for families with limited space.
• Families may want more explicit science instruction connected to each activity.

For biology

Real Science Odyssey Biology 1

Real Science Odyssey Biology 1 is an excellent pick if you want fourth grade science to focus on the living world through projects, observation, and hands on investigation. Families often choose it when a child loves animals and ecosystems and wants science to feel active rather than page based. The course encourages students to notice patterns, build models, record what they observe, and explain living processes in a way that strengthens real scientific thinking. It is also a strong fit for families who want a secular program that teaches mainstream biology clearly. This is not an open and go option for most households. Parents should expect to gather supplies and facilitate activities, and children who resist writing may need support to complete lab notes and explanations. If you want biology that feels real and active, it is a strong choice for upper elementary.

What parents like

• The program emphasizes investigation and observation, which helps children build true science skills.
• Hands on activities make biology concepts more memorable and concrete.
• The structure supports steady progress across a coherent sequence.
• The approach treats mainstream biology as foundational rather than optional.

What parents think could be improved

• Preparation and supply gathering can take time, especially before lab days.
• Some children need support to write down observations and explanations consistently.
• Families seeking minimal prep may find the hands on workload challenging.
• Students who prefer video first instruction may want added multimedia support.

For earth science

Science Mom Earth Science

Science Mom Earth Science is one of the best entry points into Science Mom for fourth graders, because the topics feel concrete and connected to everyday life. Students study ideas related to weather, rocks, Earth systems, and patterns they can observe in the world around them, which often makes science feel immediately relevant. Families choose this course when they want open and go instruction that still builds real understanding through clear explanation, structured notes, and checks for comprehension. It can be especially helpful for children who struggle with textbook reading but can follow strong verbal teaching. This course is not the best fit for families seeking a fully offline plan, and some students will still want more hands on work than a typical week includes. Many families solve that by pairing the course with a monthly kit or simple home experiments. If you want a clear, engaging earth science year with minimal planning, it is a strong choice.

What parents like

• The instruction is clear and engaging, which helps fourth graders understand earth science ideas quickly.
• The course is open and go, so it is easier to stay consistent.
• Comprehension checks help parents confirm understanding without extra planning.
• The topics connect naturally to real world observation, which improves motivation.

What parents think could be improved

• Families seeking very limited screen time may prefer a print based earth science program.
• Some children want more experiments and may benefit from added hands on work.
• Video lessons can feel long for students with shorter attention spans.
• Parents who want more writing may need to add notebook expectations.

Real Science Odyssey Earth Environment 1

Real Science Odyssey Earth Environment 1 is a strong choice for families who want an earth and environmental science year built around projects and investigation rather than videos or worksheets. Fourth graders are developmentally ready to notice patterns in weather, landforms, water, and ecosystems, and this course helps them turn those observations into explanations grounded in evidence. Families often choose it when they want a secular, academically serious earth science option with hands on activities and clear structure. It is not a minimal prep curriculum. Parents should expect to gather materials, facilitate activities, and help children record what they observe. It can also feel demanding for families who want science to be short and light. If you want a rich environmental science year that builds real scientific habits and connects naturally to nature study and field trips, it is an excellent option.

What parents like

• The projects and investigations make earth science concepts concrete and memorable.
• The program supports scientific reasoning by requiring observation, evidence, and explanation.
• The structure provides a coherent year plan without relying on heavy screen time.
• It pairs naturally with field trips and outdoor exploration.

What parents think could be improved

• Hands on lessons require preparation and materials gathering, which adds parent workload.
• Some children need extra support to keep up with recording observations and conclusions.
• Families seeking an open and go routine may find the logistics challenging.
• Students who prefer video instruction may want supplemental multimedia.

Real Science Odyssey Astronomy 1

Real Science Odyssey Astronomy 1 is a great option if your fourth grader is captivated by space and you want that interest to become a coherent science study. Astronomy is naturally motivating for many children, and this course can turn big questions about the sun, moon, planets, and the universe into structured learning that includes models and investigations. Families often use it as a full year focus or as a high interest unit study that still builds real science skills. It is a strong fit for children who enjoy reading and hands on projects and for families who want a screen light science plan. It is not ideal for families seeking a fully open and go routine, because projects require materials and adult support. Some children may also need help with the spatial reasoning and math that naturally arise in astronomy. If you want space science that is serious, secular, and hands on, it is a strong pick.

What parents like

• The topic is inherently motivating and can make science feel exciting and meaningful.
• Hands on models help children understand abstract space concepts more clearly.
• The program supports real scientific thinking through observation and explanation.
• It works well as a structured unit study or a complete astronomy year.

What parents think could be improved

• Families need to plan for supplies and projects, which adds preparation time.
• Some children need extra support with the math and spatial reasoning involved.
• Students who prefer video instruction may want additional multimedia resources.
• Weather and location can limit some observation activities without adaptation.

For chemistry

Science Mom Chemistry

Science Mom Chemistry is a strong choice for fourth graders who are ready for a clear introduction to matter, mixtures, reactions, and the basic ideas that make chemistry make sense later. Families often choose it when a child is curious about experiments and wants to understand what is happening, not just watch a reaction. The course explains concepts in an approachable way and uses the Science Mom format of structured teaching, notes, and checks for comprehension. It is best for families comfortable with some video based instruction and for students who can focus long enough to follow explanations. It is not the best fit for families seeking a screen light plan, and some children will still need more frequent hands on work to stay motivated. If you treat it as a chemistry spine and add simple kitchen experiments or a kit, it can be an excellent fourth grade option.

What parents like

• The course makes chemistry concepts understandable for upper elementary students.
• The open and go structure reduces parent prep while still providing coherent instruction.
• Clear explanations help children connect experiments to underlying concepts.
• The format can build confidence before middle school chemistry becomes more formal.

What parents think could be improved

• Some children need shorter lesson segments to stay focused during longer videos.
• Families who want frequent experiments may need to add additional lab days.
• Students who prefer reading first learning may want a print based chemistry spine.
• Parents may want to add more writing and lab notes for documentation.

Real Science Odyssey Chemistry Level One

Real Science Odyssey Chemistry Level One is a strong fit if you want chemistry to be hands on and conceptually grounded, with experiments and models that help fourth graders understand matter and change. Families often choose it when they want more doing and less screen time, because the course emphasizes investigation and explanation rather than passive consumption. It can be an excellent choice for children who love mixing, testing, and observing, and it can also build strong lab habits early when parents help children record results carefully. This is not a minimal prep program. Parents should expect to gather supplies, supervise experiments, and set aside time for cleanup. Some children also need support to connect each activity back to the concept, which requires discussion. If you want a chemistry experience that feels like real science and you can commit to hands on work, it is an excellent option.

What parents like

• The investigations help children build real understanding of chemistry ideas through evidence.
• Hands on experiments make learning memorable and reduce reliance on worksheets.
• The structure supports steady progress through a coherent sequence.
• The program works well for families who want a secular, academically serious approach.

What parents think could be improved

• Supply gathering and preparation can take time, especially at the start of a unit.
• Some experiments require supervision and a consistent workspace.
• Cleanup can be frustrating in small homes or busy seasons.
• Children who prefer video instruction may want supplemental explanations.

For physics

Real Science Odyssey Physics Level One

Real Science Odyssey Physics Level One is a strong choice for fourth graders who are ready to explore motion, forces, energy, and simple machines through experiments and models. Physics can be challenging when it is taught only through words, so a project based approach helps children build intuition by testing ideas and explaining what they observe. Families often choose this course when a child loves building and wants science to feel active. It is also a good fit for families who want a screen light plan. It is not ideal for parents who need a fully open and go routine, because experiments require preparation and supervision. Some children also need help connecting results to the broader concept, which means parents should plan for discussion. If you want physics that feels like investigation rather than worksheets, it is an excellent option.

What parents like

• The experiments make physics concepts concrete, which improves understanding for many children.
• The course supports scientific reasoning by requiring prediction, testing, and explanation.
• The structure helps families move through physics topics in a coherent order.
• It can be especially motivating for children who enjoy building and problem solving.

What parents think could be improved

• Parents need to gather materials and facilitate experiments, which increases workload.
• Some families find it challenging to schedule consistent lab time.
• Children who dislike writing may need scaffolding for lab notes and conclusions.
• Students who prefer a video teacher may want supplemental instruction.

Mel Science Physics Science Experiments Subscription

Mel Science Physics Science Experiments Subscription is best for families who want physics to be tactile and memorable without spending hours sourcing materials. Fourth graders are often fascinated by motion and forces, and a well designed kit can help them see physics in action through structured builds and experiments. Many families use it as a lab supplement alongside a physics book or as a short term enrichment track when a child is excited about building and testing. It is not a complete physics course with a full year scope and assessment plan, and projects can feel like “fun activities” unless parents require reflection. Families also need a safe workspace and time for cleanup. If you want an easy way to add high interest physics experiments at home, it is a strong option, especially when paired with discussion and simple written conclusions.

What parents like

• The kits make physics feel concrete, which can reduce intimidation and increase curiosity.
• Supplies are largely included, which reduces parent planning and shopping time.
• It is flexible enough to use as enrichment without switching a full curriculum.
• Hands on work can improve retention because children see forces and motion in action.

What parents think could be improved

• It is a supplement, so families still need a core plan for coherent physics coverage.
• Subscription costs can be significant across many months.
• Some experiments require setup and cleanup that can be challenging in small spaces.
• Children may need reflection prompts to connect each project to the underlying physics concept.

NGSS science standards for 4th grade

In NGSS, elementary science expectations are designed to build scientific practices over time, so fourth grade science often blends content with skills such as modeling, investigation, and explanation. A strong fourth grade plan typically includes work such as:

• Using observations and measurements to describe patterns and explain phenomena.
• Planning and carrying out investigations with fair tests and careful recording of results.
• Developing and using models to show how systems work, such as Earth systems or simple machines.
• Explaining how energy moves and changes form in everyday situations.
• Studying how organisms and environments interact, including how changes can affect ecosystems.
• Applying engineering practices by defining problems, testing solutions, and improving designs.

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

Fourth graders are more motivated when science feels like a way to understand the world they live in, not a subject to finish. Science teaches children how to ask questions, test ideas, and change their mind when evidence demands it. That matters in daily life, from evaluating claims they hear online to understanding weather, health, the environment, and technology. When children see science as a tool for making sense of what they notice, they usually become more willing to do the careful work that real understanding requires.

You can build motivation by connecting each unit to a practical “why.” Start with an everyday phenomenon and invite your child to predict what will happen before you explain it. After an experiment, ask for a short explanation in their own words, supported by what they observed. Give them ownership by letting them choose a small research thread, such as volcanoes, space, animals, weather, or simple machines, and end with a concrete product such as a model, a poster, a short presentation, or a simple lab notebook. When science feels like curiosity plus competence, children tend to persist.

Further reading

If you want to compare more secular options across grade levels, The Best Secular Science Programs for Homeschoolers explains what to look for in scientifically accurate, engaging programs and how to avoid common red flags. If you are deciding whether to slow down for true understanding or move faster for coverage, So what’s the big deal about Mastery Learning? offers a practical framework for pacing science so it sticks. If your child loves science videos and you want a trustworthy list of educators to pair with experiments, 200 Amazing Educational YouTube Channels includes many strong science teachers and demonstrations. If you want science to connect to ecology and the natural world, Our six favorite environmental science programs for kids (and grownups) can help you choose an engaging environmental focus. And if you want curated recommendations matched to your child’s needs and your family’s schedule, Modulo’s Free Curriculum Planner can help you build a plan you will actually finish.

About your guide

This guide reflects the curriculum research approach led by Manisha Snoyer, founder of Modulo and the writer behind Teach Your Kids. Her work focuses on helping families choose secular, high quality learning resources that are both academically strong and realistic to implement at home. Science is one of the hardest subjects for parents to evaluate because program quality varies widely, hands on learning can be logistically challenging, and misleading “neutral science” framing can quietly undermine scientific accuracy. Manisha’s approach prioritizes scientific correctness, clarity, and student motivation, because a program only works if children actually understand and complete it.

For fourth grade science, her focus is on building strong foundations early. Students should practice explaining what they observe, linking experiments back to concepts, and developing the habits of real scientific thinking. A strong fourth grade year should also preserve curiosity and joy, because confidence in science now makes middle school science far easier later.

Affiliate disclaimer

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