The Best 6th Grade Science Curriculum for Kids with Dyslexia

Only 31% of United States eighth graders scored at or above “proficient” on the 2024 NAEP science assessment. For many families, that is the moment the panic sets in: if science is already this hard in middle school, how are we supposed to teach it at home when our child has dyslexia.

Here is the thing: dyslexic kids are often phenomenal science thinkers. They notice patterns, build models, and ask sharp questions. The problem is that sixth grade science in traditional settings starts to lean heavily on the exact skills dyslexia makes effortful: fast decoding, dense reading, and lots of written output. So the child who loves volcanos and microbes gets stuck proving it on paper. This guide is for that kid, and for the parent trying to protect curiosity while still teaching real science.

Our best overall pick is Science Mom because it is rigorous, secular, and designed around video first teaching with guided notes that dramatically reduce the copying and decoding burden. Families love the clarity, humor, and “open and go” structure. The biggest drawback is fit: if your child resists video lessons or your family is aiming for fully offline science, you may prefer an alternative below.

How we vetted

Modulo is not a list of vibes. We start with scientific integrity and secular accuracy, then we test for real life usability. We read thousands of parent reviews and discussions, paying extra attention to secular homeschoolers and subject matter experts who have used the materials with their own kids. We also pressure test finalists with real students, watching for the silent dealbreakers that do not show up in marketing: unclear directions, heavy copying, fragile pacing, or a workload that makes a bright child feel “behind.” For dyslexic learners, we prioritize programs that teach through listening and visuals first, keep note taking structured, and let kids show understanding without a mountain of handwriting. That is the lens behind every recommendation here.

• Scientifically accurate: Science Mom is built to develop durable understanding and prepare students for later high school science, not just memorize facts.
• Engaging: Lessons use humor, songs, interactive elements, and frequent projects that keep kids actively doing science.
• Secular: Science Mom is explicitly secular and designed for families from all backgrounds.
• Aligned with NGSS: Multiple courses explicitly state alignment with middle school NGSS in life or physical science, which makes planning and documentation easier.

Our top choice overall: Science Mom

Science Mom is a set of self paced middle school science courses taught by Science Mom and Math Dad. The teaching is video based, clear, and genuinely fun, and each lesson comes with follow along notes filled with visuals, comics, and “fill in as you watch” prompts. For a dyslexic sixth grader, that design is a game changer: your child can listen first, follow along visually, and capture key ideas without copying paragraphs from a textbook. You also get built in checks for understanding (including quiz shows) and projects that make science feel like something you do, not something you read about. In terms of value, individual semester courses are typically listed at $150, bundles can reduce the cost per course, and one purchase is designed for family access.

Watch: This origin story helps you understand why Science Mom’s teaching feels unusually clear, friendly, and rigorous.

What parents like

Parents consistently praise Science Mom for making complex ideas feel simple without dumbing them down. They also love that kids can work more independently because the notes, projects, and explanations are tightly integrated.

• The guided notes reduce the writing burden while still teaching real note taking.
• The tone is warm and funny, which helps kids who have science anxiety from school.
• The pacing is flexible, so you can slow down for tough topics without feeling behind.
• The projects feel purposeful and are usually doable with common household supplies.
• Family access and long term replay make the purchase feel like a real investment.

What parents think could be improved or find frustrating

Most complaints are not about the science. They are about fit: some students want live discussion and external deadlines, and some families are trying to reduce screens even when the screen time is high value.

• If your child resists video lessons, you may need to break learning into shorter chunks.
• Families looking for fully offline science may prefer a text and lab manual approach.
• Some students want more open ended lab write ups than the built in structure provides.
• Because it is self paced, some students benefit from weekly check ins and routines.
• Kids who need lots of peer conversation may want a co op or lab group alongside the course.

Alternatives to Science Mom for different learners

Blossom and Root Level 6 Science

Blossom and Root Level 6 Science is a gentle, nature forward curriculum built around big questions, living books, and hands on learning. It can be an excellent fit for dyslexic sixth graders when motivation is the main barrier, especially for kids who come alive outdoors and shut down at a desk. Parents tend to love the calm tone and the meaningful projects, and they appreciate that you can scale writing up or down without breaking the flow. The tradeoff is that it asks more of the parent: you will be curating read alouds or audiobooks, gathering supplies, and pacing the week. If your family wants a lightweight, wonder filled year with plenty of nature study, it can be fantastic value. Pricing varies by component, but it is often very affordable; Modulo has listed it around $12 for the Level 6 science volume.

Pros

• It is interest led and nature based, which can reawaken kids who are burned out on school science.
• The activities feel meaningful and often produce wonderful projects and nature notebooks.
• It is easy to scale the reading and writing expectations up or down without breaking the program.
• The cost is low compared with many full year curricula.

Cons

• It can be reading intensive unless you deliberately switch to audio and discussion.
• It requires more parent planning than a fully scripted or video based course.
• Families who want frequent quizzes and clear grading may find it too open ended.
• Some kids need more explicit instruction and practice than living books alone provide.

LearnLibre

LearnLibre is a Montessori inspired, phenomena based science library with standards aligned lessons and hands on experiments for ages six to twelve. It is a strong alternative when you want more “do first, label later,” because the materials are designed to be visual and concrete. Many dyslexic learners thrive when the concept comes through observation and conversation before it appears on a worksheet. Parents like the flexibility and the hands on emphasis, and the biggest friction point we hear is decision fatigue: with a library, you still need a plan for what to do this week. The homeschool plan has been listed at $17 per month billed annually (about $198 per year), which can be great value if you use it consistently across multiple kids or multiple grades.

Pros

• The program is built around hands on exploration, which plays to many dyslexic learners’ strengths.
• It supports bilingual learning with English and Spanish options.
• It can work well for mixed ages because you can choose activities by readiness.
• The subscription can be high value if you use it frequently across your homeschool.

Cons

• Because it is a library, some parents want a tighter week by week plan.
• You still need basic household supplies for experiments and activities.
• Kids who prefer direct lectures may want more full length teaching videos.
• The subscription cost adds up if you only use it occasionally.

Marine biology

Marine biology (Marine Science: The Hands On Science Series) is a full year course that uses the ocean as the organizing theme while integrating earth science, chemistry, physics, and ecology. It is compelling for dyslexic sixth graders because it is truly multimodal: the text is paired with dozens of custom videos, and in the ebook version those videos are embedded so kids can click play without hunting around online. Parents love the integration and the “everything in one place” design, and they often mention that the visuals and labs make it easier for kids who struggle with reading stamina. The main downside is cost and heft: this is a premium resource with a lot of content. Pricing has been listed roughly from $99 to $140 depending on format, which is a solid value if your child is genuinely into marine science and will stick with it all year.

Pros

• The ocean theme motivates learners who struggle with abstract science instruction.
• Embedded videos and visuals reduce reading friction and increase independence.
• Labs and activities are built into each chapter and designed for home use.
• It explicitly aligns to NGSS for grades six to eight.

Cons

• The price is higher than many PDF based curricula.
• Kids who are not interested in marine topics may prefer a broader theme.
• You may want to add explicit vocabulary routines if reading stamina is low.
• The program is rich, so it can feel like a lot in a very light homeschool year.

Evan Moor Science Homeschool Bundle Grade 6

Evan Moor Science Homeschool Bundle Grade 6 is a workbook based option for families who want short, predictable lessons and a clear paper trail. Parents like the routine and the low prep, especially when they need documentation, and many families add more hands on labs for depth. For dyslexic learners, this works best as a flexible spine rather than a script: read directions aloud, let your child answer orally or with typing, and treat handwriting as optional. If you need something simple that you can grab on a busy week, it is genuinely useful. The bundle has been priced around the mid $20s (for example, $26.24 on Carson Dellosa), which is strong value if you use it selectively rather than forcing every page.

Pros

• The lessons are short and routine, which can help kids who feel overwhelmed.
• It provides clear documentation for families who need samples and records.
• It is affordable and easy to implement with minimal setup.
• You can pick and choose pages to match your child’s stamina.

Cons

• It is text heavy, so many dyslexic learners need read aloud support.
• Workbooks can feel dry for kids who learn best through movement and experimentation.
• You may need to add more inquiry and modeling to match NGSS style depth.
• Some students internalize “I am bad at science” if science equals worksheets.

Khan Academy Science

Khan Academy Science is our favorite free option when you need high quality explanations quickly. For a dyslexic sixth grader, the biggest benefit is control: videos can be paused, replayed, and paced to the learner, giving your child time without the social pressure of a classroom. Parents like using Khan as a “backup teacher” for tricky concepts, and the main limitation is that you will still need hands on labs and a plan for sequencing. The best approach is to pick one strand (for example, middle school life science) and use Khan for short lessons, then demonstrate understanding through conversation, diagrams, or quick models instead of long written responses. Cost is the easiest part: it is free, which makes it an excellent “fill the gap” resource.

Pros

• It is free, high quality, and easy to start immediately.
• Videos can be replayed and paced to the learner, which supports slower decoding.
• It works well as a supplement for review, reteaching, and catching up after gaps.
• Parents can use it to fill holes when a curriculum skips a topic.

Cons

• It does not automatically provide hands on labs and experiments.
• Families need to curate a path to match NGSS topics and local expectations.
• Some kids need more narrative and play than a tutorial style provides.
• Without a plan, it can become scattered and harder to document.

Homeschooling science to kids with dyslexia

Dyslexia is primarily a reading and spelling difference, not a measure of intelligence. The International Dyslexia Association describes it as difficulty with word reading and spelling that involves accuracy or speed, and it can exist across a continuum of severity. In science, that means your child may understand the concept and still struggle to decode the worksheet describing it. The fix is not to lower the science. The fix is to change the access point. Teach through listening and visuals first, then add print as a support, not a gatekeeper. Watch the lesson, do the lab, talk it out, and let your child show understanding with a sketch, a labeled diagram, a short voice recording, or a photo sequence. Signs you may be seeing dyslexia friction in science include avoiding reading directions, fatigue after short passages, slow note taking, and strong oral explanations that do not match written work. Supports that homeschoolers love include text to speech, audiobooks, explicit vocabulary with pictures, and consistent, structured note templates.

Watch: This video shows how we think about tailoring curriculum so kids with different learning profiles can actually thrive.

Alternatives to curriculum for different learners

KiwiCo

KiwiCo is not a complete sixth grade science curriculum, but it is one of the easiest ways to get more engineering and experimentation into your week. Kits arrive with most materials included and instructions are typically visual, which reduces decoding friction for dyslexic learners. Parents love that this feels like “real building,” and they sometimes wish there were more explicit concept teaching built in. The sweet spot is pairing a crate with a short lesson from Science Mom or Khan Academy, then having your child explain the “why” in their own words. Pricing varies by plan length, but monthly subscriptions are often listed around $29.95 on month to month plans, so it is best value when you consistently use each kit and extend it with discussion and redesign challenges.

Pros

• The projects are hands on and satisfying for kids who learn best by building.
• Kits reduce parent prep because materials are included.
• It is a great supplement for learners who need more engineering design challenges.
• Visual instructions usually reduce decoding strain.

Cons

• It is not a complete science scope and sequence on its own.
• Some crates lean more toward engineering than toward explanatory science.
• The cost adds up over a full year compared with a single curriculum.
• You may need to add discussion and vocabulary to deepen the science.

Mel Science STEM experiments for kids

Mel Science STEM experiments for kids ships hands on kits and pairs them with digital guidance. For dyslexic learners, the biggest advantage is that instruction is not trapped in a wall of text. Kids can watch, build, and then talk about what happened. Parents love the “science lab in a box” convenience, and some find the digital side a little too screen heavy if they are already managing lots of online learning. MEL commonly lists plans from $29.90 per month depending on subscription length, so it is best value when you build a weekly lab routine and reuse ideas for science fair or notebook photos. Use it as a lab engine alongside a concept focused program, not as your only curriculum.

Pros

• Monthly kits make it easy to keep labs consistent without planning every detail.
• Video guidance supports kids who struggle with written directions.
• Experiments feel exciting and modern, which can motivate reluctant learners.
• Subscriptions can be paused or canceled, which helps busy families.

Cons

• It is a supplement, so families still need a plan for concepts and sequencing.
• Some kits require close adult supervision for safety.
• Subscription costs add up over time compared with buying one book.
• Families who want fully screen free instruction may prefer print based labs.

Science Mom The Science Fair is Tomorrow. Help!

Science Mom The Science Fair is Tomorrow. Help! is a quick PDF packed with 18 simple demonstrations that you can turn into real experiments, each with suggestions for making a fair test and communicating results. This is a fantastic resource for dyslexic learners because it lowers the barrier to entry: kids can run the experiment, take photos, and present findings orally or with short captions instead of long write ups. Parents love it as a panic button resource, and the main “could be improved” note is that you still need to help your child choose variables and design a fair test. It has been priced at $10, which makes it one of the best value science fair supports we have seen.

Pros

• Projects are fast to set up and can be completed in one evening.
• It teaches the scientific method through doing, not reading.
• It is affordable, printable, and reusable.
• It works well for group investigations and home science days.

Cons

• It is project inspiration, not a complete year long curriculum.
• Some families want more background explanation for each demonstration.
• Kids still need help turning a fun demo into a well controlled experiment.
• You still need to gather simple supplies.

Science Mom Astronomy

Science Mom Astronomy is a semester course that takes kids from the Earth and Moon to stars, galaxies, and space exploration, using video lessons and printable notes you fill in together. It is a great add on for dyslexic sixth graders because it keeps the core Science Mom strengths: clear teaching, interactive notes, and hands on projects that connect to real observations at home. Parents love how this keeps science wonder alive, and some wish there were more live community by default. The course price is listed at $150 with an installment option, which is strong value for families who want a rich astronomy semester and will reuse it across siblings.

Pros

• Video first teaching reduces reading friction for dyslexic learners.
• Projects connect space science to real observations at home.
• The notes are designed for students to interact with the material, not copy it.
• Family access and replay support different learning speeds.

Cons

• Kids who dislike video instruction may not engage.
• It is a topic course, so it does not cover every middle school science strand.
• Families who want live classes will need to add discussion elsewhere.
• Some projects require simple supplies and a little parent facilitation.

Real Science Odyssey Astronomy Level 2

Real Science Odyssey Astronomy Level 2 is a semester course for grades six through ten that teaches astronomy through labs, modeling, and serious scientific ideas like the Big Bang and the Doppler effect. It is a strong fit when your dyslexic learner is obsessed with space and wants a more hands on, notebook style course rather than primarily video lessons. Parents like the depth and the “real science” tone, and some find that it requires more organization and parent support than a fully guided video course. Expect to support reading with audio or partner reading if decoding is a struggle. It has been listed around $87.99 in the SEA Books and More store, which can be solid value if you want a deep, focused astronomy semester.

Pros

• It goes deep and treats middle schoolers like real thinkers.
• Labs and models help make abstract space concepts concrete.
• It can function as a rich elective or a focused science semester.
• It is secular and designed for middle and high school learners.

Cons

• Textbook style reading can be challenging without audio support.
• The price is higher than many digital curricula.
• Families wanting broad survey science may prefer a multi topic course.
• It takes effort to keep notebooks organized if writing is a struggle.

Science Mom Biology 1: Microbiology

Science Mom Biology 1: Microbiology is a semester course that covers cells, biomolecules, diversity of life, human physiology, and microbiology. It is a strong entry point into “real biology” for dyslexic learners because the course is designed to be listened to, discussed, and reinforced with visuals and guided notes. Parents love how clear the explanations are, and many appreciate that kids can complete it more independently than a textbook course. The main drawback is still fit: if your child resists video learning, you will need a different approach. Pricing is typically listed at $150 for the semester course, with installment options.

Pros

• Clear video teaching supports learners who struggle with textbook reading.
• Guided notes reduce writing load while still teaching key vocabulary and concepts.
• Projects and quiz shows keep the course engaging and memorable.
• NGSS alignment helps families document coverage.

Cons

• Students who dislike biology may prefer astronomy or physics first.
• Because it is self paced, some kids need parent structure to stay consistent.
• Families who want fully offline learning may prefer a print based biology spine.
• Some labs require simple supplies and adult support.

Science Mom Biology 2: Genetics and Evolution

Science Mom Biology 2: Genetics and Evolution is the follow up semester that covers heredity, genetics, and evolution with guided notes, quizzes, and projects. It is a great fit for dyslexic learners who want big ideas and real world applications, especially kids who love animals, family traits, or anything that feels like a mystery to solve. Parents like the playful tone and the conceptual clarity, and some wish for more live discussion built in. This course is typically listed at $150 with installment options, and it pairs well with Biology 1 as a full year sequence.

Pros

• Strong conceptual focus supports kids who think deeply and ask big questions.
• Guided notes and projects keep the course accessible for dyslexic learners.
• It pairs naturally with Biology 1 to form a full year of life science.
• Family access increases value across siblings.

Cons

• Some kids benefit from completing Biology 1 first for foundational vocabulary.
• Families may want to add more hands on labs if their child craves experimentation.
• Students who want live class discussion will need to add community elsewhere.
• Because it is video based, you will want clear screen time boundaries.

Science Mom Biology Bundle

Science Mom Biology Bundle combines Microbiology and Genetics into a cohesive year of middle school life science. Choose the bundle if you want a full year plan without separate purchases, or if you have multiple children and want to revisit the material. Parents like the continuity and the simplicity of pressing play and moving through a sequence, and the most common frustration is simply time: it is a real course, so it needs consistency. The bundle is listed at $270, which is less than buying the two $150 courses separately, making it strong value for families who will complete both semesters.

Pros

• It covers middle school life science in a cohesive sequence.
• The guided notes support comprehension without a heavy writing load.
• Family access and long term availability increase value.
• Projects provide tactile reinforcement for complex concepts.

Cons

• Students who prefer broader survey science may want to mix strands instead.
• Some kids need parent routines to stay consistent with self paced courses.
• The upfront price may be high for single child households.
• Families may want extra lab time for students who crave experimentation.

Real Science Odyssey Biology Level Two

Real Science Odyssey Biology Level Two is a year long life science course designed for middle school to early high school. It focuses on building understanding through active participation rather than worksheets, which can be a better fit for dyslexic learners who learn by doing. Parents like the rigor and the hands on feel, and the main caution is readiness: it can be advanced for some sixth graders unless you support reading with audio and keep written output flexible. It has been listed around $89.99 on SEA Books and More, so it is best value for families who want a rigorous, screen light biology spine and will stick with it all year.

Pros

• It is rigorous and concept rich for students who want a challenge.
• The program encourages doing science, not just reading about it.
• It can work across a range of ages, which helps mixed age homeschoolers.
• It is a solid choice for students aiming for strong science foundations.

Cons

• The reading load can be heavy without strong supports.
• It may be too advanced for sixth graders who are still building background knowledge.
• Parents may need to help with organization and pacing.
• The total cost can rise if you add optional components.

For physics (keep these near the end)

Science Mom Physics 1: Mechanics

Science Mom Physics 1: Mechanics is a semester course covering motion, forces, and core mechanics with video lessons, guided notes, and practice. It is a strong fit for dyslexic sixth graders who love motion, sports, building, or “how things work” questions, because the access point is listening and visuals rather than textbook reading. Parents like that kids can replay lessons and still produce solid samples, and the most common improvement request is more live problem solving support. It is typically listed at $150 with installment options, which is fair value if your child is truly motivated by physics and will follow through.

Pros

• Video teaching plus hands on activities make mechanics easier to grasp.
• Guided notes reduce writing load and support organization.
• Practice problems and quizzes reinforce learning.
• Long term access supports self paced learning.

Cons

• Some topics are math adjacent, so students may need support with graphs and measures.
• Kids who prefer biology or earth science may not find mechanics motivating.
• Self pacing can be challenging without routines and accountability.
• Families who want fully offline science will prefer a print based physics spine.

Science Mom Physics 2: Electromagnetism

Science Mom Physics 2: Electromagnetism follows Mechanics and covers thermodynamics, fluids, waves, and electromagnetism. It is a strong option for dyslexic learners who love experimentation and want to keep pushing into deeper physics without getting trapped in textbook reading. Parents like that the examples connect to everyday life, and some wish the course offered more optional challenge problems. It is typically listed at $150 with installment options, and it is best value for students who will complete it, not dabble.

Pros

• It keeps physics engaging with visuals and interactive elements.
• Guided notes support students who struggle with written output.
• The topic mix connects to everyday life, from heat to light to electricity.
• Self paced replay supports different learning speeds.

Cons

• Some students benefit from completing Mechanics first for foundations.
• Families who want live instruction will need to add discussion support elsewhere.
• Some experiments require supplies and parent facilitation.
• Students who dislike physics may prefer life science or earth science strands.

Science Mom Physics Bundle

Science Mom Physics Bundle combines Mechanics and Electromagnetism into a year long physics sequence. Parents like the continuity and the “press play and go” feel, and the biggest frustration tends to be time: this is real physics and it asks for consistent effort. The bundle price is listed at $326.70 with installment options, which is a bigger investment than a single course, but it can be strong value if your child is committed to a full year of physics and you will reuse it across siblings.

Pros

• It teaches core physics concepts with practice and clear explanations.
• The two course sequence creates a coherent year long plan.
• Guided notes support students who struggle with writing stamina.
• Self paced replay helps kids learn at their own speed.

Cons

• It is a substantial time commitment for families already juggling many subjects.
• It is best for kids who actually like physics, not for reluctant learners.
• The bundle price is a bigger investment than a single course.
• Some learners benefit from live problem solving sessions alongside recordings.

Real Science Odyssey Physics Level One

Real Science Odyssey Physics Level One is a year long elementary physics course designed for grades three through six. It teaches physics through incremental lessons and hands on exploration, covering motion, friction, work, sound, waves, magnetism, and electricity. This can be an excellent fit for dyslexic learners who think with their hands and prefer screen light learning, but you will likely want to support reading with audio or partner reading. Parents like the lab focus and the conceptual sequencing, and some find the supply gathering burdensome. It has been listed around $87.99 in the SEA Books and More store, which is best value if you truly want an inquiry first physics year.

Pros

• Hands on exploration makes physics tangible for kids who struggle with text heavy instruction.
• Experiments cover core physics ideas that many middle school programs skim.
• It can be a great confidence builder for mechanically minded learners.
• It works well for families aiming for more screen light science.

Cons

• It still requires reading support for many dyslexic students.
• It is time intensive if you want to do the labs well.
• Families wanting a broad survey of science topics may want a different spine.
• The cost is higher than many single subject workbooks.

Mel Science Physics Science Experiments Subscription

Mel Science Physics Science Experiments Subscription delivers monthly boxes paired with video guidance. It is most useful as a lab booster if your child is learning concepts through a course and needs more “prove it with your hands” practice. Families like the novelty and the convenience of having materials arrive ready to go, and the main frustration tends to be cleanup and ongoing subscription cost. MEL commonly lists pricing from about $29.90 per month depending on plan length, so it is best value when you commit to a steady weekly lab routine.

Pros

• Regular experiments make physics concrete and memorable.
• Video guidance reduces the barrier of written lab directions.
• It can keep science momentum during busy seasons because planning is minimal.
• It pairs well with video based instruction and discussion.

Cons

• It is not a complete physics scope and sequence on its own.
• Adult supervision is important for safety and cleanup.
• Subscription costs may be higher than buying a single curriculum.
• Some learners prefer slower, deeper projects rather than monthly variety.

For chemistry (put this near the very end)

Mel Science Chemistry Subscription Box for Kids

Mel Science Chemistry Subscription Box for Kids is one of the most exciting ways to do chemistry at home without building a full lab. The kits ship monthly and are paired with video guides, which helps dyslexic learners who get stuck decoding lab instructions. Parents love the “real chemistry” feeling, and some find the shipping and screen time balance tricky to manage. MEL commonly lists pricing from about $29.90 per month depending on plan length, which can be strong value if chemistry motivates your child and you will actually use the kits regularly. Safety routines and supervision are essential, so this is best for families ready to commit to calm, careful lab habits.

Pros

• Kits provide hands on chemistry without sourcing supplies.
• Video instructions reduce the reading barrier for dyslexic learners.
• Monthly novelty can keep reluctant students engaged.
• It pairs well with a concept focused curriculum for deeper understanding.

Cons

• Adult supervision and safety routines are essential.
• Subscription costs can be significant over a full year.
• It is a supplement, so you still need a plan for what concepts to cover.
• Some kids prefer longer projects over monthly kits.

Thinkwell

Thinkwell is a high school level option, included here for advanced learners or older siblings. Many dyslexic students are twice exceptional: reading is hard, conceptual science thinking is easy, and they outpace grade level expectations when instruction is auditory and visual. Thinkwell courses are known for rigorous video instruction, illustrated notes, and strong assessments, which can be a better fit than text heavy advanced science. Pricing varies by course, but Thinkwell has listed twelve month access for an honors biology course at $199, with an option to extend at $19.95 per month, which helps families budget if they need longer access. This is best value for motivated students who want a transcript ready course.

Pros

• Rigorous content is appropriate for advanced learners who want real science.
• Video based instruction can reduce the reading barrier for dyslexic students.
• It can be used as a single course without changing your whole homeschool plan.
• Strong assessments help families who need grades and transcripts.

Cons

• Most sixth graders will not be ready for high school level expectations.
• Families wanting hands on labs will need to add lab experiences separately.
• Cost can be higher than middle school programs depending on the course.
• Some learners need more playful tone and scaffolding than advanced courses provide.

NGSS science standards for sixth grade

NGSS is written by grade band for middle school, so sixth grade typically pulls from the “MS” performance expectations across life, earth, and physical science. That is why you will see standards labeled with “MS” rather than “Grade 6.” The common thread is not a topic list. It is a way of thinking: developing models, analyzing data, and explaining phenomena using evidence. In practice, many sixth grade courses emphasize earth systems and ecosystems while building foundations in matter and energy, but sequencing varies by state and district.

• MS LS2 ecosystems, resource availability, and how energy and matter move through living systems.
• MS ESS2 earth systems, water and rock cycles, and how Earth constantly changes.
• MS PS1 matter and its interactions, including particles, properties, and chemical reactions.
• MS PS3 energy, energy transfer, and how energy shows up in everyday systems.
• MS ETS1 engineering design: defining problems, testing solutions, and iterating.

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

Some kids love science. Others are exhausted by it, especially if school made science feel like a reading test. At Modulo, we lean into meaning. Science is the toolkit we use to explain what is real, test what is true, and build things that make life safer and more interesting. Extrinsically, science opens doors: later courses, college options, and careers that pay well. Intrinsically, science is power. It lets your child understand their body, their planet, and the technology they use every day. Try a conversation like this: “You know how you always ask why the moon changes shape? Science is how we answer questions like that with evidence. You do not have to be fast at reading to be good at science. You have to be curious and willing to test ideas. Let’s be the kind of people who can figure things out.”

Science Fair Projects for sixth grade science curriculum for dyslexic kids

Science fair season can be brutal for dyslexic kids because projects are often graded on writing, not thinking. Choose an experiment with visible results, document with photos and simple graphs, and keep writing short and structured.

• Ink chromatography art: Test which marker brands separate into the most pigments using coffee filters and measure the distance traveled by each color band.
• Walking water: Compare paper towel brands for capillary rise height and speed using colored water and identical cups.
• Seed germination study: Investigate how salinity or temperature affects germination rates, then present results as a simple bar chart.
• Balloon rocket engineering: Change one variable at a time (string length, balloon size, nozzle) and measure distance and time.
• Natural indicator chemistry: Make cabbage juice indicator and test common liquids, then sort them by acidity with a color key.

Science at home

You do not need a perfect curriculum to raise a kid who thinks scientifically. Cook dinner and talk about heat transfer. Take a walk and ask, “What evidence do we see that this ecosystem is changing?” Keep a family wonder list on the fridge where anyone can add questions like “Why does metal feel colder than wood?” Then pick one question a week and test it. Build a habit of prediction: before you run an experiment, everyone guesses what will happen and why. Let your child take photos, label them with short captions, and tell the story out loud. If writing is hard, let science live in the spoken world and in the visual world. Over time, you can layer in short, structured writing like one sentence claims and one piece of evidence, but the heart of science is still curiosity plus evidence.

Watch: This conversation is a fun reminder that science is supposed to feel weird, joyful, and deeply human.

Further Exploration

For a wider map of secular science options, start with The Best Secular Science Programs for Homeschoolers. Then, if dyslexia is shaping your year, these guides can help you make smarter tradeoffs with less overwhelm: Cognitive Diversity and Homeschooling for big picture support; The top 4 tools to teach your child to read for literacy scaffolds; So what's the big deal about Mastery Learning? for the mindset shift that helps dyslexic kids thrive; Mastery Hours: Core Subjects for Your Power Hours for sustainable scheduling; How to find and vet the best homeschool teachers if you want outside support; ✅ The Ultimate Modular Learning Checklist for planning; and Is your child on track? when you want reassurance and next steps.

About your guide

This review reflects Modulo’s research process and our work supporting secular homeschoolers raising kids with diverse learning profiles. Manisha Snoyer is the founder and CEO of Modulo and a longtime educator and entrepreneur who has taught more than 2,000 children across public schools, private schools, and alternative programs, and has spent years curating and testing resources with real families. Modulo’s marketplace is designed to support cognitive diversity, including dyslexia, and our recommendations are grounded in deep curation rather than paid placement. When we call something “best overall,” we mean it held up across scientific accuracy, secular integrity, kid engagement, and real world usability for busy families.

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Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means Modulo may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Our opinions are independent and research driven, and we only feature resources we believe are genuinely high quality.