How to Choose a Science Curriculum for Your Family: A Checklist

Choosing a science curriculum can feel like a big decision, because there are so many options and they all sound good. A practical way through is to decide what matters to your family first, and then check each option against that. Here is a checklist you can use with any program, whether it is a boxed set, a book series, an online library or something you assemble yourself.

1. What do you need it to cover?

Do you need to match a particular standard or syllabus, or are you happy with a broad range of topics?
Does it cover life science, physical science, Earth and space?
Does it include scientific thinking (asking questions, fair tests, evidence), or mainly facts?
Does it work for your country or region? Check the units, spelling and examples.

If you need to show coverage, look for a clear outline, and see whether the provider shows how lessons relate to common frameworks. Our curriculum alignment page is one example of how this can be set out.

2. How much preparation does it need?

Be honest about your time.

How long does each session take to set up?
Are the materials common household items or special purchases?
Is there a materials list in advance?
Can you open it and teach at short notice?

A curriculum that needs two hours of preparation will be used less often than one that needs ten minutes.

3. What does it really cost?

Look beyond the headline.

Is it a one-off purchase, a subscription or pay-per-item?
Are materials extra?
Can you use it for more than one child?
What happens if you pause or stop?
Is there a way to try before you commit?

Compare the total cost for your situation, not the price on a single page.

4. How flexible is it?

Can you do things in any order, or must you follow the sequence?
Can you skip a lesson without falling behind?
Can you adapt it for a different pace or a child who needs more time?
Does it work for short sessions as well as long ones?

5. Does it suit your children’s ages?

Is it written for the age range you have?
If you have children of different ages, can they work on the same topic at different levels?
Does it assume the child can read and write independently?
Does it grow with the child?

6. Is safety taken seriously?

Does each activity say what adult supervision is needed?
Are the materials safe for the age group?
Does it avoid mixing hazardous chemicals and tasting experiments?
Are allergies and sensitivities considered?

7. Will it support you, the adult?

This is often overlooked.

Are there clear steps, background notes and answers to likely questions?
Does it explain the science in plain language?
Does it suggest what to say when an experiment does not work?
Can you use it if you have no science background?

8. Does your child want to use it?

Try a sample lesson. Watch how your child responds. Do they ask questions? Do they want to do another? A program that looks perfect to you but bores your child will not last.

9. Check what it replaces

You may not need a full curriculum. Some families use a library of lessons, a book and a few trips. Others prefer a complete scope and sequence. Match the tool to the job.

A quick scoring sheet

Rate each option from 1 to 5 on: coverage, prep time, cost, flexibility, ages, safety, adult support, child’s interest. Add the numbers, and notice which areas matter most to you rather than relying on the total.

Fieldbook Learning as one option

Fieldbook Learning is one option among many. It is a library of K to 9 science lessons, with some maths, that you can use at home or in a group. You pick lessons as needed rather than following a fixed order, and the activities mostly use everyday materials. It may not be right for every family; for example, if you need a single boxed program with a fixed daily schedule, you may prefer something else. The parents page and home education page say more, and you can try lessons free before deciding.