What Reviewers Say

The Big History Project (BHP) is consistently hailed by reviewers as a 'gold standard' for free digital curricula, particularly for its high production value and ambitious interdisciplinary scope. Sources like Cathy Duffy and Common Sense Education highlight the program's ability to weave together science and history into a cohesive narrative. Homeschoolers on forums like Well-Trained Mind appreciate its 'grab-and-go' nature, though many note that the reading level can be challenging for younger middle schoolers. Common concerns center on its strictly secular, scientific worldview, which focuses heavily on evolutionary timelines and the Big Bang, potentially alienating families seeking a religious perspective. While the videos are highly engaging for reluctant learners, the sheer volume of content and required reading stamina can be overwhelming if not paced correctly by the parent. Overall, it is praised for providing a private-school-quality experience at no cost.

How It Works

A typical week involves the parent and child logging into the OER Project online portal to work through chronological 'Thresholds' that bridge science and history. The student spends 45 to 60 minutes daily watching high-quality video lectures, reading articles adjusted to their specific reading level, and completing 'Investigations' where they analyze evidence like a detective to answer a central historical question. Parents act as facilitators, using the provided guides to lead 'Big Questions' discussions and monitor progress on the 'Little Big History' project, which is a long-term research assignment of the student's choice. The materials are entirely digital and free, though many families choose to print the readings to work away from the computer.

Switching to This?

Because the Big History Project follows a unique chronological narrative starting from the Big Bang, there are no formal placement tests; families simply start at the beginning (Unit 1). Most community members recommend starting at Threshold 1 regardless of grade level (6-12), as the curriculum builds a specific vocabulary and conceptual framework that carries through the entire course. While families can technically jump in mid-year, it is best to start at the beginning of the narrative to understand how the publisher links scientific concepts to historical events. If you are transitioning from a traditional history program, expect a much heavier emphasis on science and a shift toward 'Claim Testing,' which teaches students to evaluate the validity of information they encounter.

Curriculum Details

Price

$0

The curriculum is completely free for all users as an Open Educational Resource (OER).

Grades

6 - 12

Available As

Digital Video Interactive Internet required

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

History/Social Studies Science Logic & Critical Thinking

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

15-45 min/day

Parent Involvement

Minimal

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Secular

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Parent Role:

Parents primarily act as facilitators, guiding discussions based on the provided prompts and monitoring student progress through the online platform.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to The Story of the World, the Big History Project is strictly secular and scientific, focusing on 13.8 billion years of cosmic evolution rather than just human civilizations. Parents choosing between Big History and the World History Project (also by OER) should know that Big History includes significant units on astronomy, biology, and geology, whereas World History stays closer to traditional human-centered history. Against a literature-based program like History Odyssey, Big History is much more media-heavy and digital, appealing to visual learners who prefer videos over reading historical novels. For families considering a standard science curriculum, Big History differs by teaching science through the lens of history, showing how the formation of stars or the evolution of life directly shaped the human experience. Finally, unlike a simple documentary series, Big History provides a structured academic framework with 'Document-Based Questions' and writing assessments that turn passive watching into active critical thinking.

Getting Started