What Reviewers Say

Reviewers describe Elemental Science as a strong implementation of classical science education that effectively combines hands-on experiments with literature-based study. Cathy Duffy Reviews highlights the methodology of the Classic series as being nearly ideal, specifically praising the program for its structured experiment plans and the use of high-quality spine reference books. While the curriculum is lauded for its organization, the reliance on external spines means that parents must manage several books simultaneously to complete the lessons. Some users may find that the structured nature of the experiments requires a consistent time commitment and significant parental oversight. Although the program provides a clear and rigorous framework for scientific study, the logistical requirement of coordinating multiple resources and the necessity of teacher preparation are important considerations for prospective homeschooling families.

How It Works

Parents choose between a two-day or five-day weekly schedule, with each session typically lasting 30 to 45 minutes at the kitchen table. During a lesson, the parent reads a selection from a science encyclopedia or a narrative storybook, and the child summarizes what they heard by writing a narration or drawing a picture in their student workbook. Once or twice a week, the parent and child perform a hands-on experiment using common household items, such as food coloring, jars, or string, to see the scientific concepts in action. The week usually wraps up with the child updating a project folder or adding new terms to a handmade glossary to reinforce what they learned.

Switching to This?

Since Elemental Science does not offer formal placement tests, families typically choose a level based on their child’s grade and the classical education cycle, usually starting with Biology for first or fifth grade. Families can easily start mid-year at the beginning of any specific unit, though most find it best to start at the beginning of a book to establish the notebooking routine. If you are switching from a program that uses traditional textbooks, be prepared to spend more time reading aloud and helping your child learn to narrate, or summarize, information in their own words. For those choosing the Sassafras Science narrative series, the community recommendation is to start with Volume 1 regardless of the time of year to ensure the student follows the overarching adventure story.

Curriculum Details

Price

$15 - $150

Pricing varies by series; Science Chunks are lower cost (~$15), while full Rhetoric stage bundles or Classic series print bundles range from $50 to $120+.

Grades

PRE-K - 12

Available As

Digital Print Workbook Audiobook

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Science

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

15-45 min/day

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to REAL Science Odyssey by Pandia Press, Elemental Science is more strictly aligned with the classical four-year cycle, making it the preferred choice for families following 'The Well-Trained Mind' framework. When weighed against Apologia, Elemental Science takes a 'neutral' stance on origins, providing a middle ground for families who want to avoid the heavy Young-Earth Creationist focus found in Apologia. In contrast to BookShark, which provides a wide variety of loosely related science books, Elemental Science is more streamlined and focuses deeply on one specific branch of science, such as Chemistry, for an entire year. Parents choosing between the Classic Series and Sassafras Science should note that the Classic Series uses factual encyclopedias for a traditional feel, while Sassafras uses a fictional story to deliver the same facts. Finally, compared to Ellen McHenry’s Science, which is known for its deep-dive artistic approach into specific topics like cells or elements, Elemental Science offers a broader, more structured survey of an entire scientific field.