Exploration Education
by Exploration Education (website )
Project-based physical science curriculum with all-inclusive kits for independent, hands-on learning from grades K-10.
Best Fit For
Kinesthetic learners who enjoy building, and busy families who need a science curriculum that students can complete entirely on their own.
Not Recommended For
Families looking for a rigorous, math-heavy high school science credit for 11th-12th grade, or those who prefer high-definition, modern digital interfaces.
What Reviewers Say
Reviewers consistently laud Exploration Education for its 'everything-in-the-box' approach, which eliminates the common parental frustration of missing experiment supplies. Highly regarded sources like Cathy Duffy and Timberdoodle emphasize the curriculum's strength in engaging kinesthetic learners through building significant projects like racers and steamboats. The curriculum is noted for high student independence, with many parents reporting that children can complete lessons and experiments with almost no supervision. However, a common trade-off mentioned in forum discussions (WTM, Reddit) is the dated appearance of the digital interface, which lacks the modern polish of newer platforms. While the Advanced level is marketed for up to 10th grade, some reviewers suggest it is most robust for middle school and may be considered 'light' for a rigorous high school physics/chemistry requirement.
How It Works
A typical week involves the student logging into a digital portal to complete three lessons, each taking about 45 to 60 minutes. After watching an interactive presentation that explains a scientific concept, the child uses the included physical manual and 'everything-in-the-box' kit to build or test parts of a major project, like a motorized racer or a balance scale. The parent's role is minimal, often limited to checking the student’s logbook or providing an extra set of hands for complex assembly steps. Because every wire, motor, and screw is provided, the kitchen table remains a workspace for construction and experimentation rather than a site for reading long chapters.
Switching to This?
Exploration Education does not offer a formal placement test, as the curriculum is divided into three clear tiers based on grade level: Standard (K-3), Intermediate (4-6), and Advanced (7-10). Most families simply choose the level corresponding to their child’s grade, though parents of 7th or 8th graders should almost always opt for the Advanced version to ensure enough academic depth. Families can easily start mid-year because the kits are self-contained and do not require prior knowledge of specific scientific sequences. If switching from a textbook-heavy program, parents should prepare for a transition where the student spends significantly more time using tools and building models than reading or writing.
Curriculum Details
- Price
- $104 - $199
- Grades
- K - 10
- Available As
- Digital Print Workbook Video Hands On Kit
- Coverage
- Single subject
- Subjects
- Science
- Pacing
- Self-paced
- Parent Time
- 5-15 min/day
- Parent Involvement
- None
- Student Independence
- Fully independent
- Academic Level
- Grade level
- Worldview
- Neutral
- Engaging for Reluctant Learners
- Yes
Pricing varies by level (Elementary, Standard, or Advanced). Single-student kits range from $104.95 to $184.95. Refill kits for additional students are available for approximately $35.00 to $65.00.
Videos
Middle School PHYSICAL SCIENCE Review of Exploration Education HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM
by Learning with Boys
Reviews We Consulted
Provides a highly positive evaluation of the program's project-based design and all-inclusive kits, though it notes the curriculum relies on interactive online text.
"All of this makes the Standard or Advanced Physical Science kit an excellent choice for those looking for a hands-on physical science course."
Recommends the curriculum as a perfect solution for students who are not avid readers, highlighting the successful balance of multimedia content and heavy project work.
"Exploration Education has proven to be the perfect balance of text-based materials, online videos, written assignments and hands-on projects."
Praises the curriculum's ability to teach the scientific method and lab reporting skills effectively, moving beyond simple question-and-answer formats even at the elementary level.
"The work book was set up to model actual lab write ups, and it really hammered the scientific method instead of just questions and answers."
Community members favor the curriculum for its independence and high engagement but caution that major projects are time-intensive and can take multiple days to build.
"My son did the advanced version for 8th grade. Overall, I would guess an average of 20-30 minutes a day for days 1-3. Days 4-5 took longer... the major projects took days to build."
Enthusiastically recommends the advanced level for its reliability and high student engagement, noting that children truly learn through the process of building tangible projects.
"There is one that definitely makes the cut though – every single time: Advanced Physical Science from Exploration Education... the result is still an amazing, hands-on program that our children have loved and learned from!"
Updated: March 2026
How This Compares
Compared to Supercharged Science, which is a video-heavy subscription service where parents must often source their own experiment materials, Exploration Education provides a physical kit with every single part included for a more 'grab-and-go' experience. When weighed against Real Science-4-Kids, Exploration Education focuses more on engineering and the physical application of science through long-term builds rather than focusing on high-level academic terminology. Unlike Apologia’s science courses, which are reading-intensive and textbook-centered, this curriculum is designed for kinesthetic learners who want to learn by doing with very little parent supervision. Against Noeo Science, which uses 'living books' and a Charlotte Mason approach to guide learning, Exploration Education uses a digital interface and a singular project-based focus. Finally, parents often find that while the Advanced level covers the same topics as a program like DIVE Science, it is much lighter on the math and formal lab reports, making it a better fit for a middle schooler or a non-STEM focused high schooler.
Getting Started
See What It Looks Like
Provides details on lesson length, sharing kits between multiple students, and household supplies required.
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