Generation Genius
by Generation Genius, Inc. (website )
High-quality K-8 science and math video lessons and experiments produced in partnership with the NSTA.
Best Fit For
Families with visual learners or reluctant students who need high-energy, engaging video content to stay interested in Science and Math.
Not Recommended For
Families on a tight budget or those looking for a literature-heavy, classical, or non-screen-based approach to education.
What Reviewers Say
Reviewers consistently describe Generation Genius as a highly engaging and professionally produced video-based platform that simplifies science instruction for families. Cathy Duffy Reviews highlights the program's high production value, noting that the lessons are among the most exciting video options available for adaptation to a homeschool setting. The Daily Blog emphasizes that the platform is easy to navigate and ideal for parents who lack a science background because the videos handle the majority of the instruction. For hands-on learning, Little Learner and Mom praises the quality of the physical Home Kits for fostering student independence. However, OpenEd suggests that while the platform is a polished supplement for visual learners, it may lack the depth required for core instruction or advanced students. These observations suggest that while the videos are high in quality, the program may function more effectively as an enrichment tool than as a standalone primary curriculum.
How It Works
A typical session begins with the parent and child watching a high-energy, 12-to-20 minute video featuring Dr. Jeff and his team performing professional-grade experiments. After the video, the parent facilitates a discussion using the provided talking points before the child completes an interactive online quiz or a printed worksheet to check for understanding. Most families then move to the kitchen table to perform the 'DIY Activity,' which uses common household items like plastic bottles, vinegar, or food coloring to replicate a concept from the video. A single lesson usually takes 45 to 60 minutes to complete, and because the program is modular, parents can choose to do one lesson per week or a small series to cover a specific unit. The parent's primary role is gathering simple supplies for the experiments and guiding the post-video conversation using the pre-written lesson guides.
Switching to This?
Generation Genius does not offer formal placement tests because the content is organized by modular topics within specific grade bands: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Most families simply start at the child's current grade level, but because the videos are so engaging, parents often find that younger siblings can jump into the 3-5 band without much difficulty. Since the lessons do not need to be completed in a specific order, families can start mid-year or use it as a 'plug-and-play' supplement whenever they hit a difficult topic in their primary curriculum. When switching from a textbook-heavy program, parents should be prepared to add supplemental library books if they want their child to practice more academic reading and writing, as the core of this program is visual and hands-on.
Curriculum Details
- Price
- $15 - $175
- Grades
- K - 8
- Available As
- Digital Video
- Coverage
- Single subject
- Pacing
- Self-paced
- Parent Time
- 5-45 min/day
- Student Independence
- Semi-independent
- Academic Level
- Grade level
- Worldview
- Secular
- Teach Multiple Ages
- Yes
- Engaging for Reluctant Learners
- Yes
$15/month for one subject, $145/year for one subject (Science or Math), or $175/year for the Science + Math bundle.
Videos
Generation Genius Homeschool Online Science Curriculum Review for Grades K-8
by Purposeful Homeschool
Reviews We Consulted
Applauds the program for its high production value and engaging "cool" factor, noting that while it was designed for classrooms, it is very easy for homeschoolers to adapt.
"Generation Genius presents some of the most exciting, professionally-produced, video-based science lessons you can find."
Describes the platform as a polished enrichment tool for visual learners but cautions that it may lack the depth required for advanced students or core instruction.
"Generation Genius is a video-based science platform that earns a place as a polished, engaging supplement — best for elementary and middle-school students who learn well from short instructional videos..."
Highly recommends the physical "Home Kits" for their high-quality materials and effective video guides that foster independent learning and hands-on engagement.
"I was surprised when opened the box at the quality of the materials. My son instantly started pulling things out of the box and was ready to work."
Praises the platform for being "super easy" to navigate and ideal for non-science parents, as the videos handle nearly all instruction independently.
"Each video contains everything you need for the kiddos to learn about that topic with very little (if any!) help from the parents."
Updated: March 2026
How This Compares
Compared to Mystery Science, which uses a guided inquiry 'mystery' to lead into a craft-based activity, Generation Genius focuses on high-production entertainment and professional lab demonstrations that feel like a modern TV show. When weighed against Science Mom, Generation Genius is much faster-paced and flashier, whereas Science Mom offers longer, more detailed lectures that provide deeper academic rigor for middle schoolers. For math, parents often compare it to Beast Academy; while Beast Academy is a full, challenging curriculum with a focus on deep logic, Generation Genius Math serves better as a visual supplement to help children grasp specific concepts they find confusing. In comparison to BrainPOP, which uses short animations to explain topics, Generation Genius uses real-life scientists and live-action experiments, which many parents find more effective for kinesthetic learners. Finally, families choosing between this and a standard textbook will find that Generation Genius significantly reduces 'school refusal' by making the subject matter feel like a reward rather than a chore.
Getting Started
Find Your Level
Helps parents determine the correct level for their child by showing how lessons align with K-8 state and national standards.
See What It Looks Like
A comprehensive PDF lesson plan developed with the NSTA that demonstrates the program's 5E instructional model and hands-on activities.
Get Support
Provides specific guidance for families using Education Savings Accounts (ESA) or charter school funds to pay for their curriculum.
Purchase
The direct enrollment page for homeschool families to purchase monthly or annual access to the science and math video libraries.
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