What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently praise My Pals Are Here (MPAH) Science for its high academic standards and engaging, visual layout. Families appreciate the inquiry-based approach that mimics the successful Singapore Math method, focusing on 'thinking like a scientist' rather than rote memorization. However, many users note that the curriculum is fragmented; to use it effectively, parents must juggle textbooks, activity books, and teacher guides, which can be expensive and logistically cumbersome. Some reviews mention that because the curriculum is designed for the Singaporean climate and ecosystem, some biological examples (plants and animals) may be unfamiliar to North American students. Despite these minor regional hurdles, it remains a top choice for homeschoolers seeking a rigorous, secular science foundation that avoids 'fluff'.

How It Works

Each lesson begins with the parent and child exploring a concept in the colorful, image-heavy textbook, using inquiry-based prompts to spark discussion about how the natural world works. The child then transitions to the Activity Book to complete a hands-on experiment or observation, which typically requires basic household supplies or a simple science kit. A standard session lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, two to three times per week, with the parent using the Teacher’s Guide to facilitate the 'discovery' process and provide correct scientific terminology. Because the student books are designed to be concise, the parent plays an active role in bridging the gap between the visuals in the text and the practical application in the workbook.

Switching to This?

There are no formal placement tests for My Pals Are Here Science, so parents generally place children based on their current grade level or by reviewing the table of contents for the five main themes: Diversity, Cycles, Systems, Interactions, and Energy. The curriculum is organized into two-year cycles (1/2, 3/4, and 5/6), so families often start at the beginning of a cycle even if a student is in the higher grade of that pair. It is simple to start mid-year due to the modular nature of the themes, which allows you to begin a new unit whenever you like. If you are switching from a traditional US textbook, expect significantly less text to read but a much higher demand for critical thinking and visual analysis.

Curriculum Details

Price

$12 - $150

Prices vary by component. Individual books (Textbooks, Activity Books) range from $12-$20 each. Full-year bundles for a single grade level typically range from $80 to $150 depending on inclusion of Teacher Guides.

Grades

1 - 6

Available As

Print Workbook

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Science

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Pacing

Some flexibility

Parent Time

20-45 min/day

Parent Involvement

Moderate

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Parent Role:

The parent acts as a facilitator for experiments and must guide the student through the 'Inquiry' phases. Because the Teacher's Guide contains the answers and essential lesson context, the parent needs to actively prep materials for activities.

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding (BFSU), which is heavily teacher-led and lacks student workbooks, My Pals Are Here provides a more visual, student-friendly experience through its colorful textbooks. When weighed against Real Science-4-Kids, which focuses deeply on one discipline like Chemistry for a whole unit, My Pals Are Here follows an integrated approach that touches on several branches of science every year. Parents choosing between this and Elemental Science will find that while Elemental Science relies on 'living books' and a classical model, My Pals Are Here is a modern inquiry program designed for a secular, classroom-style foundation. Against Nancy Larson Science, My Pals Are Here is much less scripted, offering more flexibility for the parent but requiring more effort to coordinate the textbook, activity book, and teacher's guide. Finally, compared to Mystery Science, My Pals Are Here offers a more traditional paper-and-pencil component and higher academic rigor for families who want a formal record of learning beyond just watching videos.