🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Science

Science Labs That Actually Work at Home

Can You Really Teach Science at Home?

If the thought of teaching homeschool science feels intimidating, you’re not alone. Many homeschool parents worry most about high school science, especially labs and experiments.

The good news? You don’t need to be a scientist to raise curious learners.

In this replay, Felice Gurwitz shares practical strategies for making science engaging, hands-on, and enjoyable—from kindergarten through high school. Drawing from decades of homeschooling five children, she explains why science isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about encouraging observation, curiosity, and critical thinking.

Whether you’re teaching elementary science or preparing your teen for biology or chemistry, these tried-and-true ideas will help you build confidence.

Listen to the Episode

In This Episode

You’ll discover:

Why science is really about exploration—not memorization
The five keys to successful homeschool science labs
How to use the scientific method without making it overwhelming
Simple ways to build a home science lab on a budget
Why failed experiments can become the best learning experiences
The importance of giving children ownership in scientific discovery
Tips for choosing science curriculum that fits your family’s learning style
How hands-on labs develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills
Why field trips, museums, and real-life experiences make science memorable
Thoughts on dissections, virtual labs, and practical science learning

Key Takeaways

Science Begins with Curiosity

Science isn’t simply a collection of facts. It’s learning to ask questions, observe carefully, research possibilities, test ideas, and draw conclusions.

Children learn science best when they’re encouraged to investigate rather than simply memorize.

Five Keys to Successful Homeschool Science

Felice recommends focusing on five essentials:

Develop enthusiasm for science.
Learn scientific vocabulary together.
Practice using the scientific method.
Create memorable hands-on experiences.
Allow children to contribute their own ideas and questions.

You Don’t Need an Expensive Lab

Many useful science tools can be collected over time, including:

Magnifying glass
Measuring cups and spoons
Funnels
Thermometer
Kitchen scale
Eyedroppers
Microscope
Small containers
Timer

Organizing these supplies into labeled bins makes experiments much easier to complete.

Experiments Don’t Have to Be Perfect

One of the biggest misconceptions about science is that every experiment should “work.”

Sometimes the greatest learning happens when results are unexpected. Those moments teach children how real scientists think, troubleshoot, and revise ideas.

Encourage Big Ideas

One of Felice’s favorite stories is about her daughter attempting to stabilize hydrogen peroxide for a science fair project.

Instead of dismissing the idea, she allowed her daughter to investigate—and the experience became a lesson in creativity, persistence, and scientific thinking.

Sometimes our children’s curiosity takes them farther than we imagine.

Textbooks Aren’t the Only Option

Every homeschool family learns differently.

Some families thrive with textbooks.

Others enjoy unit studies, experiments, projects, and discussion.

The goal isn’t choosing the “perfect” curriculum—it’s helping your children understand how science works and encouraging them to think critically.

Hands-On Learning Builds Confidence

Field trips, museums, nature studies, experiments, dissections, and cooperative science labs all give students opportunities to connect concepts with real-world experiences.

Those experiences often become the lessons children ...