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Free or Affordable Science Resources for Middle School Homeschoolers

By Nancy ~

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent hours searching for homeschool science resources that don’t break the bank. Middle school is such a unique stage—it’s the bridge between those hands-on, playful elementary years and the more structured, high-school-style learning. Our kids are curious, asking deeper questions, and ready to start diving into more serious science topics like chemistry, physics, earth science, and biology. But here’s the truth: science curriculum can be expensive. And if you have more than one child, the costs add up quickly.

That’s why today I want to share some of the best free or affordable science resources for middle school homeschoolers that we’ve used (and loved) in our homeschool journey. My goal is to save you from endless Googling, wasted money on shiny programs that sit unused, and the stress of wondering if your child is “getting enough.”

Grab your coffee (or tea), because we’re going to dive deep into options you can actually use right away—whether you want full curriculum, supplement lessons, or fun hands-on experiments.

Why Affordable Science Resources Matter

When I first started homeschooling, I thought I had to buy the “perfect” boxed curriculum. But what I quickly realized is that:

  1. Not every child learns the same way.

  2. I was spending hundreds of dollars on books and kits that we barely touched.

  3. Some of the best resources out there are free or low-cost, and they’re just as effective (sometimes even better) than the expensive ones.

Science should be fun, engaging, and accessible. You don’t need a giant lab or a huge budget to make it work—you just need the right tools and a little creativity.

Free Science Resources for Middle School Homeschoolers

1. CK-12 Foundation

This is hands-down one of my favorite free science resources. CK-12 offers interactive textbooks for grades 6–12, covering everything from life science to physics. The best part? It’s customizable. You can assign readings, videos, and practice questions, and your child can work at their own pace.

Great for parents who want a structured curriculum without the price tag.

Website: CK-12 Foundation

2. NASA for Students

If your middle schooler is fascinated by space (and honestly, who isn’t?), NASA’s website is a treasure trove. They offer free lesson plans, interactive activities, and even live streams of space missions. You can find resources on astronomy, engineering, physics, and earth science.

Perfect for fueling that natural curiosity about the universe while connecting science to real-world events.

Website: NASA for Students

3. PhET Interactive Simulations

Developed by the University of Colorado Boulder, PhET offers free science and math simulations. These are especially helpful for middle schoolers who are visual learners. Your child can experiment with electricity, molecules, energy, and motion—all without expensive lab equipment.

A great choice if your child struggles with abstract concepts and needs to see science “in action.”

Website: PhET Simulations

4. Khan Academy – Science

Khan Academy is well-known for math, but their science section is just as solid. They cover middle school science topics with video lessons, practice exercises, and quizzes. It’s completely free and self-paced.

This is a lifesaver when you need to hand over independent learning while you juggle teaching multiple kids.

Website: Khan Academy Science

5. Mystery Science (Free Lessons)

Mystery Science offers a mix of free and paid lessons. Even the free content is amazing. Their videos spark curiosity, and the hands-on activities are doable with basic household items. They cover life science, earth science, engineering, and more.

Best for families who love simple, low-prep science lessons that actually stick.

Website: Mystery Science

Affordable Science Curriculums & Resources

If you’re okay with spending a little but still want to keep costs low, here are some fantastic budget-friendly options:

6. The Good and the Beautiful Science Units

If you already use The Good and the Beautiful, you know how affordable their units are. Their science curriculum is sold in units (like Chemistry, Space Science, or Human Body) and is perfect for middle schoolers. They’re beautifully designed, easy to follow, and very affordable compared to boxed curriculum.

Great if you want structured but flexible lessons that you can use with multiple kids at once.

Website: The Good and the Beautiful

7. Real Science Odyssey (by Pandia Press)

Real Science Odyssey offers engaging, secular science curricula. They have middle school levels for biology, chemistry, and earth science. While not free, they’re much more affordable than big-box options and are written with homeschoolers in mind.

Perfect for families who want a thorough but not overwhelming program.

Website: Pandia Press

8. TOPS Science

TOPS (Task-Oriented Project Science) provides activity-based science books that are super affordable. Their experiments use everyday items, and each book focuses on a single topic, like electricity, optics, or chemistry.

Best for hands-on learners and parents who don’t want to buy fancy lab kits.

Website: TOPS Science

9. Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT)

You can find tons of budget-friendly middle school science resources created by other homeschoolers and teachers. From unit studies to labs to interactive notebooks, TPT is full of affordable gems.

Excellent for filling in gaps or finding short-term resources without buying a full curriculum.

Website: Teachers Pay Teachers

10. Library & YouTube (Don’t Overlook These!)

Never underestimate the power of your local library. Most libraries have a huge collection of science experiment books, biographies of scientists, and educational DVDs. Pair this with educational YouTube channels (like SciShow Kids, National Geographic, and Crash Course Kids), and you have a completely free supplement.

Great for families who want variety and flexibility without spending a dime.

Hands-On Science: Affordable Experiment Ideas

Science isn’t just about reading textbooks—it’s about discovery. You don’t need expensive kits to create meaningful science experiments. Here are some ideas:

  • Homemade Lava Lamp (oil, water, food coloring, Alka-Seltzer) – teaches density and chemical reactions.

  • Baking Soda Volcano – a classic for understanding acids and bases.

  • Solar Oven (cardboard box, foil, plastic wrap) – teaches renewable energy.

  • Plant Growth Experiment – test different variables like light, water, or soil type.

  • Egg Drop Challenge – teaches engineering, physics, and problem-solving.

These experiments use items you already have at home, making them both fun and budget-friendly.

How to Piece Together a Free or Affordable Science Plan

Here’s what’s worked for us:

  1. Pick a core resource – something structured like CK-12 or The Good and the Beautiful.

  2. Supplement with free videos or simulations – like PhET, Khan Academy, or NASA.

  3. Add hands-on experiments weekly – keep it simple, but consistent.

  4. Use your library – borrow science biographies or experiment books.

  5. Stay flexible – if something isn’t working, swap it out. The beauty of homeschool is freedom.

Final Thoughts

Science doesn’t have to drain your homeschool budget. With the mix of free and affordable resources available today, you can give your middle schooler a solid, engaging science education without feeling overwhelmed or overspending. Whether your child dreams of becoming an astronaut, a doctor, or just loves tinkering with experiments, these resources make it possible to nurture that curiosity at home.

Remember: it’s not about having the fanciest curriculum—it’s about sparking a love of learning.

If you found this list helpful, share it with another homeschooling parent who’s looking for budget-friendly science solutions. And I’d love to hear from you—

👉 What are your favorite free or affordable science resources for middle school?

Leave a comment below and let’s build a resource list together for our homeschooling community!

Related Posts You Might Enjoy:

Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.



~With love,

Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️

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