Physical Science

K–5th

Matter, forces, energy, and how things work. Physical science builds the foundation for physics and chemistry.

9 articles

Skills your child will master

Observing and describing objects using sensory properties
Identifying solids, liquids, and gases
Understanding pushes, pulls, and how forces change motion
Exploring magnets, energy transfers, and simple machines
Introducing atoms, elements, and chemical reactions

Every lesson pairs with a hands-on experiment you can do at home, so kids experience the science before learning the vocabulary.

Forces & Motion

K–1st1

Pushes & Pulls: A Forces and Motion Experiment at Home

Build ramps, roll balls, and test how pushes and pulls change the way things move. Your child will explore forces, speed, and direction with simple materials.

2 min readK–1st

Magnets & Materials

K–1st1

Magnets & Materials: A Magnetic Exploration at Home

Grab a magnet and explore your house. Your child will test which materials are magnetic, discover attract and repel, and learn what makes magnets special.

3 min readK–1st

Matter & States of Matter

K–1st1

Solids, Liquids & Gases: A States of Matter Experiment at Home

Use ice, water, and steam to watch matter change states right in your kitchen. Your child will observe melting, freezing, and evaporation with everyday materials.

3 min readK–1st

Observation & Senses

K–1st1

Five Senses Experiment: A Sensory Exploration at Home

Set up a simple sensory station with everyday household items. Your child will use sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch to observe and describe the world like a real scientist.

2 min readK–1st

Properties & Classification

K–1st1

Describing Objects: A Sorting & Properties Experiment at Home

Grab a handful of household objects and let your child sort them by color, shape, size, texture, and weight. This hands-on activity builds the scientific skill of classification.

2 min readK–1st

Properties of Matter

K–2nd1

How to Teach Properties of Matter at Home

A homeschool parent's guide to teaching properties of matter — what things are made of, how we describe them, and how to build scientific observation skills through hands-on exploration of color, shape, size, weight, and texture.

6 min readK–2nd

Forces and Motion

1st–4th1

How to Teach Forces and Motion to Kids

A homeschool parent's guide to teaching forces and motion — pushes, pulls, gravity, friction, and Newton's laws. Hands-on activities that build real understanding of how and why things move.

8 min read1st–4th

Energy

2nd–5th1

How to Teach Energy at Home — Light, Heat, and Sound

A parent's guide to teaching forms of energy to elementary children. Hands-on activities for light, heat, and sound energy that build real understanding of how energy transfers, transforms, and powers everything.

7 min read2nd–5th

Fractions in the Real World

2nd–4th1

Kitchen Fractions: A Cooking Experiment at Home

Use a simple recipe to teach fractions with measuring cups and spoons. Your child will halve, double, and measure ingredients while learning that fractions are something you can see, scoop, and eat.

3 min read2nd–4th

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