Science Mom

Math Dad Pre-Algebra Bundle

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The Math Dad Pre-Algebra Bundle is a full-year, accelerated pre-algebra course covering a full 8th-grade curriculum (and some 7th-grade concepts) in two self-paced semesters. Combining video lessons, Desmos explorations, quizzes, and printable notes, it’s structured yet flexible—families tell us kids who struggled with other programs “absolutely love it.” Its interactive activities and discovery-based learning help build strong conceptual understanding and algebraic thinking. With a supportive community and accessible pricing, it’s an excellent top-tier prep for Algebra 1.

Recommended Ages

8th Grade Math

Style
Video-BasedOnlineTeensSelf-Paced

This bundle takes a conceptual, discovery-based approach to pre-algebra, focusing on deep understanding rather than rote memorization. Math Dad and Science Mom emphasize real-world applications, helping students see how math connects to everyday life—like using ratios in cooking or understanding negative numbers in temperature. The lessons build progressively, reinforcing foundational skills while introducing new challenges. A mix of direct instruction, guided practice, and hands-on exploration keeps learners engaged. Mistakes are framed as part of the learning process, reducing pressure and encouraging persistence. The curriculum avoids dry drills in favor of puzzles, games, and creative problem-solving, making abstract concepts more accessible. While aligned with standard pre-algebra topics, the focus is on fostering a growth mindset and genuine comprehension.

Self-Direction
E means highly structured. A is basically unschooled, completely self-guided.
How much do students guide their own learning in this course?
A
B
C
D
E
Regular price $350.00 USD
Math Dad Pre-Algebra Bundle
$350.00 USD

Skills

What kids will learn

Our mission

The mission of Science Mom is to make science and math learning engaging, accessible, and inspiring for families everywhere. Through self-paced, secular, and visually rich video courses paired with interactive doodle notes, polls, quizzes, and hands-on projects, they aim to empower learners to explore core concepts with confidence and curiosity. By keeping prep minimal and content lively, their goal is to support diverse learning styles and bring joyful, real-world education into homes and classrooms, fostering a lifelong love of discovery.

Our story

Science Mom (Jenny Ballif) and Math Dad (Serge Ballif) began their journey when Jenny, a plant science expert, started bringing weekly science demos to her son’s second-grade class in 2013, where she earned the nickname “Science Mom.” Wanting to make science fun and accessible for more families, she teamed up with Serge, a math Ph.D. and former college instructor, to create engaging, educational YouTube videos. Their channel grew quickly, especially during the pandemic, leading to the development of full self-paced, secular courses in biology, chemistry, and math. These courses blend entertaining video lessons with doodle notes, quizzes, polls, and hands-on projects, all designed to require minimal prep while deeply engaging learners. What started as classroom demos evolved into a global resource for joyful, real-world science and math learning at home.

Watch a demo lesson

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FAQ: Additional Details about Math Dad Pre-Algebra Bundle

Science Mom & Math Dad lessons typically begin with a video that introduces a big idea in math or science through stories, visuals, or real-life connections. After watching together, families dive into hands-on experiments, printable challenges, or interactive tools like Desmos or card games, applying what they’ve learned in a way that’s engaging and often collaborative. Whether it’s solving an equation, testing the pH of common liquids, or building a model, each activity reinforces core concepts while sparking curiosity and critical thinking.

After purchasing the bundle, you get instant access to all video lessons, printable worksheets, activity guides, and answer keys. The course is self-paced, so families can move through topics at their own speed. Lessons are organized into logical units, but you can skip around if desired. Clear instructions and minimal prep make it easy to jump in, whether used for homeschool, tutoring, or summer enrichment.

This bundle is ideal for students ages 10–14 who are ready to move beyond basic arithmetic but may find traditional textbooks overwhelming. It suits visual and hands-on learners, kids who enjoy games or real-world projects, and those who benefit from a relaxed, encouraging approach to math. Homeschoolers, afterschool learners, or students needing extra support will find it particularly useful.

This may not be the best fit for students who thrive on strict repetition or worksheet-heavy practice without contextualization. Those who need immediate feedback from a live teacher or struggle with independent work might require additional support. Advanced students looking for a fast-paced, high-school-level algebra prep might find the pace too gentle.

The Math Dad and Science Mom Pre-Algebra Bundle can be a great fit for kids with special needs, particularly those who benefit from multisensory learning. The lessons combine visual (videos, diagrams), auditory (explanations, discussions), and kinesthetic (hands-on activities, manipulatives) approaches, which help reinforce concepts for diverse learners. The self-paced nature allows students to take extra time if needed, and the engaging, low-pressure style reduces math anxiety. However, children who require highly structured, one-on-one instruction or specialized accommodations may need additional support beyond what this bundle provides.

The Pre-Algebra Bundle can be helpful for students with dyscalculia, though its effectiveness depends on the individual child's needs. The multisensory approach using visual aids, hands-on manipulatives, and real-world applications helps reinforce concepts for learners who struggle with abstract numbers. The encouraging, low-pressure teaching style also reduces math anxiety, which is particularly beneficial. Since the course is self-paced, students can replay videos, repeat activities, or take breaks as needed. However, some dyscalculic learners may still find certain concepts like negative numbers or fractions challenging without additional repetition or specialized interventions, as the bundle isn't specifically designed for dyscalculia. While detailed reviews from parents of dyscalculic students are limited, general feedback indicates that kids who previously disliked math often enjoy the games and real-life examples, with many parents praising the visual explanations. Some noted that certain topics may still progress too quickly for those with more severe math difficulties. Overall, this bundle works well for mild dyscalculia or math anxiety, especially when supplemented with extra practice, but parents of children with significant number sense gaps might want to pair it with targeted dyscalculia resources like Ronit Bird's materials. It's most effective for kids who learn well through hands-on, exploratory methods.

Science Mom and Math Dad very well for gifted and 2e learners, offering engaging, rigorous science exploration with flexibility to differentiate. For profoundly gifted kids, it’s a strong starter—pair with deeper extracurricular projects or independent research to meet their advanced needs.

Gifted learners appreciate the in-depth explanations and real-world science, which are great for skill-building like note-taking even when content isn’t fully new.

Twice-exceptional (2e) or accelerated students can still benefit, especially when pairing familiar topics with scaffolded academic techniques.

Profoundly gifted students seeking autonomy and depth will find the self-paced, inquiry-driven structure supportive; however, they may need more complexity or opportunities for independent extension beyond the provided material.

Students should be comfortable with basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers). Familiarity with fractions, decimals, and simple word problems is helpful but not mandatory—the course reviews these concepts while building toward pre-algebra skills. No prior algebra experience is needed.

While older students can work through many lessons independently, younger or less confident learners may need occasional help reading instructions or discussing concepts. Parents don’t need advanced math skills—just a willingness to explore alongside their student. The bundle includes tips for facilitating discussions and making learning collaborative.

Schedule regular, short math sessions (20–30 minutes) to maintain consistency without overwhelm. Before starting a unit, preview the videos and printables to gather supplies. Encourage your learner to explain concepts back to you or teach a sibling—this solidifies understanding. Keep a "math journal" for notes, questions, and reflections to track progress.

Contact form

Meet Jenny and Serge

Science Mom has an M.S. in Plant Science from Utah State University. Math Dad has a Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University. We run the Science Mom YouTube channel where we create educational content for kids.

Science Mom and Math Dad teach self-paced courses using a secular curriculum. Each course uses an open-and-go design that requires minimal preparation and supervision. In our science courses, each lesson has follow-along notes, interactive comprehension questions, and quizzes. Students can participate in polls while watching the recorded lessons. There are science and art projects for deeper dives. Our math courses use the interactive Desmos curriculum. Each video lesson has an exploratory activity and practice material to complete after the lesson.

Modulo's thoughts

Our learning specialists give their honest evaluation
ManishaCEO and Founder

Science Mom and Math Dad is hands-down the most beloved STEM program for middle schoolers. Jenny and Serge are highly engaging teachers that share concepts in a compelling and engaging way.

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