REAL Science Odyssey (Pandia Press)

REAL Science Odyssey from Pandia Press is a secular, experiment-forward science curriculum for elementary and middle grades. Each level focuses on a branch of science—astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth science, physics—and guides students through readings, labs, and notebook work that prioritize understanding over memorizing vocab lists. Developed by working scientists and homeschoolers, the series is structured but not rigid, with clear schedules and supply lists that make planning manageable. Parents love that real, hands-on labs are built into every unit, not tacked on as optional extras, and that the tone stays conversational without sacrificing accuracy. The cost per level is midrange, but because you can reuse teacher materials and only restock consumables, it often stretches across multiple children.