Physical Science
What is Physical Science?
In physical science, learning is focused on the behavior of matter and energy. Specifically, students learn about the structure and properties of matter, the changes matter undergoes, the types of energy and their interactions, and the origins and evolution of the universe. By understanding these concepts, students gain a better appreciation for the natural world and the role humans play in it.
Learning physical science involves studying the nature and properties of matter and energy. This includes topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and nuclear physics. A strong foundation in mathematics is necessary to properly understand and apply the concepts learned in physical science.
Physical science is sometimes divided into branches, each of which specializes in a particular subject area. The main branches of physical science are astronomy, chemistry, earth science, and physics.
Physical Science Resources
DK Knowledge Encyclopedia Science!
A visually stunning DK reference covering matter, forces, energy, chemistry, life science, earth science, and space—an ideal hardcover spine or companion for homeschool science across the elementary and middle years.
Janice VanCleave's 201 Awesome, Magical, Bizarre, & Incredible Experiments
201 safe, low-cost, hands-on science experiments across biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and astronomy using common household materials—a long-running homeschool favorite for elementary and middle school.
Usborne 100 Science Experiments
100 simple, hands-on science experiments—crystals, circuits, balloon rockets, kaleidoscopes and more—with clear illustrated steps and explanations. A low-prep, household-materials activity book for elementary homeschoolers.
Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook
The Brain Quest team's wildly popular middle-school science study guide—notes, doodles, mnemonics, and quizzes covering the periodic table, forces, energy, space, earth science, and biology. A great homeschool supplement or review tool.
Evan-Moor Daily Science, Grade 5
Fifth-grade daily science workbook with weekly units on life, earth, and physical science featuring hands-on experiments and critical thinking exercises.
DK Smithsonian: The Science Book — Big Ideas Simply Explained
Comprehensive illustrated science reference covering key discoveries and concepts across physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science from ancient times to today.
The Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments
Comprehensive home chemistry lab manual with 170+ real experiments covering college-prep topics from basic techniques to advanced analytical chemistry.
Evan-Moor Daily Science, Grade 1
Daily science workbook for 1st graders with 30 weekly units covering life, earth, and physical science through reading passages and hands-on experiments.
Evan-Moor Daily Science, Grade 2
Daily science workbook for 2nd graders with 30 weekly units on life cycles, habitats, matter, and simple machines with hands-on experiments.
Evan-Moor Daily Science, Grade 3
Year-long daily science workbook for 3rd graders with 30 weekly units on adaptations, fossils, matter, force, and the solar system.
Spectrum Science, Grade 4
Comprehensive 4th-grade science workbook covering ecosystems, water cycle, light, sound, and simple machines with standards-aligned activities.
Spectrum Science, Grade 3
Standards-aligned science workbook for 3rd graders covering life, earth, and physical science with reading passages and hands-on activities.