Home Science Tools

Science
Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

Home Science Tools was founded by Frank and Debbie Schaner in 1995 out of a need to provide accessible, high-quality science equipment and materials to homeschooling families. Recognizing the challenges faced by homeschoolers in sourcing adequate science supplies, they created a company to fill this gap. Their mission has grown to support not only homeschoolers but also educators and science enthusiasts, all while maintaining a commitment to quality and customer service​.

It’s by far one of my favorite resources we recommend on Modulo, filling a huge need for quality resources for at-home labs, and so much more.

Differentiation: What Makes It Special Home Science Tools stands out in the educational resource market through its dedication to hands-on, inquiry-based science learning. They offer a wide array of products from microscopes to custom lab kits that cater to a variety of educational needs and age groups, emphasizing real-world application of scientific concepts. Their Science Unlocked curriculum is particularly noteworthy for its flexibility, allowing educators to choose between full-year bundles and monthly kits​.

How to Get Started To begin using Home Science Tools, educators can explore their extensive range of kits and equipment on their website. The platform is user-friendly, offering resources sorted by grade level, subject, and type of equipment, making it easy to find the right tools for your educational needs​.

How It Works Home Science Tools is designed to be "open and go," with most kits containing all necessary materials and detailed instructions to get started right away. The activities vary in duration but typically require a manageable commitment, making it easy to integrate into a homeschooling schedule. Both parent-led and independent study options are available, giving flexibility in teaching styles​​.

What Educational Concepts It Teaches

  • Biology & Life Sciences

  • Chemistry

  • Physics & Engineering

  • Earth & Space Sciences

  • Environmental Science

  • Forensic Science​.

What’s Good About It Users appreciate the quality and range of the products offered by Home Science Tools. The kits enhance learning by providing hands-on experiences that are both educational and enjoyable. Their customer service is also frequently highlighted as a strong point, with a knowledgeable staff ready to support educational endeavors​.

What Could Be Improved While Home Science Tools receives high marks for product variety and customer service, some users have noted that the prices can be slightly higher compared to other suppliers. Additionally, while the range of kits is extensive, navigating the options can sometimes be overwhelming for new users without clear guidance on where to start for their specific educational goals.

Advice from Parents Many parents suggest taking full advantage of the support resources offered, such as the online guides and customer service. Engaging with these resources can help tailor the experience to fit educational needs and enhance the effectiveness of the tools and kits used. Planning ahead and integrating these resources into the curriculum can maximize the learning impact​.

Who It’s an Ideal Fit For Home Science Tools is ideal for homeschooling families and educators who value hands-on science education and are looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for science materials and curriculum. It's particularly well-suited for those who appreciate structured guidance and high-quality materials.

Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For This resource might not be suitable for those on a tight budget or educators who prefer to assemble their own materials and curriculum piecemeal. Those looking for a more digital or less hands-on approach to science education might also find it less fitting​.

Grades:

  • Pre-K to 2nd

  • 3rd to 5th

  • 6th to 8th

  • 9th to 12th​

Cost: Products range from individual items starting at around $10 to more comprehensive kits and bundles that can cost up to several hundred dollars, depending on the complexity and contents​ .

Ways to Get It: Home Science Tools products are available directly from their website, which features a comprehensive catalog of all their offerings. They also provide a robust customer support system to assist with orders and product information​

Affiliate Disclaimer: I absolutely love sharing resources like Home Science Tools that I find exceptionally useful. In fact, Home Science Tools is one of my favorite resources Just a heads up, if you decide to buy through one of our links, we might earn a small commission. This helps us keep producing great free content for you. Thanks for your support!

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Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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