General Science
About this free General Science course
General Science is a free, hands-on science curriculum for elementary and middle school students that mixes chemistry, physics, and engineering. Students explore the building blocks of matter, uncover the forces that shape our world, and discover how engineering turns ideas into reality. Every lesson pairs a short explanation with an experiment or build challenge using everyday materials.
Students make oobleck to explore states of matter, shake up ice cream in a bag, write with invisible ink, and investigate motion, energy transfer, and the laws of motion. They also construct bridges, balloon cars, egg-drop contraptions, and spaghetti skyscrapers. The curriculum sparks curiosity and teaches kids to think like scientists and solve problems like engineers.
Who this course is for
The curriculum is aimed at students in grades 3 through 6 and works well for classrooms, libraries, camps, and after-school programs. No science background is needed. Each activity lists its materials, which are mostly household and craft supplies.
Course outline
- Solids, liquids, and gases. States of matter, with a pop quiz and the oobleck experiment on substances that break the rules.
- Ice cream in a bag. How salt and ice change temperature to freeze cream into ice cream.
- Dissolving and mixtures. How substances dissolve, with a rainbow density experiment.
- Invisible ink. Using a chemical reaction to reveal a hidden message.
- Bridges. Compression and tension, arches, and trusses, followed by a bridge-building challenge.
- Cars and motion. Newton's third law and building a balloon-powered car.
- Gravity and energy. How gravity works and kinetic vs. potential energy, with an egg drop challenge.
- Engineering challenge. The engineering design process and the spaghetti skyscraper challenge.
What you'll learn
- Describe the properties of solids, liquids, and gases
- Observe and explain simple chemical and physical changes
- Explain forces such as compression, tension, and gravity
- Apply Newton's third law and energy concepts to build and test a design
- Use the engineering design process to improve a prototype
How long it takes
Each lesson takes about one class period of 45 to 75 minutes, including the activity. Plan on about 10 hours for the full curriculum.
Frequently asked questions about General Science
Is General Science really free?
Yes. General Science is completely free, with no fees, subscriptions, or account required. STEM for Others is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every course in our curriculum library is free for students, families, and teachers.
What materials do I need?
Most activities use inexpensive household and craft supplies, such as cornstarch, zip-top bags, ice, salt, balloons, straws, tape, popsicle sticks, and spaghetti. Each lesson lists exactly what you'll need.
How do I start the course?
Click Begin Course at the top of this page to open the full slide deck in a new tab. You can also flip through the slides embedded above. Work through one unit at a time and try the practice questions before moving on.
Do I get a certificate?
The self-paced General Science materials don't include an official certificate. If you're taking the course through a STEM for Others chapter program, ask your chapter leader about recognizing your completion.
Can teachers and clubs use this curriculum?
Yes. Teachers, homeschool families, libraries, and after-school clubs are welcome to use the General Science materials with their students at no cost. STEM for Others volunteers also teach our curriculum in partner schools and libraries. You can find a chapter near you or start one at your school.
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