Science Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making science and engineering accessible and engaging for K–12 students, educators, and families. It’s best known for its extensive library of free hands-on project ideas, many of which are ideal for science fairs, homeschool assignments, or classroom challenges.
At the heart of the platform is a database of over 1,200 project ideas across more than 30 STEM categories, including biology, environmental science, robotics, physics, engineering, and computer science. Each project comes with detailed instructions, background science explanations, and a list of required materials—many of which are low-cost or household items. Projects are categorized by difficulty and grade level, making it easy for families and educators to find something appropriate.
Science Buddies goes beyond just projects. The site also offers:
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STEM career profiles with real-world examples and interviews
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Teacher tools, including classroom kits and lesson plans
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Interactive tools, such as the Topic Selection Wizard to help students pick a project based on their interests
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Video tutorials and NGSS-aligned resources for guided learning
For homeschoolers, Science Buddies is a treasure trove. It supports project-based learning, inquiry-driven exploration, and real-world application of STEM principles. Parents can use the search filters to find age-appropriate experiments, while also tapping into background reading to help students understand the “why” behind each activity.
Science Buddies also emphasizes equity in science education. Through sponsorships and grants, it works to ensure underserved schools and students have access to lab materials and support. Their kits (available at a cost) are optional and designed to simplify logistics but are not required to use the freely accessible instructions.
With an easy-to-navigate interface, strong educational design, and a focus on curiosity, experimentation, and discovery, Science Buddies empowers students to take charge of their STEM learning journey, whether they’re in a classroom or kitchen.
