K12 Science

Our award-winning, research-based curriculum lets students explore and engage, bringing science to life while helping them understand how the world works.

Teen with curly hair and glasses pours sand into a jar on a tray with rocks. Blue gloves rest nearby. Background has colorful abstract shapes.

Proven Methods, Real Results

A Scientific Approach to Teaching Science

Curriculum built on the cornerstones of method and discovery.
With a focus on three-dimensional learning, the K12 Science curriculum introduces students to practices, core ideas, and essential skills that help them master learning across each area of study. Students practice using approaches like the 5 E’s and claim, evidence, and reasoning (CER) model to develop critical thinking skills and effective communication. The K12 Science curriculum empowers students at all levels to make meaningful discoveries about the world around them.

Trusted, award-winning excellence.

As an industry leader with more than two decades of experience, our K12 curriculum combines online learning with effective teaching methods trusted by education experts. We’re always striving to improve, so students get the best experience possible. See the difference in some of our achievements below.

Did you know?
Teachers and students love K12’s accessible, virtual labs, which earned a 2024 Gold Stevie Award!

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Level III ESSA Instructure Badge

Validated through a third-party ESSA Level III study by Instructure, K12 meets strict federal research standards to provide effective learning solutions that make a measurable and meaningful difference for students.

EdTech Digest Awards

EdTech Digest

EdTech Digest recognized K12’s parent company, Stride Learning, as a 2025 finalist for multiple EdTech Cool Tool Awards. They also named Niyoka McCoy as “Visionary” finalist for the EdTech Leadership Awards.

EdTech Breakthrough

EdTech Breakthrough Awards

The EdTech Breakthrough Awards recognizes educational technology solutions that push the boundaries to deliver winning results. We are proud to be recognized in 2025 for the K12 Skills Arcade, as well as a top solution provider in the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Digital Education Awards

Digital Education Awards

Awards for Digital Education celebrate the people, products, and platforms that use technology to transform education globally. We’re proud to be recognized as the 2024 Gold Award Winner alongside 2024’s Learning Product of the Year, Institution of the Year, and Team of the Year.

American Business Awards

American Business Awards

The Gold Stevie Award recognizes achievement in business, and K12 has been named a 2025 Gold Winner for our Skills Arcade and Virtual Learning Solution, as well as 6 Product and Event 2024 Stevie Awards and the 2023 People’s Choice Stevie Award.

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The Merit Awards

The Merit Awards recognize companies that are shaping today’s world through technological breakthroughs. K12’s K–5 curriculum recently won the top prize in the edtech category.

Learning Through Discovery

Interactive, Engaging Curriculum

Key ways the K12 Science curriculum expands textbook lessons into meaningful learning opportunities:

Virtual Lab Investigations
Drawing on natural curiosity, virtual labs allow students to see outcomes for themselves, promoting deeper understanding.

Interactive Lessons
Discovery and exploration are built into each online lesson, giving opportunities for greater depth of knowledge.

E-Books
Students are invited to explore the vast natural and human-made world as they delve into science literacy with comprehensive choice reading materials.

Core Programs
Offering a seamless progression from kindergarten through high school-level courses, the K12 Science curriculum provides the right amount of challenge at the right levels.

Core Programs

Offering a seamless progression from kindergarten through high school level courses, K12 Science curriculum provides the right amount of challenge at the right levels.

Core Programs k-5

Elementary (K–5)

An intro survey of science topics, the early grades include an exploration of science and engineering practices. Students conduct:
·     Virtual labs (optional hands-on versions are available to support kinesthetic learners)
·     Try-It Science Notebook activities
·     Practice activities

Core Programs 6-8

Middle School (6–8)

Lessons engage students’ natural curiosity to delve into Earth, Life, and Physical Sciences. Learning tools include:
·     Virtual labs
·     Science Notebook activities
·     Unit intro Essential Question
·     Interactives, 360 images, and 3D models
·     Game-based learning

Core Programs 9-12

High School (9–12)

Scientific phenomena-focused lessons ask students to apply science and engineering practices and crosscut concepts related to the core ideas. Methods include:
·     Lesson openers
·     Interactive modules
·     Guided practice
·     Self-guided extra practice
·     Lesson summaries
·     Virtual labs
·     Interactives, 360 images, 3D models, and videos

A Leader in Online Learning

3

M+

Students have chosen K12-powered education

100

+

Collective years of education experience of K12’s subject-matter curriculum development experts

20

+

Years that K12 has been developing high-quality curriculum aligned with state academic standards

Interactivity Builds Engagement

K12 curriculum activities help students understand key concepts through games, videos, and interactive lessons. Playable on mobile or desktop, these are ideal for learning and engagement!

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Grades K–5

Professor Strider brings the wonders of science into our classroom! In this video, explore how bats use their senses to gather, process, and act upon information.

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Grades 6–8

Use Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning skills while exploring science and engineering practices in a virtual lab.

Interactivity Image 3

Grades 9–12

Investigate how to reduce human impact on the environment with this interactive simulation.

More Digital Learning Technologies

K12 Science courses provide opportunities for students to practice critical thinking skills using adaptive remediation tools or complete additional lessons based on individual needs.

A man and woman smile together while collaborating on a laptop, showcasing teamwork and positivity in their work environment.

K12 Learning Hub

Video content shows cognitive psychological benefits and visualization of knowledge.

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Drawing Tool

Interact with lesson content and learn from real-time practice in the module.

HEAR WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Science teacher at Texas Virtual Academy, Hallsville

“My favorite unit is always Cells, and I appreciate that Stride has chosen to put that in the first half of our scope in sequence. I have worked for other districts where that is in the second half of the year, but it makes so much more sense to build on it first.”

Stevie Awards judge

“Science education through virtual labs is the need of the hour. First of all, it is one of the most important subjects in a student’s curriculum, and secondly, eliminating physical labs increases the reach and inspires a multitude of students. Great work!”

Parent of a 5th grade student, Science 5 Summit, Texas

“A very interesting, challenging course. My daughter has learned a lot from this course.”

7th grade student, SCI07B Summit Science 7, Texas

“Amazing! Everything I learn is a new adventure to me, something to learn and experience.”

9th grade student, SCI204BE3 Summit Biology Honors, Texas

“Educative course that specifically goes through the important aspects of biology.”

12th grade student, SCI030B Forensic Science, Texas

“Extremely informative and well put together class.”

11th grade student, SCI030B Forensic Science, Texas

“Forensic Science is the best! It’s challenging at times, but it’s so much fun. You get to do cool assignments and learn amazing things.”

11th grade student, SCI113BD Summit Earth Science

“I actually really like learning about the earth in this course. Some things I knew but had forgotten and some things I learned I never knew. This course really grew my liking for science in a way I didn’t know existed. I have learned so much. It’s fun!”

6th grade student, SCI06BDE3 Summit Earth Science

“I love science. It’s so interactive and fun, and I know I have learned so much over this year.”

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