Tools
Generation Genius
Generation Genius

Generation Genius

Inquiry-Based, Hands-on, Secular
Available in OpenEd Marketplace
Grade level:
Pre-K - 8
Educational philosophy
Inquiry-Based, Hands-on, Secular
Tags
Science
STEM/STEAM

Generation Genius delivers engaging science and math education for K-8 students through high-quality videos and supplementary materials. This secular STEM program has gained popularity among homeschoolers and classroom teachers for its ability to make complex concepts accessible and enjoyable.

Why Parents Love It

Parents consistently praise Generation Genius for making science and math exciting for children, with many reporting their kids eagerly anticipate lesson time:

"My kids absolutely love these videos! The 10-minute episodes are packed with useful information... they were so engaged." Parent Review, Generation Genius
"They're like M&Ms, they can't watch just one." Homeschool Mom of Five, Generation Genius

The program's strengths that parents frequently highlight include:

  • Engaging, high-quality videos featuring science demonstrations and humor
  • Comprehensive lesson materials including discussion questions, activities, and quizzes
  • Standards-aligned content that ensures thorough coverage of grade-level concepts
  • Hands-on experiments that reinforce learning with common household items
  • Easy implementation that reduces parent planning and preparation time

Parents notice that children genuinely retain information from Generation Genius lessons:

"We use it for our homeschool science lessons and he's really learning and retaining a lot... he often brings up the things he has learned in everyday conversations." Beth Stauffer, Homeschool Parent

Many families report that Generation Genius has rekindled their children's interest in science, particularly those who previously struggled with textbook-based learning:

"My daughter literally said I love school this year so much better than last year... [with textbooks] she was miserable... She's back in love with science." Parent Review, Generation Genius

Potential Drawbacks

While feedback is overwhelmingly positive, parents do mention some limitations to consider:

  • Subscription cost, especially after recent pricing changes for homeschoolers
  • Need for supplementation in upper grades (5th and above) for more in-depth science study
  • Requirement for parents to gather materials and facilitate hands-on activities
  • Video style that some children may find "babyish," particularly in K-2 content
  • Dependence on internet access and screen time for core instruction

The most significant recent concern among homeschool families has been pricing changes:

"They have closed the home plan option... I am super disappointed." Homeschool Parent Comment, July 2023

Some parents note that while Generation Genius works beautifully as a primary science curriculum for elementary students, older students may need additional resources:

"Videos are not presented in sequential order to build concepts in a developmental manner... [it] may need to be supplemented with a text-based course for fifth grade and above." Cathy Duffy Reviews

Parent Involvement Reality

Generation Genius requires moderate parent involvement. While Dr. Jeff handles the instruction through videos, parents typically need to:

  • Select appropriate lessons and queue up videos (very minimal prep)
  • Gather materials for any hands-on experiments you choose to do
  • Facilitate discussions using the provided question prompts
  • Supervise experiments (especially for younger children)
  • Print worksheets or assessments if desired

Many parents appreciate that Generation Genius simplifies their teaching responsibilities:

"As a parent, [it] makes my life very simple when it comes to science." Parent Review, Generation Genius

Parents can adjust their involvement level based on their child's age and independence. The program works well with different approaches - some families watch videos together and complete all activities, while others allow children to watch independently and join only for experiments or discussions.

Who Thrives with Generation Genius?

Based on parent feedback, Generation Genius works particularly well for:

  • Visual and hands-on learners who benefit from demonstrations and experiments
  • Children who struggle with traditional textbook learning
  • Elementary students (K-5) seeking a complete science curriculum
  • Middle school students needing an engaging supplement to other science materials
  • Families looking for secular, standards-aligned STEM content
  • Parents who want to teach science but lack confidence in their own knowledge

Children who may not connect as strongly with Generation Genius include:

  • Those who prefer reading-based learning over video instruction
  • Advanced students seeking very in-depth, challenging science content
  • Children who dislike the somewhat silly, entertainment-style presentation

The Bottom Line

Generation Genius provides a highly engaging, standards-aligned science and math resource that most children genuinely enjoy. It effectively balances fun with educational content, making it particularly valuable for sparking interest in STEM subjects.

While some families may find the subscription cost challenging after recent pricing changes, and older students might need supplementation for more advanced study, the program's ability to make science accessible and enjoyable makes it worth consideration for many homeschoolers. As one parent summarized:

"I highly recommend GG, it's awesome!" Beth Stauffer, Homeschool Parent

Subjects covered

Core subjects: Science and Math for K-8 students

Topics covered: Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, Mathematics

Special emphasis: Secular, standards-aligned content developed in partnership with the National Science Teaching Association

Unique offerings: Engaging video lessons, hands-on experiments, and comprehensive lesson materials including quizzes and discussion questions

Teaching Format

Online delivery: Video-centric, online teaching format with high-quality streaming videos (~10-12 minutes long)

Supplemental resources: Each video is supported by printable and interactive materials, including lesson plans, discussion questions, vocabulary lists, DIY experiment instructions, reading material, quizzes, and answer keys

Lesson structure: Follows the 5E instructional model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) with hands-on activities suggested for each lesson

Implementation flexibility: Can be used independently or with parental involvement; parents can adjust their level of engagement based on the child's age and independence

Assessment methods: Built-in quizzes and discussion prompts to reinforce learning; optional worksheets can be printed for additional practice

Accessibility: Requires reliable internet access to stream videos and access materials; closed-captioning available for videos

Pricing

Subscription model: Paid subscription with free trial content available

Individual classroom teacher subscription: Approximately $175 per year for all subjects

Homeschool family plan: Previously around $145 per year, now discontinued

Current family plan: Approximately $299 per year for combined Science + Math

Science-only or Math-only plans: Historically around $95 per year for each subject

Home Science Experiment Kit subscription: Approximately $49 per month for materials for 3 hands-on experiments

Cost-saving options: Free trial with 5 lesson videos available; potential promotional discounts for annual plans

Parent Involvement

Moderate involvement required

Daily responsibilities: Parents select lessons, queue videos, and facilitate discussions

Preparation: Minimal prep needed; parents gather materials for hands-on experiments

Teaching requirements: Parents supervise experiments, especially for younger children

Assessment duties: Parents can print worksheets or assessments if desired; engage in discussions to reinforce learning