Ellen McHenry’s Basement Workshop

Ellen McHenry's Basement Workshop transforms science into hands-on exploration through unit studies packed with games, songs, crafts, and experiments that make complex topics accessible for students ages 8-16. Created by a longtime homeschool co-op teacher and artist, these secular curricula tackle subjects like chemistry, biology, anatomy, and botany with whimsical illustrated characters and activities designed for children who still love to play while learning challenging material. Each unit study combines a student text written directly to learners with a comprehensive teacher section featuring minimal-prep activities you can adapt to your family's needs. The flexible format works exceptionally well for teaching multiple ages together since activities range from simple games for younger students to detailed projects suitable for high schoolers, and the two-level text structure lets advanced learners dive deeper while keeping core content accessible. Most units are available as affordable digital downloads, and parents need no science background since the conversational writing teaches both student and teacher simultaneously, requiring little advance preparation beyond choosing which optional activities fit your schedule. Families appreciate the depth of content that often reaches high school level despite the playful presentation, though some note the heavy emphasis on craftsy activities and games doesn't always include enough actual lab work or experiments for a complete science experience. The secular approach focuses on observable facts while avoiding controversial topics, making it popular with diverse homeschooling families. Consider previewing the extensive free downloads on the website to see if the activity-based, multi-sensory approach matches your teaching style and your children's learning preferences.