E=McQ (The Lab of Mr. Q) is a secular science curriculum specializing in providing thorough, engaging materials from Elementary to High School levels. The program is systematically divided into two main series: the Elementary Level (generally recommended for ages 7-12 or grades 2-7) and the Advanced Level (for high school students or bright middle schoolers, grades 8-12). The subjects covered span the core sciences: Life Science, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physical Science, offering a complete, multi-year sequence for science education.
The curriculum is written by a former science teacher and is celebrated for its humorous, high-interest style that often includes comic-book elements and a wealth of color photos to make the material accessible and fun. The methodology is classically based, focusing on reading, written work, and understanding key scientific concepts, while avoiding overwhelming theory. Notably, the entire 36-week Elementary Life Science curriculum is often available as a free PDF download, allowing families to test the program before committing to other subjects.
A significant feature of The Lab of Mr. Q is its emphasis on simple, hands-on, kitchen-based laboratory activities. The experiments typically use affordable, common household items, making them easy for parents to implement without specialized equipment. Each course is designed to cover a full 36-week academic year and includes reading assignments, practice problems, worksheets, and tests, providing a robust, yet engaging, framework for independent student learning.
