Home Science Tools is an approved vendor with Step Up For Students.

Use your scholarship dollars to get everything you need for homeschool science—
delivered right to your door.

Never miss a scholarship funding drop

Scholarship funding moves fast, and it's easy to miss deadlines. Sign up for email updates and we'll let you know before each of the four annual funding windows opens, so you're ready to make the most of your scholarship dollars.


Along the way, you will also receive personalized science kit recommendations based on your family's needs, plus reminders before funding expires—so you can use every dollar before it's gone.

What Florida Families Use Scholarship Funds For Most

  • Hands-on science kits

  • Microscopes and telescopes

  • Robotics & engineering

  • Complete curriculum kits

Parents can use their Step Up For Students scholarship funds for instructional materials, curriculum, and learning tools through the state scholarship programs. 

Big Science Experiences Florida Kids Love

These complete science bundles make it easy to use your
scholarship funds for meaningful learning.

Microscope Exploration Bundle

Turn everyday curiosity into real discovery. Students examine plant cells, microbes, minerals, and more using professional-quality microscope tools.

Microscopy bundle
Astronomy Discovery Bundle

From the moon to distant planets, this bundle equips students to explore astronomy with real observation tools.

Microscopy bundle
Robotics Engineering Bundle

Engineering meets problem-solving as kids build and program robots while learning the fundamentals of robotics and design.

 

Microscopy bundle
All eligible with Florida Scholarship funds.

Florida Step Up For Students funds are distributed quarterly—plan your science purchases early.

Science Unlocked®  by Home Science Tools

Science Unlocked® is an all-in-one curriculum created by Home Science Tools. Everything that you need to teach a full year of hands-on science is included and delivered right to your door! Each kit is designed to meet NGSS and simplify prep while offering a hands-on, engaging educational experience for both the teacher and the student.

STEM Backpack Kits

Florida’s great for learning anytime—
and our Backpack Kits make it easy to explore science outdoors, 
on the go, or at home.

Each backpack introduces kids (ages 8–10) to an exciting science career—like Entomologist, Geologist, or Astronomer—with hands-on experiments, real tools, and engaging activities. Designed for independent learning, these kits are great for spring breaks, summer studies, or science on the move.

Why Florida Families Love Them:

  • Everything needed is in the bag

  • Perfect for Florida’s warm-weather learning

  • Inspires curiosity through real science tools

  • Portable, organized, and easy to use

  • Eligible for purchase with FES-UA funds

SHOP BACKPACK KITS SHOP BACKPACK KITS

Most Popular Science Tools
Trusted by Homeschool Families Since 1994

✔ Approved vendor with Step Up for Students
✔ Thousands of homeschool science kits shipped every year
✔ Designed by real scientists and educators
✔ Compatible with ESA purchases

Does Your Home Have a Microscope Yet?

Most homeschool science labs start with a microscope.

With a quality microscope at home, students can explore plant cells, examine microbes, study insects, and conduct real biology experiments. It’s one of the most powerful ways to make science hands-on—and Florida ESA funds can help make it possible.

What families are saying...

    • Perfect For Us

      “This has been perfect for us. We live in South Florida and it's often difficult for us to find different types of leaves, much less maple leaves! It's exactly what I was looking for.”

      — LORRIE

      Perfect For Us

    • Great Kits

      “I ordered 4 Science Unlocked kits for my little guy and not one has disappointed! The instructions are clear and uncluttered, the materials are sufficient (no scrambling to find an odd item to complete an activity) - I wish I'd found these when my older kids were younger! ”

      — KAREN B

      Great Kits

    • Really Good for the Price

      “I’ve tried to do experiments regularly before this, but always ended up missing something. With multiple kids, it wasn’t so easy to just run out and get what I needed. Knowing that it’s all right there in the box is a huge weight off! Not to mention, I could not believe how much we got for the price! The kids are also highly motivated to open the boxes and follow the instructions. They’re learning so much. Thank you!”

      — ALLISA

      Really Good for the Price

    • Fabulous Owl Pellets

      “This was the most rewarding science activity we have done all school year! My children ranging in age from 4 - 13 all raved with "Ooo's" and "Ahh's". We worked outside in the the March Florida sunshine with two children per pellet and heard no arguing whatsoever. The kit was complete; the instructions were clearly explained; and the results were completely fascinating. Easy to use and top-quality. Thank you so much for the work you did ahead of time to make this a very positive learning experience! ”

      — DARCY'S CLAN

      Fabulous Owl Pellets

    Step Up For Students Scholarships FAQ

    Step Up For Students is Florida's largest nonprofit scholarship funding organization that administers state-funded scholarship programs. These programs provide educational options and financial assistance to help Florida families access quality education for their children.

    The application is currently open, and applications are being accepted and processed on a rolling basis for applicants who meet the eligibility requirements. Click here to create an account and apply now!   

    Here are step-by-step instructions outlining how to apply. 

    Once you have found science kits, curriculum and supplies for your student, log into the Education Market Assistant portal. You will be able to purchase your science kits and supplies through your portal. 

    Eligible families can purchase any products from Home Science Tools including the following: 

    Yes, students of all ability levels may be eligible for the family empowerment scholarship for students with unique abilities. Click here to apply.  

    Yes, students of all ability levels may be eligible for the family empowerment scholarship for students with unique abilities. Click here to apply.