When homeschool parents search for “general science teacher manual”, typically they want the book they hold when it’s time to teach... not a student textbook, and not a stack of lesson plans they still have to write.
You expected a guide you could pick up and teach.
You’re not alone. A lot of teacher’s guides assume a science background. If you’ve ever opened one and felt stuck... at home or as a volunteer co-op teacher... this post is for you.
What a general science teacher manual actually is
Short version: it’s the book you teach from.
You open it and teach
Plain-language scripted lessons, materials lists, tips, projects, and experiments... in one spiral-bound book.
Kids write in their own book
Each child uses a Student Notebook that matches their grade band. The manual stays clean so you can reuse it.
Built for everyday life
About 1–2 days a week, 24–26 weeks. Home, co-op, hybrid, unit study, or even summer science.
If you were comparing a textbook to a teachable curriculum, that’s our other post: Looking for a General Science Textbook? Here’s What Many Homeschool Parents Really Want. This one is simpler. It’s about the teacher’s book... and which one to get.
Teacher manual vs textbook vs notebook
Three different jobs. Mixing them up is how science gets hard. We offer something easier
| Teacher manual | Student textbook | Student notebook | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who uses it | You (parent / co-op teacher) | The student reads it | The student writes in it |
| Job | Plan + teach the lesson | Cover content in chapters | A place to do the work |
| Consumable? | No... keep and reuse | Usually kept, not written in | Yes... write-in |
| Etch’s version | A spiral-bound Teacher Manual | We don’t offer a student textbook | A notebook for each grade band |
Which Teacher Manual Do I Need?
Same topics for each grade band... one shared lesson plan, notebook work that fits the age. Pick the band you’re teaching.
PreK-2nd · $40
Teacher Manual PreK-2nd pairs with the PreK-K notebook and 1st-2nd notebook. Want the set? PreK-2nd bundle · $75 (the three books are $80 separately).
3rd-6th · $40
Teacher Manual 3rd-6th pairs with the 3rd-4th notebook and 5th-6th notebook. Want the set? 3rd-6th bundle · $85 (the three books are $90 separately).
Supplies are not included. Each manual has detailed materials lists (common household / easy-to-find items), so you’re not inventing the shopping list. Print-only, spiral-bound, shipped to you.
Just the manual, or the whole set?
- Teaching a co-op class? One manual can serve the group. Each student still needs their own notebook.
- Already have notebooks? Get the matching Teacher Manual only ($40).
- Starting fresh at home? The bundle for your grade band is the simple path.
Where to start
PreK-2nd or 3rd-6th... same price, different age band.
Bundles add both notebooks for that band.
FAQ
What is a general science teacher manual?
The book you teach from... lessons, materials lists, tips, projects, and experiments. Students write in a Student Notebook, not in the manual.
Is a teacher manual the same as a textbook?
No. A textbook is usually what the student reads. A teacher manual is what you use to run the lesson. Longer take: What homeschool parents usually mean by “general science textbook”.
Which grades is this for?
Two manuals: PreK-2nd and 3rd-6th. Each pairs with two notebooks so mixed ages can share the same lesson plan.
Do I need a science background?
No. The manuals are written so parents and volunteer teachers can pick them up and teach.
Can I buy just the manual?
Yes. Each Teacher Manual is $40 on its own. Bundles add both notebooks for that grade band.
Do students write in the manual?
No. It’s non-consumable. Students use the notebook that matches their grade band.
Is one manual enough for a co-op class?
Yes. One Teacher Manual can serve the class. Each student still needs their own notebook. More on groups: the co-op deep-dive.
Print or PDF?
Print-only spiral-bound books, shipped to you.
Ready to leave an imprint?
Science isn’t only boring facts... it’s discovery. Imagine a year of general science you didn’t have to invent, and your kids ask "when's the next lesson?".
Start with a Teacher ManualQuestions? Contact us or email info@etchstudies.com