Is Free Chemistry Worth It? | ACS Middle School Chemistry Review

If you’ve been hunting for a high-quality science curriculum without the high price tag, you might be wondering: Is Free Chemistry worth it? Let’s chat honestly about our experience using the free Middle School Chemistry curriculum from the American Chemical Society (ACS) in our homeschool this year. Spoiler alert: it’s really good—and yes, it’s completely free.

Welcome back to Making Everyday Magic! I’m Shanna, homeschooling mama of two and now in our eighth year of learning together at home. This year we had a 7th grader and a 3rd grader, and we chose to dive into middle school chemistry with the ACS Middle School Chemistry program. Now that we’re nearly through the year, I’m circling back with a full review, sharing how it worked, how we used it, and whether I think Free Chemistry is worth it.

Be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be an insider and to follow along with our days over on Instagram @makingeverydaymagic.

Why We Chose It

When I first stumbled on this curriculum during my series on high-quality free homeschool resources, I knew I had to give it a closer look. Created by actual chemists at the American Chemical Society—not a traditional curriculum publisher—this program immediately stood out.

American Chemical Society Middle School Chemistry

The fact that it’s a secular science curriculum was a huge draw, and knowing it was developed for middle school public school classrooms meant I could count on it being thorough, standards-aligned, and designed for real-world learners. As a secular homeschooler, finding robust science that’s not tied to a biblical worldview or an expensive kit is a rare gem. And again… it’s free.

What’s Included in the Free Chemistry Curriculum?

Let’s break it down. The ACS Middle School Chemistry curriculum includes:

• 6 units (covering topics like matter, atoms, density, phase changes, and chemical reactions)

• Hands-on experiments using mostly household items

• Printable worksheets, guided notes, and student readings

• Teacher guides with helpful videos and clear explanations

• Pre-made tests (though only the answer key is available—I made editable blanks for you! Find them below!)

• Online Google Forms versions of many activities

And it’s all accessible right from their website. No logins, no hidden fees—just pure educational goodness.

How We Actually Used It

In true Making Everyday Magic fashion, we customized the program to fit our family’s flow. We’ve been doing two lessons per week when we’re not on break. I assign the lessons via email, and we complete them inline using the interactive resources. It’s seamless and simple.

For experiments, we followed a flexible approach. I grabbed supplies ahead of each unit when possible (I even have an Amazon list for this), but if something wasn’t easy to source or was a single-use chemical, we opted for the video demonstrations instead. It’s about using what works for us—no stress, no pressure.

We use the key concept notebooks included in the curriculum and allow open notes for tests. For assessments, my 3rd grader completes the multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank sections, while my 7th grader also tackles the short answer questions. It’s been a great way to meet them both where they are.

Is Free Chemistry Worth It?

Let’s talk real talk. Is this free chemistry curriculum actually worth it?

YES.

Here’s why:

• It’s free, but it doesn’t feel cheap or thrown together.

• It’s comprehensive enough for a full-year middle school science course.

• It’s adaptable—whether you’re teaching one kid or a small group.

• It’s secular and aligns with NGSS standards, which is gold in the homeschool world.

• It’s hands-on without being high-stress, and gives options for visual learners with its incredible animations and demos.

• It’s written by experts in chemistry—not just curriculum developers—which shows in the depth and clarity of the lessons.

If you want a robust, no-cost, secular middle school science curriculum, the ACS Middle School Chemistry program is more than worth it. It’s a rare find that checks all the boxes—especially for homeschoolers who need quality science without investing a fortune.

Who Should Use Free Chemistry?

This curriculum is ideal if you:

• Want a trusted, secular science curriculum

• Are homeschooling middle schoolers (or want to stretch it to late elementary/early high school)

• Need something easy to use, easy to access, and easy to adapt

• Appreciate built-in assessments and guided support as the parent-teacher

It’s even great for families who want to dip their toes into chemistry without making a big commitment—or spending a lot of money.

Final Thoughts on ACS Middle School Chemistry

There are a lot of resources out there, but not many offer the value that this one does. It’s clear, well-structured, and genuinely enjoyable to teach and learn. And the best part? It grows with you. Whether you go all in on every experiment or just stick to the online tools, you’re still getting a rock-solid science education for zero dollars.

So yes, when it comes to middle school science—Free Chemistry is worth it.

Want to Try It?

You can access the full curriculum directly from the American Chemical Society’s Middle School Chemistry website (no login required!). I’ll also link my Amazon list for optional materials and the blank test PDFs I made from the answer keys, just to make your life easier.

Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it works in your homeschool!

Test Blanks

ch1- test blank

ch2-test-blank

ch3-test-blank

ch4-test-blank

ch5-test-blank

ch6-test-blank