I'm using it with older children (3rd, 4th, and 5th/6th), and we're enjoying it. It's very gentle for my children though. There are a few books, spines, that you will need to purchase. The books are used as the backbone for either Earth Science or Astronomy. The course is divided into topics which come with a list of recommended books to read, projects, videos, webpages. Also, each topic has a suggestion of a topic for older students to research. I check out many of the recommended books, and look for Bill Nye videos on the topic to watch. All in all, it has been an enjoyable year of science. I really think the course is what you make of it. If you do the minimum, you'll have a relaxed year of science. If you check out tons of books, vidoes, do read alouds, and complete most of the projects, do narration pages every day, it will be a more challenging course.