Curriculum review
BrainPOP
by BrainPOP · Est. 1999
About
What it is
BrainPOP is a topic-encyclopedia of animated explainer videos covering more than 800 subjects across science, social studies, ELA, math, engineering and tech, arts and music, health, and social-emotional learning. Each video runs three to five minutes and features Tim and Moby — a kid and his robot companion — delivering content with humor and high production value. The platform pairs videos with quizzes and creative project tools like Make-a-Map and Make-a-Movie that let students build concept maps and short videos to demonstrate understanding.
BrainPOP Jr. targets grades K-3 with simpler narration and visuals, while BrainPOP serves grades 3-8 with more depth and some high school topics. The 800+ topic library is the platform's strength — almost any topic a homeschool family encounters in a unit study or curriculum has an associated BrainPOP video.
Pricing runs $29.95 per month or $295 per year for Jr. (K-3), $39.95 per month or $350 per year for the main BrainPOP (3-8), and $49.95 per month or $430 per year for the K-8 combo. Homeschool Buyers Club typically offers BrainPOP at 30-40% off list price, which makes the platform considerably more reasonable. Format is web plus iOS and Android tablet and phone apps.
BrainPOP is owned by KinderCare Education following a 2021 KIRKBI minority stake and remains secular. It was Israeli-founded and offers localized versions in Spanish, French, and Hebrew. BrainPOP offers a 15% affiliate commission via FlexOffers, Sovrn, and Shopper, with cookie windows of 30-45 days depending on network.
Cathy Duffy and Reddit r/homeschool consensus characterize BrainPOP as the 'gold standard' of supplemental ed media. The most common critique is the cost-to-depth ratio — $40 per month for three-to-five-minute videos can feel steep if used only as supplement. BrainPOP works best as a topic introduction, brain break, or unit kickoff rather than a primary curriculum. The Homeschool Buyers Club discount tips the value calculation considerably.
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Common questions
Frequently asked
What grade levels does BrainPOP cover?
BrainPOP Jr. covers K-3, BrainPOP covers 3-8 with some high school topics. The K-8 combo covers both at a discount. Content is strongest at the upper elementary and middle school level.
Is BrainPOP a complete curriculum?
No. BrainPOP is supplemental — videos work best as topic introductions, unit kickoffs, or brain breaks. Pair with a primary curriculum that provides depth, reading, and writing.
Can I get BrainPOP cheaper?
Yes. Homeschool Buyers Club typically discounts BrainPOP by 30-40% off list price. The list price is $295-$430/yr, but discounted pricing is often available.
Is BrainPOP secular?
Yes. BrainPOP is secular and worldview-neutral. The content is suitable for both Christian and secular homeschool families, with no religious framing in either direction.
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