A physical Science Explorer textbook is heavy, often weighing several pounds. A student carrying a laptop or tablet can access the PDF anywhere—in the car, at the library, or at home—without the physical burden. This aligns with modern educational trends aimed at reducing the weight of student backpacks.

The risk of malware, combined with the legal liability (school districts have been fined for using pirated textbooks), makes it not worth it.

If you are a parent homeschooling, the Teacher’s Edition is invaluable for its pacing guides and answer keys.