I am a science major myself so I naturally encourage my children’s interest in science. At this point, we largely explore it through interacting with nature. They also love doing occasional science experiments for kids- we often get ideas from her kids National Geographic magazine. I used to volunteer, in college, to do science experiments at a local elementary school. Kids love seeing how things work and I love helping them develop and explore their natural curiosity. Here are some hands on science books for kids that will encourage their curiosity to learn how things work.
Curiosity about science is something to develop and/or encourage in small kids. As in a lot of things, an early start, specifically in kindergarten, is a great start. To get the young student having fun and interacting with science, here are some good hands on science books for kids that should point him or her the right direction and get them learning through experiments and active learning.
5 Great Science Books For Young Children With Hands On Learning Activities
1. The Everything Kids Science Experiments Book (Tom Robinson)
This introduces your child to the scientific method, which they’ll use to conduct interesting experiments. This science book is aimed at kids 7-12. It also has cool science fair project ideas. You’ll want to test these fun and educational experiments for yourself:
- role of the chlorophyll and the seasons in the life and color of leaves
- chemical reactions in cleaning pennies
- how the seesaw operates, factors that play in the colors of light
- acid rain, the seasons
- the five senses, action, and reaction
2. Real Chemistry Experiments: 40 Exciting STEAM Activities for Kids (Edward P. Zovinka PhD PhD)
Your child (8-12 years old) will become a better problem-solver, inventor, and innovator with these fascinating chemistry experiments. Each hands on experiment has a clear purpose, step-by-step instructions, a list of materials you’ll need, questions to help you record your observations. This is a great way for your child to get a head start on learning and by making the subjects familiar now, they will be less fearful of Chemistry class later!
3. Einstein’s Science Parties: Easy Parties for Curious Kids (Shar Levine and Allison Grafton)
100 pages of fun science activities for kids 8-12 that give budding scientists a good foundation. Exploring fossils (three types) and dinosaurs (different kinds) and working with experiments that can be eaten should hold your child’s interest. Not to mention make kids’ parties educational.
4. The Everything Kids Nature Book (Kathiann M. Kowalski)
Create clouds, make waves, defy gravity. Activities to excite the outdoorsy kid age 7-12. Add science to forest hikes and campouts by investigating, say, the details in coniferous forests or the moss on the forest floor; not all of science is inside a lab!
5. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books)
Looking for science books for preschoolers? This great book is aimed at kids 3-7 years old and will get kids starting to think about why and start answering some of those hard questions they ask as young ages! Using an interactive question-and-answer format and content grounded in a child’s immediate world, the Big Book of Why delivers lively information, hands-on games, simple recipes, crafts, and more.
While young children should be encouraged to explore and feed their scientific curiosity, it’s important to keep in mind that their safety is ensured. Adult supervision is especially necessary when the experiments involve chemicals, sharp objects, and other materials that might cause injury. Good science books for small kids and guidance and encouragement should go a long way. A brilliant scientist might just be some years and science fair projects away! Which of these hands on science books for kids appeals to you the most?
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