Top Hands-On Science Experiment Books Reviewed
Are you looking for excellent science books for kids that make learning STEM fun? We’ve carefully checked a variety of top hands-on science experiment books. These books offer deep insights based on actual use. Our guide helps you understand each book’s ability to teach and engage. It’s perfect whether your kid is just starting or is a teen interested in complex topics. These reviews will guide your decision-making.
The reviews in this article pick books that capture kids’ imagination and teach them valuable lessons. We chose each book because it’s fun and fuels a love for STEM. For instance, the “Indescribable Activity Book for Kids” has over 150 activities and got a perfect 5.0 rating from 11 reviews. And, “Kitchen Science Lab for Kids” offers 52 experiments the whole family can enjoy, also rated 5.0 by a reviewer.
We also found great deals. “Big Bible Science” lets you save 26%, now at $9.59 down from $12.99. And for more involved projects, “Smithsonian Mega Science Lab” is discounted to $35.99 from $39.99. “The Dad Lab: 50 Awesome Science Projects for Parents and Kids” is perfect for family fun. Plus, “Science in Seconds for Kids” has over 100 quick experiments, ideal for exploring STEM easily.
Check out our detailed reviews to find the right science book for your kid. These reviews are great for parents who want their kids to learn by doing. With our advice, picking the best STEM learning tool for your child is easy.
Introduction to Hands-On Science Experiment Books
Hands-on science experiment books are very important in education today. They are often found in educational science book lists. These books make learning fun by turning science theory into activities. They cover STEM topics, suitable for children aged 4 to 14. This way, kids can learn based on what they’re curious about and how old they are.
Many books use everyday items, so families can easily do the experiments. For instance, a book might have forty chemistry experiments. These are divided into sections like gases and chemical reactions. This helps young scientists explore chemistry step by step.
Some books in the educational science book list use materials that need an adult’s help. These materials include iron oxide powder or dry ice. So, they are meant for older kids. This helps them learn more complex science ideas.
Books often add STEAM subjects to their content. This approach includes arts to spark creativity and innovation. A book from an eight-part series might talk about different engineering projects. It helps kids understand how engineering solves real-life problems.
Some books have a “what do you think?” section for each experiment. This makes kids think deeply about what they observe. For young kids, the activities are easy to set up, taking just a minute or two. This allows for learning at any moment.
These books are great for DIY science experiments. They help children love science from an early age. While they rate how tough activities are, not all show pictures of the final project. They blend science facts with real-life projects. This supports learning both in and out of school, preparing future scientists and engineers.
Awesome Science Experiments for Kids
“Awesome Science Experiments for Kids” is filled with over 100 exciting STEM projects suitable for kids aged 4 to 14. It’s a valuable book for parents who want to give their children enriching, interactive experiences.
About the Book
This book is a top pick for kids’ science projects. Written in an engaging way, it offers clear, easy instructions and bright pictures. It’s great for curious kids, mixing learning with fun. Kids stay entertained while learning key science ideas.
Why We Love It
We’re big fans of “Awesome Science Experiments for Kids” because it mixes learning with fun in just the right way. Most experiments use items you’ve got at home. Kids get to explore and find out more, building a strong science interest. The book is clear and simple, with great pictures to help kids follow and enjoy each experiment.
Key Experiments Highlighted
Some experiments really stood out for us, making this book a top pick for science-friendly gifts:
- Baking Soda Volcano – It’s a fun way to learn about chemical reactions.
- Rainbow in a Glass – Kids can see how density and buoyancy work, in bright layers.
- Static Electricity Butterfly – This introduces static electricity in a fun, visual way.
- Homemade Slime – Great for hands-on learning; it shows how polymers and elasticity work.
Each project comes with educational info that adds more value and context to the fun activities.
| Book | Experiments | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Awesome Science Experiments for Kids | 100+ | 4.20 |
| My Big Science Book | 40+ | 4.17 |
| Kitchen Science Lab for Kids | 52 | 4.22 |
| 5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything) | Fun Facts | 4.26 |
| Kate the Chemist: The Awesome Book of Edible Experiments for Kids | 40+ | 4.26 |
Kate the Chemist: The Big Book of Experiments
Written by the famous Kate Biberdorf, “Kate the Chemist: The Big Book of Experiments” is perfect for young science enthusiasts. It’s a top pick for those seeking creative ways to learn. The book includes 25 easy projects that can be done with everyday items, making science fun and accessible.
About the Author
Kate Biberdorf, also known as Kate the Chemist, is a passionate science educator. She strives to encourage future scientists, especially girls, to bridge the gender divide in STEM areas. She stresses the need for clear science communication on important matters like climate change and health crises.
Key Features
- ISBN-10: 059311616X
- ISBN-13: 9780593116166
- Number of Pages: 112
- Item Weight: 16.4 oz
- Item Dimensions: 9.3 in (length) x 7.4 in (width) x 0.5 in (height)
- Total Number of Experiments: 25
- Interactive STEM activities that foster learning and creativity
- Amazon Best Book of 2020
Target Audience
“Kate the Chemist: The Big Book of Experiments” is specially crafted for kids in Grades 3 to 7, targeting 8 to 12-year-olds. It uses icons to show when adult help is needed, ensuring safe science fun. This book also motivates girls to stay excited about science, supporting STEM diversity.
| Seller Feedback | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Total Seller Feedback | 27,597 |
| Condition Description | Good with a damage acknowledgment |
| Accurate Description | 4.9/5 |
| Reasonable Shipping Cost | 5.0/5 |
| Shipping Speed | 5.0/5 |
| Communication | 5.0/5 |
| Estimated Delivery Time | Between January 29 and February 1 |
| Return Policy | 30-day returns, buyer pays return shipping |
The Dad Lab: 50 Awesome Science Projects for Parents and Kids
“The Dad Lab” by Sergei Urban turns STEM activities into fun home projects for families. Over 3 million fans from around the world love TheDadLab. The book includes 50 easy projects that make science fun using stuff you find around the house.
- Number of Pages: 192
- Language: English
- Publication Year: 2019
- Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Price: $11.99
People love “The Dad Lab,” giving it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Most users think highly of it. They say it’s not only fun but also easy to learn from.
“The Dad Lab” is great because it’s easy to use and brings families closer. Kids get to learn important science ideas by doing fun experiments. This book helps parents teach science in an exciting way at home.
If you’re not happy with the book, you can return it within 30 days. The seller will even pay for the return shipping. This makes buying the book a no-risk decision.
Overall, “The Dad Lab” helps parents and kids discover the joy of science together. Its hands-on approach makes learning enjoyable outside of school.
Micro:Bit for Mad Scientists: 10 Cunning Coding Contraptions
“Micro:Bit for Mad Scientists,” by Simon Monk, is perfect for young tech lovers starting out. It uses the micro:bit—a small, programmable tool—in fun, educational projects. It stands out as a top book for hands-on science experiments. Let’s explore why this book is a great pick.
What is a Micro:Bit?
A micro:bit is a tiny, but powerful, device that teaches basic coding and how to work with hardware. It has sensors, LEDs, and buttons, making it ideal for DIY science experiments. With a micro:bit, students can make interactive projects. This boosts their skills in programming and electronics.
Projects Included
Simon Monk’s book offers lots of practical projects for different skill levels. Some cool projects are:
- Creating a digital compass
- Building a basic robot
- Developing a step counter
- Programming a simple game
- Constructing an automated plant waterer
Each project is both fun and educational. This makes the book a top choice for a comprehensive DIY science experiments guide.
Why It’s Great for Beginners
The book shines because it’s easy to understand, especially for newbies to coding and electronics. The hands-on learning approach also makes it a leading choice for science experiment books. This method is essential for beginners. It helps them grow their confidence and knowledge in STEM.
Science is Magic
“Science is Magic” by Steve Mould mixes magic tricks with science experiments in a fun way. It’s great for kids and beginners. The book, with ISBN 9781465478801, is 276 x 215 mm big and has 96 pages. It includes over 40 science tricks that seem like magic.
This book makes science interesting by using fun activities. Every trick has a science explanation and photos showing how to do it step-by-step. It shows readers that science can be both fun and educational.
Hands-on activities help students learn science and math better. The book’s experiments encourage kids to keep trying, which helps them remember what they learn. These activities also improve problem-solving skills and spark a love for STEM topics.
The book also talks about famous magicians and explains optical illusions. The Adventure Science Centre says making science fun helps kids want to learn more. Using science kits makes learning by doing 60% better for young students.
“Science is Magic” is suggested for kids, but doesn’t say exactly what age. It came out on March 5, 2019. The price of similar books is between $9.99 and $19.99, so it’s affordable. It proves that creative learning tools can make science more interesting and easier to understand.
Best Hands-On Science Experiment Books for All Ages
We can’t talk about interactive STEM without listing the top science experiment books for every age. These books spark curiosity and creativity. They take kids deep into the fascinating world of science and engineering. Here are three amazing books everyone should have.
Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids
“Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids” is both fun and educational. It’s made for young engineers. It has all sorts of projects that make kids think and solve problems. Kids can build bridges or create electric circuits. Each project helps them understand engineering in a hands-on way.
| Book Title | Current Price | Retail Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids | $16.20 | $18.00 | 10% ($1.80) |
Math Maker Lab
“Math Maker Lab” mixes math with hands-on experiments. It’s a cool way to make math fun and real. The activities help kids use math in everyday tasks. They’ll calculate angles for origami or measure baking ingredients. This book shows math isn’t boring at all.
| Book Title | Current Price | Retail Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math Maker Lab | $16.20 | $18.00 | 10% ($1.80) |
Real Chemistry Experiments
“Real Chemistry Experiments” brings chemistry to life. Kids can safely learn about chemical reactions and compounds. There are tons of experiments that simplify complex chemistry ideas. It’s a key addition to our book list, offering interactive STEM that’s easy and fun. Kids get to try experiments with items from home.
| Book Title | Current Price | Retail Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Chemistry Experiments | $17.10 | $19.00 | 10% ($1.90) |
Quick and Simple STEM Activities for Kids
“Quick and Simple STEM Activities for Kids” is a top pick for kids’ science projects. It has over 40 STEM projects and more than 200 colorful photos. The book makes hard science ideas easier for kids. Most experiments use things found at home. This means parents and teachers can start teaching without much prep.
About the Book
This book is praised in children’s science experiment book reviews. It’s meant for kids in 3rd and 4th grade, ages 7 to 11. Each experiment takes less than ten minutes. The “Smithsonian 10-Minute Science Experiments” in the book were very popular on Amazon in 2020. This shows how effective and popular it is.
Why It’s Ideal for Younger Kids
The book’s simple and quick activities are great for young kids. Every experiment has step-by-step pictures. This makes learning fun and interactive. Using everyday items keeps it affordable and easy. The book also creates wow moments (“oohs and aahs”). These help spark a real interest in STEM from a young age.
Popular Experiments
One favorite experiment is the mentos soda geyser from “Naked Eggs and Flying Potatoes.” It thrills kids with its big reaction. Then there’s the water cave project. It uses clay and sugar cubes to show how earth processes work. These experiments are designed for what young minds are curious about.
| Project | Materials Needed | Concept | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mentos Soda Geyser | Mentos, Soda | Pressure and Reaction | 10 minutes |
| Water Cave Project | Modeling Clay, Sugar Cubes | Geological Processes | 15 minutes |
| Floating Egg | Egg, Salt, Water | Density | 10 minutes |
“Quick and Simple STEM Activities for Kids” is essential for finding impactful science projects for kids. According to detailed children’s science experiment book reviews, it’s highly suggested to spark interest in young scientists.
Conclusion
Our journey through top-notch science experiment books has shown how they boost kids’ education. They make learning science fun by emphasizing hands-on experiments. This approach is great, especially for kids who learn differently, making science exciting for everyone.
The range of books, like “Awesome Science Experiments for Kids” and “The Dad Lab,” offers something for all ages. Books like these match the Next Generation Science Standards. They make learning structured and fun, with experiments that help kids understand science better.
These books do more than just share facts; they invite kids to apply what they learn. From coding gadgets in “Micro:Bit for Mad Scientists” to exploring the wonders of science in “Science is Magic,” they inspire curiosity. They’re key for sparking a lifelong passion for learning and creativity. They’re crucial for parents and teachers who want to give kids great learning experiences.
FAQ
What are the best hands-on science experiment books for kids?
Some top picks include “Awesome Science Experiments for Kids,” “Kate the Chemist: The Big Book of Experiments,” and “The Dad Lab: 50 Awesome Science Projects for Parents and Kids.” These books stand out because they make learning engaging and fun.
How do these hands-on science experiment books support STEM learning?
These books offer interactive activities that span various STEM areas. They turn complex scientific ideas into fun, hands-on projects. This makes them great for learning outside the classroom too.
What age groups are these science experiment books suitable for?
“Awesome Science Experiments for Kids” is great for kids aged 4 to 14. On the other hand, “Kate the Chemist: The Big Book of Experiments” appeals to older kids and teens. Each book has an age recommendation in its description.
What makes “Awesome Science Experiments for Kids” a standout book?
“Awesome Science Experiments for Kids” offers a big range of STEM activities. It provides clear step-by-step instructions and colorful visuals. This combination makes learning science an enjoyable adventure.
Who is the author of “Kate the Chemist: The Big Book of Experiments,” and why is it recommended?
Kate Biberdorf, a well-known chemistry professor, wrote the book. It’s filled with advanced yet entertaining chemistry experiments. It explains chemical reactions in detail, perfect for future chemists.
Can parents use “The Dad Lab” even if they don’t have a scientific background?
Yes, “The Dad Lab” by Sergei Urban is perfect for all parents. It offers clear explanations and uses items you have at home. This makes it easy for any parent to teach science.
What is the micro:bit, as explained in “Micro:Bit for Mad Scientists”?
The micro:bit is a small, coding device explored in “Micro:Bit for Mad Scientists” by Simon Monk. The book has step-by-step projects for making tech gadgets. It’s great for kids new to coding.
How does “Science is Magic” make learning science fun for kids?
“Science is Magic” by Steve Mould treats science like magic tricks. It’s full of quick, simple experiments. This unique approach helps kids grasp scientific ideas while having fun.
Are there any hands-on science experiment books that cover multiple STEM fields?
Yes, “Awesome Engineering Activities for Kids,” “Math Maker Lab,” and “Real Chemistry Experiments” cover different STEM areas. They offer practical tasks that enhance theoretical learning. These books encourage kids to delve into diverse science and engineering topics.
What makes “Quick and Simple STEM Activities for Kids” suitable for younger children?
“Quick and Simple STEM Activities for Kids” uses everyday items for easy activities. This method makes it perfect for capturing young children’s attention. It introduces STEM concepts in a simple way, fostering a love for science early on.
