It may get a bad reputation as a school subject, but let’s be honest — science is really cool. And with the push for better STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education these days — in light of America’s not-so-hot report card compared to the rest of the world — it’s more important than ever that we give our kids the opportunity to learn about, participate in, and fall in love with science. Here, some cool books that will spark the budding scientist in your child:
Discover More: My Body
By Andrea Pinnington and Penny Lamprell This colorful book is full of visual learning opportunities for kids ages 3-6. Its pages focus on a specific body part or process so children can answer questions they have about their own bodies. Each book comes with a code so children can unlock a free 16-page companion digital book, which features quizzes, videos, and articles to discover even more. (Scholastic, 2012; $7.99)
Natural Disasters: Investigate Earth’s Most Destructive Forces
By Kathleen M. Reilly In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, our kids are more curious than ever about weather and how it affects us. This book, geared toward children ages 9-12, details a history of our planet’s largest natural disasters. It delves into each disaster’s specific impact on civilization and explains how people today have learned from it. Moreover, it focuses on the science behind the formation of natural disasters. The book also provides readers with 25 unique hands-on projects, including creating a water wheel and shake table. (Nomad Press, 2012; $21.95)
Explore Night Science!
By Cindy Blobaum For those curious adventurers interested in what happens outside when it gets dark, this book leads them on a safe exploration of the night. With a focus on uncovering the science behind the natural world of nighttime, the text teaches kids ages 6-9—whether they live in the country or the city—how plants and animals survive and thrive after the sun goes down. The book also features 25 fun projects that call for simple household items, such as a metal jar lid that can be used to mimic the sound a cicada makes. (Nomad Press, 2012; $12.95)
Discover More: Technology
By Clive Gifford Readers ages 9-13 take a 105-page journey that helps them understand the science behind technology, with insight on how today’s coolest gadgets really work. It is important for children to understand technology’s ever-growing role in today’s society, and this book provides them with a behind-the-scenes look into the way things work. (Scholastic, 2012; $15.99)
Why is Milk White? & 200 Other Curious Chemistry Questions
By Alexa Coelho and Simon Quellen Field For the kids out there who have a million questions when it comes to chemistry (How does soap work? Why do skunks smell bad? Why is hair gel so slimy?), this book provides the answers. Written for ages 9 and older, this 250-pager provides answers to the mysteries that we encounter in our everyday lives. It also features directions for a dozens fun projects that teach kids about chemistry’s role in our bodies and the world at large. (Chicago Review Press, 2013; $14.95)
