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Home » Learn » 12 Hands-On Science Experiment Books

12 Hands-On Science Experiment Books

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These science experiment books are full of fun, hands-on activities for kids of all ages to encourage learning about the world around them.

Two kids in a science lab wearing coats and glasses beside a stack of books, beakers, and a microscope with text overlay "12 hands-on science experiment books for kids."

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Science is a big topic that covers everything from the tiniest germs and animals to physics, chemistry, and space. The scientific method is all about asking questions, testing theories, and explaining how the universe works.

And science is for all ages. From toddlers to teens, there are activities you can do together to have fun learning about how things work. We rounded up a dozen books to help answer the question your kids have asked more than any other – why?

Pick up a few of these books and find a few experiments that you can do together. Most use everyday household items; other supplies can be picked up from your favorite craft store or supermarket. Be sure to read through instructions before trying anything and supervise children while having fun!

You’ll also love these summer science experiments and STEM books to inspire your little scientists!

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Favorite Science Experiment Books

Check out these books for hands-on science activities for kids.

1
Image for The Toddler's Science Activity Book

The Toddler's Science Activity Book

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The Toddler's Science Activity Book: 100+ Fun Early Learning Activities for Curious Kids is by Kailan Carr. Introduce your little one to science through play and age-appropriate skills for ages 1 to 3.

2
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STEAM Play & Learn

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STEAM Play & Learn: 20 Fun Step-by-Step Preschool Projects About Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math! is by Ana Dziengel. Each of these preschool activities is open-ended to encourage little ones to have fun while solving problems creatively.

3
Image for The Curious Kid's Science Book

The Curious Kid's Science Book

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The Curious Kid's Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4-8 is written by Asia Citro. This book includes simple science experiments that answer kids' most common questions.

4
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Big Science for Little People

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Big Science for Little People: 52 Activities to Help You & Your Child Discover the Wonders of Science is by Lynn Brunelle. Introduce kids ages 4 to 8 to the physics, chemistry, biology, and ecology behind everyday play and answer the most common question - why?

5
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Awesome Science Experiments for Kids

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Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work is by Crystal Chatterton. It includes simple experiments for kids ages 5 to 10 organized into science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

6
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Smithsonian 10-Minute Science Experiments

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Smithsonian 10-Minute Science Experiments: 50+ Quick, Easy, and Awesome Projects for Kids is by Steve Spangler. Each experiment includes step-by-step photos and instructions for kids ages 7 to 11.

7
Image for The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book

The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book

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The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You! is by Tom Robinson. Each of the experiments in this book, perfect for kids ages 7 to 12, is a detailed activity with an explanation and follow-up prompts.

8
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101 Great Science Experiments

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101 Great Science Experiments: A Step-by-Step Guide by Neil Ardley is published by DK. This book focuses on biology, chemistry, and physics aimed at kids ages 8 to 12.

9
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Real Chemistry Experiments

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Real Chemistry Experiments: 40 Exciting STEAM Activities for Kids is by Dr. Edward P. Zovinka. Each activity is a fun, modern chemistry experiment that teaches the basics to kids aged 8 to 12.

10
Image for The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments

The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments

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The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments: Awesome Things To Do With Your Parents, Babysitters, and Other Adults was created by Holly Homer, Rachel Miller, and Jamie Harrington. This book is filled with a variety of experiments for all ages.

11
Image for Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids

Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids

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Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat! is by Dr. Megan Olivia Hall. Readers of all ages will learn about the scientific method, how to set up a kitchen science lab, and how to do edible experiments.

12
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Dad's Book of Awesome Science Experiments

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Dad's Book of Awesome Science Experiments: From Boiling Ice and Exploding Soap to Erupting Volcanoes and Launching Rockets, 30 Inventive Experiments to Excite the Whole Family! is by Mike Adamick. It is filled with experiments for adults to do with kids of all ages.

Whether you have a curious kid who asks about everything or one who is always tinkering and taking things apart, they will love these science experiment books. Encourage curiosity and have fun this summer.

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More fun ideas from Backyard Summer Camp:

  • 20 Dinosaur Books for Kids
  • 15 Easy Slime Recipes with Things at Home
  • 40 Amazing Summer Science Experiments

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About Keri

Keri is the creator of Backyard Summer Camp as well as her family lifestyle blog, One Mama's Daily Drama. She lives in Texas with her family, where she spent her kids' childhood summers planning fun activities to keep them entertained.

Follow @CampBackyard on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for inspiration to plan your own DIY summer camp with your family.

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