Kids Resources: Books
General Science
How Science Works
by Judith Hann
(1996) An exciting and highly original "hands-on" introduction to the world of science for the whole family. Encourages a head start in learning about science. Safe, readily available "ingredients" for each project. Ages 8-14. (192 pages)
The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book
by Tom Robinson
(2001) All you need to do is gather a few household items and you can recreate dozens of mind-blowing, kid-tested science experiments - from biology to chemistry to physics to outer space. Ages 9-12. (144 pages)
Biology
Creepy Crawlies and the Scientific Method: More than 100 hands-on science experiments for children
by Sally Kneidel
(1993) A collection of experiments to engage the interest of youngsters, to introduce them to the scientific method and to encourage them to understand science by observing small animals in their natural surroundings. Experiments accompanied by easily copied charts and tables encourage scientific understanding as children fill them out. Ages 9-12.
Who Eats What? Food Chains and Food Webs
by Patricia Lauber
(1994) An award-winning author and artist explains how every link in a food chain is important because each living thing depends on others for survival. Ages 4-8. (32 pages)
The Monster Health Book
by Edward Miller
(2006) Monsters show kids the basics of good nutrition by discussing healthy eating habits and proper exercise. Ages 4 and up. (40 pages)
Teeth, Tails & Tentacles: An Animal Counting Book
by Christopher Wormell
(2004) Markings, segments, rosettes -- this animal counting book features unusual, science-related nouns and adjectives. Count to twenty barnacles with your child, enjoy lino-cut illustrations and explore more advanced descriptions of the featured animals on the back pages. Ages 18 months and up. (pages 64)
Earth and Space Science
Me and My Place in Space
by Joan Sweeney
(1999) With Earth as a starting point, a young astronaut leads readers on a tour past each planet and on to the stars, answering simple questions about our solar system. Ages 4-8. (32 pages)
The Moon Seems to Change
by Franklyn M. Branley
(1987) Because the moon revolves around Earth, it seems to grow and shrink. Children can read about the phenomena of the moon’s phases and with an experiment using an orange, a pencil, and a flashlight, they can see why the moon looks different at different times of the month. Ages 4-8. (32 pages)
What Makes Day and Night
by Franklyn M. Branley
(1986) Accompanied by NASA photographs, the text explains the Earth’s rotation in clear and simple terms. An experiment using a lamp as the ‘sun’ further clarifies the principles introduced. Ages 4-8. (32 pages)
The Drop In My Drink: The Story of Water on our Planet
by Meredith Hooper
(1998) Follow a drop of water as it travels around the world. Ages 6 and up. (36 pages)
Minerals
by Roy Gallant
(2000) This book highlights some of the mineral wonders of the world while describing properties and characteristics of common minerals. Ages 7 and up. (48 pages)
Engineers and Inventors
The Art of Construction: Projects and Principles for Beginning Engineers & Architects
by Mario Salvadori
(2000) This book outlines the basic principles necessary to build bridges, skyscrapers, and other architectural structures. Projects that demonstrate how these principles keep the designs from falling are given. Ages 9-12. (160 pages)
The New Way Things Work
by David Macaulay
(1998) A great book for the young physicist or mechanical engineer! Colorful illustrations give a visual guide to the world of machines. Ages 9-12. (400 pages)
Physical Science
Switch On, Switch Off
by Melvin Berger
(1990) Learn about electricity and how a light actually works. In this clear and simple book learn all about electricity, how it's produced, and how it can be used. At the end you'll learn how to conduct fun experiments that will let you generate electricity yourself! Ages 4-8. (32 pages)
What Is the World Made Of? All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases
by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
(1998) A fact-filled, accessible study of solids, liquids, and gases. The book gives examples of each state of matter and some simple activities that demonstrate the attributes of each. The last page presents three related science experiments. Ages 4-8. (32 pages)
