“I’m bored” is not often muttered at my house. I get more of a dead man stare as my kids sit on the couch and pout at my resistance to their requests for additional screen time. This doesn’t mean that they are bored all the time – I let them play video games and watch TV.

I also sometimes get to ~~push them kicking and screaming~~ gently nudge them in the direction of projects and reading that can light a fire. I wanted to share some of my favorite science books to banish boredom.

These books are a combination of activities and reading that I have enjoyed with my kids or as a student myself. I have organized them by age from youngest to oldest student. I have provided affiliate links for your convenience, read my full disclosure here.

Matter for Younger Kids

These are two of my favorite books about matter for preschool or the lower grades. I have talked about them before, but there are simple experiments and engaging texts that make them excellent books for building excitement and learning.

Science Series for Preschool- Elementary

Both of these series have engaging story telling and science material.

Let’s Read and Find Out About Science Series We have many of these books and they cover a wide range of topics for preschoolers through early elementary. Bonus they are inexpensive.

I don’t think any science book list for children is complete without The Magic School Bus. I highly suggest all of the titles and the show, but this chapter book on bats has been a long standing favorite. Ms. Frizzle and her class are a delight to learn with. I think we have all wished for a magic school bus a time or two.

Hands On Learning

STEAM Kids

This is actually a series of books. These books have STEAM activities targeted for 4-10 year olds, but some of the projects will even hold older kids’ attention. We have adapted many projects from this book and the accompanying holiday books. They are currently promoting this book and the Valentine ebook bundle for $9.99 (until 2/1/2017).

Hands-On Engineering

This is our science spine this semester and I can’t wait! We’ve already started studying simple machines. I have an enthusiastic engineer in my house so it is looking to be a pretty fun semester for us. I will be posting on Instagram and Facebook with updates on our adventures using this as our text.

The Big Book of Maker Space is for the tinkerers in your life. It is all about the role that you as the instructor can play in developing a place for inspiration, invention, and innovation.