Trying to find activities that spark the interest and imagination of your child can be challenging. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) is a critical part of learning but is also meant to be a fun way to engage in learning! Here are titles that will encourage exploration for curious minds. Many of the projects outlined in these books require simple household items. Now your home can become your child’s very own science lab, creative space, and experiment headquarters.
Check out our STEAM playlist on the EVPL YouTube channel for even more experiments to try together.
STEAM Books
Ada Twist’s Big Project Book for Stellar Scientists by Andrea Beatty
“For curious young minds who ask why? how? what? when? and then why? again and again, the bestselling team behind Ada Twist, Scientist has developed a STEM project book based on the beloved character. Ada herself will take readers through the scientific method and introduce them to some of her favorite sciences, including chemistry, botany, astronomy, and environmental science. Budding scientists will solve everyday mysteries and come to think more critically about the world around them. Like Rosie’s and Iggy’s project books, Ada’s will be empowering and kid-friendly, with tons of classroom and parent appeal. No kid’s lab would be complete without it!”– Provided by publisher.
*Part of the Questioneers Project books series
Cardboard Box Engineering: Cool, Inventive Projects for Tinkerers, Makers, & Future Scientists by Jonathan Adolph
“Working with simple household tools, kids can follow the step-by-step photographic instructions to exercise their design smarts, expand their 3-D thinking, and learn the basics of physics and engineering with activities that have real-life applications”– Provided by publisher
Check out this video for a project from Cardboard Box Engineering.
Chemistry for Kids: Homemade Science Experiments and Activities Inspired by Awesome Chemists, Past and Present by Liz Lee Heinecke
“The kitchen pantry scientist’s guide to chemistry features biographies of 25 leading chemists, past and present, accompanied by accessible, hands-on experiments and activities to bring the history and principles of chemistry alive”– Provided by publisher
Edible Science: Experiments You Can Eat by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen with Carol Tennant
“Grab a beaker, pick up your whisk, and get ready to cook up some solid science. Using food as our tools (or ingredients!) curious kids become saucy scientists that measure, weigh, combine, and craft their way through the kitchen. Discover dozens of thoroughly-tested, fun, edible experiments, sprinkled with helpful photos, diagrams, scientific facts, sub-experiments, and more. And the best news is when all the mad-science is done, you’re invited to grab a spoon and take a bite — and share your results with friends and family.”– Provided by publisher.
Hack Your Kitchen: Discover a World of Food Fun With Science Buddies by Niki Ahrens
Young scientists will learn all about many different scientific principles and properties using everyday tools and ingredients from their own kitchens! Make a lemon volcano, flour craters, edible paper, and more with these hands-on science projects.”–Provided by publisher
Maker Lab Outdoors: 25 Super Cool Projects: Build, Invent, Create, Discover by Jack Challoner
Presents over two dozen outdoor science activities demonstrating such scientific properties as soil erosion, the water cycle, air pressure, and astronomy.
Ryan’s World of Science by Aubre Andrus
Learn science facts with Ryan and his mom, a former science teacher, in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read filled with science experiments that you can do at home, too! Ryan loves learning about science! Readers will love conducting three exciting and eye-catching experiments using household products, following step-by-step instructions, and reading about the science behind the experiments. The book includes a special letter from Ryan’s mom to parents and caregivers about how to encourage their little scientists
STEM Lab: 25 Super Cool Projects: Build, Invent, Create, Discover by Jack Challoner
Presents over two dozen science activities demonstrating such scientific properties as forces and motion, chemical reactions, shapes and structures, and light and sound.
STEAM Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Hands-On Projects Using Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math by Liz Lee Heinecke
“The creative projects in STEAM Lab for Kids are designed to demonstrate that there’s math and science to be found in great art! From rubber bands to edible stained glass, young engineers and artists alike will find inspiration in these 52 art-forward labs.” — Back cover
Ultimate Slime: Totally Borax Free! By Alyssa Jagan
The Instagram star presents Borax-free recipes for making slime that feature a variety of colors and textures, including bubbly, soft serve, gem, glitter, and jiggly slime.
All descriptions from NoveList unless otherwise indicated.
