10+ Best Science Experiment Books for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce the wonders of science to your little one? Look no further! Our roundup of science experiment books for 5-year-olds is packed with fun, engaging, and educational resources that are just right for curious young minds. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to ignite a love for science in your preschooler!

Fun Science Experiment Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book makes science accessible and fun for young kids, providing them with a variety of experiments that can be done using everyday household items.
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies science concepts through hands-on activities, making learning both fun and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds who love to explore how things work.

• Awesome Science Experiments for Kids by Crystal Chatterton
  • Genre(s): Science, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: Over 100 easy and exciting experiments designed to teach kids about physics, chemistry, biology, and more.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each experiment is designed to be engaging and simple enough for children to carry out with minimal adult supervision.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy interactive learning and parents seeking educational activities to do at home.

• My First Science Book: Explore the Wonders of Science by Susan Akass
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: A beginner's book filled with simple explanations of scientific concepts and fun experiments tailored for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic scientific principles in a way that is easy for young children to understand and enjoy.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergartners taking their first steps in science exploration.

• Kitchen Science Lab for Kids by Liz Lee Heinecke
  • Genre(s): Science, Cookbook
  • Synopsis: Features 52 family-friendly experiments exploring physics, chemistry, and biology, all from the kitchen.
  • Why we recommend this book: It turns the kitchen into a lab, making science relatable and reinforcing learning through everyday activities.
  • Perfect for: Young chefs and scientists who love experimenting in the kitchen.

• Curious Kid's Science Book by Asia Citro
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Offers a unique approach to scientific exploration by encouraging kids to create their own experiments based on simple questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters creativity and critical thinking, empowering kids to think like real scientists.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive children who enjoy coming up with their own ideas and testing them out.

Educational Science Experiment Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Baby Loves Science: Board Boxed Set by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Irene Chan
  • Genre(s): Science, Board Book
  • Synopsis: A set of board books that introduce basic scientific concepts through simple and engaging stories suitable for toddlers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic scientific principles, early literacy skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to science, using clear and simple language that makes complex ideas accessible to very young children.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers just beginning to explore the world of science.

• Look, I'm a Scientist! by Various Authors
  • Genre(s): Science, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: Designed to be interactive, this book encourages young children to explore science through fun experiments using everyday household items.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Observation, prediction, experimentation
  • Why we recommend this book: It is highly interactive and encourages kids to learn through doing, which enhances their engagement and retention of scientific concepts.
  • Perfect for: Young children who love hands-on activities and parents looking for educational play ideas.

• Science Is Simple by Peggy Ashbrook
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Over 250 activities that encourage children to learn about the world around them through observation and experimentation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, understanding of natural and physical sciences
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a wide range of simple and engaging activities that cover various aspects of science, making it a versatile resource for early science education.
  • Perfect for: Preschool educators and parents who want to integrate science into everyday learning experiences.

• The Curious Toddler's Science Book by Ruth Spiro
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a series of simple experiments designed to satisfy the curiosity of very young children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Curiosity about natural phenomena, basic physics and chemistry, sensory exploration
  • Why we recommend this book: It taps into toddlers' natural curiosity and helps them understand their environment through playful yet educational activities.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and young preschoolers, especially those who show an early interest in how things work.

Challenging Science Experiment Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Exploring the Elements: A Complete Guide to the Periodic Table by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Sara Gillingham
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This visually stunning book introduces young readers to the periodic table, explaining each element with engaging illustrations and facts.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of chemistry and the periodic table, which are typically taught at much higher grade levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies a complex subject with clear visuals and child-friendly language, sparking an early interest in chemistry.
  • Perfect for: Young, aspiring chemists and any child with a curiosity about how the world is made up at a microscopic level.

• Super Science Experiments by M.J. Knight
  • Genre(s): Science, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: Offers a collection of experiments that challenge children to explore science topics deeply, including physics and biology, through hands-on activities.
  • Why this book is challenging: The experiments require critical thinking and problem-solving, going beyond simple demonstrations to encourage deeper understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes a hands-on learning experience that is both educational and fun, helping kids grasp more complex scientific principles.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are ready to take on more challenging scientific activities and enjoy seeing the principles they learn in action.

• Young Scientist: Rocket Science by Olivia Mullins
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book teaches young readers about the basics of aerospace engineering, including how rockets work and how they are launched.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the specifics of rocket science, a topic that is advanced for young readers but presented in an accessible way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces advanced scientific and engineering concepts in a way that captivates young minds and expands their understanding of technology.
  • Perfect for: Future engineers and scientists, and any child fascinated by space and rockets.

• Brainy Experiments for Budding Scientists by Eric Braun
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: An engaging collection of experiments designed to teach kids about the human brain and basic principles of biology.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers topics on human biology and neuroscience, which are typically not introduced at such an early age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique opportunity for kids to learn about their own brains and bodies, promoting both self-awareness and scientific literacy.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are curious about how their bodies work and those interested in biology and medicine.

• Physics for Every Kid: 101 Easy Experiments in Motion, Heat, Light, Machines, and Sound by Janice VanCleave
  • Genre(s): Science, Physics
  • Synopsis: Provides a series of experiments that explain basic physical concepts in a fun and interactive way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces fundamental physics concepts, including mechanics and thermodynamics, which are complex for young learners.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complicated physics concepts into understandable experiments, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the physical world.
  • Perfect for: Young students who show an early interest in physics and enjoy learning through hands-on activities.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're exploring science experiment books with your little one, enhancing their reading habits can make the experience even more enriching. Here are some fun and effective reading exercises designed specifically for 5-year-olds. These will not only keep them engaged but also help in developing a lifelong love for reading and learning.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Look through the pictures in the book before reading to guess what the experiment might involve.
  • How it helps: Enhances predictive skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to tell a story based on the pictures they see.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You and your child take turns reading sections of the experiment instructions aloud.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different parts to make it more fun and engaging.

• Spot the Keyword
  • What it is: Identify and highlight important keywords related to the experiment before reading the details.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding and remembering key concepts of the experiments.
  • Tips: Discuss what each keyword means and why it might be important for the experiment.

• Summarize the Steps
  • What it is: After reading, summarize the steps of the experiment in their own words.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and the ability to recall information.
  • Tips: Encourage them to use their own drawings or simple words to describe the steps.

• Question and Answer Time
  • What it is: After each experiment, ask your child specific questions about what they read.
  • How it helps: Promotes critical thinking and detail retention.
  • Tips: Keep the questions simple and directly related to the experiments they just read about.

Using these exercises can really boost your child’s engagement and comprehension while reading science experiment books. Remember, the key is to keep the activities light and fun, turning reading into a joyful part of your everyday routine together. Happy experimenting and reading!