10+ Best Science Experiment Books for 6-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to spark a love of science in your little one? Look no further than our roundup of the best science experiment books for 6-year-olds! These books are packed with fun, engaging experiments that are just right for curious young minds. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just a science enthusiast, keep reading to discover our favorite picks that promise to make learning exciting and interactive.

Fun Science Experiment Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides easy-to-follow instructions for experiments that can be done with common household items, exploring various aspects of science from biology to chemistry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex scientific concepts into fun, manageable experiments that engage young readers and stimulate their curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists who enjoy hands-on learning and parents seeking educational activities to do at home.

• Awesome Science Experiments for Kids by Crystal Chatterton
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Over 100 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) projects designed to teach kids about the wonders of science in a fun and engaging way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It includes a wide range of experiments, each designed to be both fun and informative, fostering a love for science and reading.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love to explore and understand how things work and parents looking for educational yet enjoyable reading material for their children.

• Kitchen Science Lab for Kids by Liz Lee Heinecke
  • Genre(s): Science, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book features 52 family-friendly experiments, turning the kitchen into a lab where kids can learn scientific principles through activities involving everyday ingredients.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes science accessible and relatable by using common kitchen ingredients, which demystifies scientific concepts and makes them exciting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy cooking or baking and are curious about the science behind everyday life.

• Outdoor Science Lab for Kids by Liz Lee Heinecke
  • Genre(s): Science, Nature
  • Synopsis: Features 52 experiments for young scientists to do outside, encouraging them to explore the natural world while learning important scientific principles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes learning through play and exploration in the outdoors, making it a perfect blend of education and physical activity.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love the outdoors and are eager to learn more about the environment around them.

• The Curious Kid's Science Book by Asia Citro
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Offers a unique approach to science by encouraging kids to come up with their own experiments based on simple questions and curiosities about the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It empowers children by making them the drivers of their own discovery, which enhances both their critical thinking and reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Curious youngsters who like to question how things work and enjoy coming up with creative solutions.

Educational Science Experiment Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Science Is Simple by Peggy Ashbrook
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young children to fundamental science concepts through more than 250 simple experiments designed to be interactive and fun.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic scientific principles, observation skills, and early analytical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides clear, step-by-step instructions that make science accessible and engaging for young learners.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergartners who are just beginning to explore scientific ideas.

• My First Science Book by Susan Akass
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Explore the wonders of science with this book that covers a wide range of topics from plants and bubbles to magnets and senses.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of natural phenomena, sensory skills, and basic physics and chemistry
  • Why we recommend this book: It covers a broad spectrum of science topics with activities that are easy to do at home.
  • Perfect for: Young children who show a broad interest in learning about the world around them.

• Look I'm a Scientist by Various Authors
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Designed to ignite curiosity, this book encourages children to create fun, hands-on experiments and learn scientific concepts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Experimentation, observation, and deduction skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It is visually stimulating with lots of photos and easy instructions, making it perfect for engaging young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy visual learning and hands-on activities.

• 101 Great Science Experiments by Neil Ardley
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: A step-by-step guide to exciting experiments that cover various aspects of science, including physics, chemistry, and biology.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific methodology, critical thinking, and problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: Each experiment is clearly explained with simple instructions and uses materials that are easily accessible.
  • Perfect for: Young experimenters who are eager to learn more about science through practical application.

Challenging Science Experiment Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Exploratopia by Pat Murphy, Ellen Macaulay, and the staff of the Exploratorium
  • Illustrator: Jason Gorski
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: More than 400 experiments and explorations that dive deep into mechanics, physics, and the natural world, encouraging kids to think like scientists.
  • Why this book is challenging: The experiments are designed to be more in-depth, requiring critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are more advanced for a 6-year-old.
  • Why we recommend this book: It pushes boundaries by providing a hands-on approach to complex subjects, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for science.
  • Perfect for: Inquisitive kids who are ready to take on more challenging projects and parents who want to support advanced learning.

• The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science by Sean Connolly
  • Genre(s): Science, History, Educational
  • Synopsis: Features 50 experiments that introduce young readers to groundbreaking scientific principles and the famous scientists who discovered them, with a twist of humor.
  • Why this book is challenging: It integrates historical context and the scientific method, requiring readers to follow more complex procedures and understand the 'why' behind the experiments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines history with science in a fun and engaging way, helping children connect past discoveries with contemporary science.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy history and science and are looking for a more stimulating challenge.

• Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids to Share by Ken Denmead
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, DIY Projects
  • Synopsis: A collection of wonderfully geeky projects to build and experiment with, ranging from creating your own superhero comic to building a kite camera.
  • Why this book is challenging: Many projects involve elements of engineering and technology, which are typically more advanced topics for a 6-year-old.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes bonding through learning and creates opportunities for kids and parents to explore science and technology together.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy kids and their parents who love to tinker and create together.

• The Everything Kids' Easy Science Experiments Book by J. Elizabeth Mills
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book simplifies complex scientific concepts through easy and approachable experiments, making it a great introduction to the world of science.
  • Why this book is challenging: While designed to be accessible, the book encourages applying and understanding scientific concepts, which can be a stretch for younger minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to more complex scientific ideas, ideal for young readers who show an early interest in science.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are just starting to explore scientific experiments and need a blend of challenge and fun.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to turn your 6-year-old into a little scientist and a great reader, you've come to the right place. Science experiment books are not only fun but also a fantastic way to build reading and comprehension skills. Here are some engaging exercises that can help your child develop good reading habits while exploring the wonders of science.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You read the science experiment instructions aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and improves listening skills.
  • Tips: Change your tone to keep the reading session exciting and engaging.

• Predict the Outcome
  • What it is: Before conducting the experiment, ask your child what they think will happen.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Discuss why they expect certain results to encourage deeper thinking.

• Illustrate the Experiment
  • What it is: Have your child draw the setup or results of the experiment.
  • How it helps: Reinforces understanding and memory retention.
  • Tips: Provide colorful pencils and encourage detailed illustrations.

• Experiment Repetition Reading
  • What it is: Read the experiment steps multiple times before and after doing the experiment.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and understanding of the scientific method.
  • Tips: Ask questions each time to make sure the information sticks.

• Science Word of the Day
  • What it is: Introduce a new scientific word each day from the experiment book.
  • How it helps: Builds scientific vocabulary and context understanding.
  • Tips: Use the word in different sentences throughout the day to reinforce its meaning.

These simple yet effective exercises will not only help your child grasp basic scientific concepts but also foster a love for reading. Remember, the key is consistency and making the learning experience as enjoyable as possible. Happy experimenting and reading!