Do you have a curious learner who’s always eager to build, create, and explore? If so, this post is for you (and your little scientist)! Today, I’m sharing some of our favorite STEM, science, and math books—packed with hands-on experiments, fascinating facts, and hours of engaging fun for busy homeschool families.
First Steps in Coding Series by Kaitlyn Siu
The First Steps in Coding series introduces young learners to foundational coding concepts like algorithms, loops, and branching through engaging, easy-to-understand stories. Each book features bright, colorful illustrations that bring these complex topics to life in a fun and accessible way for little learners. These books are perfect for little coders, especially those 10 and younger. This series makes learning the basics of programming feel like an adventure!
Inner Workings by Peter Hinckley
This book grabbed the attention of my kiddos right away. Inner workings is packed with fascinating details about how things function—from beehives to baseballs to carousels and more. With vibrant illustrations and concise, engaging explanations, this book offers a captivating look at the mechanics behind everyday objects. Perfect for the young engineer or curious thinker in your life!
Since we are talking about “Inner Workings,” here’s a sneak peek at the inside!
Kid Engineer Series by Izzi Howell and Sonya Newland
We’ve completed so many fantastic projects from this series, but one of our favorites was using beads to “code” our names onto bracelets. The Kid Engineer series is packed with hands-on activities like this, making abstract and complex topics easy to understand for budding engineers. With engaging experiments and clear explanations, this fun and interactive series is one I highly recommend!
Mistakes that Worked by Charlotte Foltz Jones
I often hear my kids say they “can’t” do something, especially when things get tough. It’s easy to get discouraged, which is why I absolutely love this book for curious minds. Mistakes That Worked showcases a fascinating collection of accidental discoveries—proving that mistakes can lead to amazing things. From everyday items like popsicles to life-changing medical discoveries like penicillin and X-rays—even playful inventions like the Slinky—this book shows kids that persistence and curiosity can lead to something fabulous. In the words of Bob Ross, “We don’t make mistakes, we just have happy accidents,” and this book celebrates some of the best ones!
Bedtime Math by Laura Overdeck
My girls aren’t naturally math-minded, but even they have enjoyed working through Bedtime Math. Each page presents a fun, bite-sized story or fascinating fact, followed by a set of engaging word problems. The problems vary in difficulty, with questions tailored for “wee ones,” “little kids,” and “big kids,” making it easy to adapt for different ages. This book turns math into a quick and enjoyable five-minute activity—perfect to squeeze in alongside your nightly read-aloud!
Stay Curious and Keep Exploring by Emily Calandrelli
Emily Calandrelli—astronaut, engineer, and Netflix star—shares 50 exciting, hands-on experiments in Stay Curious and Keep Exploring. With easy-to-follow instructions and a handy materials list for each activity, this book is a must-have for curious young minds and busy homeschooling parents alike. For even more science fun, pair it with Emily’s Wonder Lab on Netflix—giving kids extra time to think and explore while Mom sneaks in a few minutes to tackle the dishes!
Guide to God’s Animals by Frank Sherwin
We don’t typically read encyclopedia-style books from cover to cover, but Guide to God’s Animals is an exception. Filled with fascinating facts, stunning photographs, and most importantly, a Biblical worldview, this book captivated our entire family. The “Guide to…” series from the Institute for Creation Research is one I wholeheartedly recommend again and again. In fact, this series might just deserve its own post—so stay tuned!
Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop by Brock Eastman
Looking for a book packed with hands-on experiments and meaningful Bible devotionals? Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop offers both! Kids will stay engaged as they explore God’s word through exciting science projects, followed by data collection (thought-provoking questions tied to the devotional) and a closing prayer. Each lesson includes a supply list, step-by-step experiment instructions, and an easy-to-understand explanation of the science behind it. This has quickly become one of our favorite science experiment books in our homeschool!
Curious kids thrive when they have the right tools to explore, create, and discover—and these books are the perfect way to spark that excitement! Whether your child loves hands-on experiments, fascinating facts, or problem-solving challenges, these titles offer something for every budding scientist, engineer, and mathematician. I think there is even a little something here for the learner that is hesitant to jump into math and science so let me know what works for your family.
Do you have a favorite STEM, science, or math book that your family loves? I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let’s keep the learning going. And if you’re looking for more book recommendations, be sure to follow along—I have plenty more to share!
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