I have a very inquisitive child in my house. She has a thing for getting off on tangents and digging deeper into anything and everything that has sparked her interest. I will often procure books or kits, supplies, etc for her on topics that interest her. One of the areas she loves is science, so I guess you could call her a science curious child. She loves getting books and kits to read and explore. They make great raining day activities as well as purposeful gifts.

I love giving gifts for kids that are both fun and educational. While not every kid would appreciate gifts like this, I know many children who love getting hands on kits and books to explore, especially if Mom or Dad dig in and explore too! I have created a list of some of the fun science books and kits that my children have loved throughout the years.

Gifts for the Science Curious Child

1. SENSEational Illusions

I love that this book uses all 5 senses to explore. There are so many tricks and challenges to keep you and your kids entertained. Plus you will learn a ton about how each of your senses work and the little quirks you might not have otherwise discovered!

Upon getting this book my 9 year old spent days and days trying these out on herself and roping others in to exploring too!

There is also a cool Color Illusions book that your kids might enjoy if they love this book as much as we do!

{Disclosure: I received a copy of this book. My opinions are my own, and I was not required to post a positive review. Your experience may vary. Please see my full Disclosure Policy for more details.}

2. Microscope with Slides

Not only is it fun to have a microscope to check out things like your own skin and blood, but there are some amazing prepared slides to peak the interest of any science curious child!

Here are a few great books to help out with using the microscope:

• The Ultimate Guide to Your Microscope –  This book is here to show kids the basics of creating their own professional-quality slides and using their own microscopes. A whole world will open up to your science curious child as they learn to identify the microscope’s different pieces, practice focusing, and prepare different kinds of samples for viewing. Illustrated throughout with photomicrographs (pictures taken through a microscope), and complete with a reproducible form for documenting specimens.
• The World of the Microscope – perfect for children in grades 3-6. This book investigates the enormous variety of objects too small for the eye to see, from insects, bacteria, to rock crystals and microchip circuits. The Step-by-step diagrams will show you how to get the best results from a microscope and how to make and keep slides.
• The Usborne Complete Book of the Microscope – This book features breathtaking photographs that reveal the secrets of the micro world, from algae to atoms, dust to DNA and flies’ eyes to flu viruses. It offers practical information on buying and taking care of microscopes, plus over 20 step-by-step projects for use with your own microscope. It is internet-linked to lead readers to sites featuring photographs, slide presentations and movies of views that are inaccessible to the naked eye.

3. How Machines Work: Zoo Break

One of the coolest parts of this book is the moving parts! Right from the cover your kids can not only read about how machines like levers, screws, wheels, wedges, inclined planes and pulleys work but they can actually play with them and test them out!

This book follows Sloth and his sidekick Sengi as they try to escape from the zoo. They use machines to help them in their efforts.

So the characters trying to escape makes it fun, and the fact that the book highlights likes of everyday objects like scissors, clocks, and bikes makes it relatable for young kids!

If your kids find this book enjoyable they might also like The New Way Things Work, The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body, Toilet: How it Works, or Built to Last, all by David Macaulay

{Disclosure: I received a copy of this book. My opinions are my own, and I was not required to post a positive review. Your experience may vary. Please see my full Disclosure Policy for more details.}

4. Volcano Science Kit

Craft a volcano and make it erupt! Not only will you cast and paint a volcano but you get volcanic rock samples too!

To go along with this check out this Hands On Volcano Unit:

5. Strange But True

The fun thing about this book is that it includes so many unusual things. The illustrations are huge full page, color popping images! This book will spark the interest of any child with its wild and unusual facts, critters, plants, and more!

For instance, did you know that there is a building in Ohio that is shaped like a giant picnic basket? The founder of the Longaberger Company dreamed up the idea to house his offices inside the world’s biggest basket!

Or how about “Goat gymnasts”? The goats of Tamri village in Morocco claw, jump, and scramble up Argan trees to reach their favorite berries!

{Disclosure: I received a copy of this book. My opinions are my own, and I was not required to post a positive review. Your experience may vary. Please see my full Disclosure Policy for more details.}

6. Scientific Explorer Kits

I love science kits that take a simple theme and make it fun. Science Explorer kits come in themes like Magic Science, Crime Catchers Spy Science, Ice Cream Science, Backyard Kit, Wacky Weird Weather and more! They have kits for kids aging in range from 4-15 depending on the topic of the kit!

7. Break Your Own Geodes

For those kids that love rocks and minerals, a geode kit is a fun option. Geodes are formed naturally by volcanic activity. Bubbles in lava harden, over time natural crystals grow inside of the lava bubbles. Your kids will have a great time breaking the geodes open to discover what is inside!

Check out more fun and resources with this Hands On Rocks & Minerals Unit.

8. Inflatable Solar System

We have put up an inflatable solar system across our house on more than one occasion. Each and every time we do it the kids are in awe. It is such a fun way to introduce and learn about the planets.

Check out more fun activities and resources to go along with your Inflatable Solar System!