Today I’m sharing some of our favorite science resource books. They represent a variety of science topics and are chock-full of hands-on activities for kids of any age. The best thing about these resources is that they don’t look anything like school. Instead, they look like exploration because that’s what they are!

But while these projects are sure to please your children, they are also full of science learning. That means you can feel free to substitute your science textbook for one of these guides for a few days or weeks of unit study time where you dig into a science topic that appeals to your kids. Sometimes a shift outside of the typical routine is all you need to reboot a burned out homeschool routine.

Science Resources for Big Science Fun

1. Bridges: Amazing Structures to Design, Build, and Test– If you have an engineer in your house, this book is a fun resources with lots of different building projects and challenges. You don’t need any special equipment and many of the activities can be self-directed by your students.
2. Geology Rocks! 50 Hands On Activities to Explore the Earth– One of the things I love about geology and earth science is how accessible it is. Another title in the Kids’ Kaleidoscope series, this book is great for kids to read on their own.
3. Gardening With Children– I’ve had this book for years. If you are a beginner gardener, it’s great for Mom too. Not only do kids learning about planting, but they learn the science involved in all aspects of gardening. You can test soil and do sun experiments. This one is great for late winter and early spring!
4. Exploring the Solar System: A History with 22 Activities– What kid doesn’t love to learn about space? This book goes from the beginning all the way to modern times with rovers and probes and the International Space Station. There are activities all along the way and they’ll learn about scientists at the same time.
5. Roller Coaster Science– I’ve used this title in my classroom and have held on to it because it’s a fun way to practice physics. Kids love to try out these investigations. Whether you are studying motion or not, this is a wonderful rainy day book!

So poll your kids, “What would you like to study this week: bridges, rocks, gardening, outer space, or roller coasters?” Then pick one of these guides and start the exploration!