Science, math, and technology are often very difficult for kids. It can be hard to find good teachers and resources that break down difficult concepts, so once they get older, they, unfortunately, believe they aren’t good at those subjects. To get your kids a head start and more importantly, to foster a love of learning, turn to good books. Here are some of the best for a range of ages:
Robots, Robots, Everywhere
Best for very young kids, this picture book introduces the concept of robots and all the things they can do, whether it’s work at farms or in space. With beautiful illustrations by Bob Staake and words by Sue Fliess, this book is sure to get your kids interested in robots.
Math-terpieces
Stretch your child’s mind with this book that combines art and math. Written for kids 5-10 years old, Greg Tang (words) and Greg Paprocki (illustrations) provide a unique and fun way to see the world of mathematics. Using four principles – an open mind, unusual number combinations, patterns, and multiple math skills – the book asks readers to answer questions based on paintings. As an example, when presented with Salvador Dali’s famous “Persistence of Memory”, kids must find eight different ways to group the melting clocks.
The Official ScratchJr Book: Help Your Kids Learn To Code
You’re never too young to learn to code. The coding language Scratch proves that, and ScratchJr, a free version of the language for even younger learners, makes this book best for kids 5-9 years old. They’ll learn the very basics of how coding works and even code their own projects, like making animated characters jump and dance. The book isn’t long, so your kid won’t feel overwhelmed. Marina Umaschi Bers and Mitchel Resnick are the authors.
Best Science Books for Kids
Batman Science
What kid doesn’t love Batman? As a superhero without superhuman powers, Batman depends on his technology. How does it all work, scientifically-speaking? This book explores all of Batman’s gadgets and how they would work in the real world. Co-author Tammy Enz (the other author is Agnieszka Biskup) is a civil engineer, so she knows her stuff. The book is divided into sections like Batman’s grapple guns, the Batmobile, and how Batman’s wings work. This book is best read with your kid, so they can ask questions.
Nick and Tesla series
For kids who prefer a narrative, this series by Steve Hockensmith and Bob Pflugfelder is exciting and fun. It follows the adventures of Nick and Tesla, 11-year old twins who solve mysteries using their science skills. There are currently six books in the series, such as Nick and Tesla’s Super-Cyborg Gadget Glove, which has the twins trying to learn why robot replicas of famous scientists are going nuts. Best of all, the books give instructions on how to recreate the projects Nick and Tesla take on.
Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women
Encouraging girls to explore science and technology is important these days.This book by Catherine Thimmesh and Melissa Sweet provides examples of female inventors who have maybe been swept under the rug. Both boys and girls will learn about Ruth Wakefield, creator of the chocolate chip cookie, and Grace Murray Hopper, a computer programming genius.
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Interested in learning to code? Don’t have much or any experience? Check out these fun and unique kits and programs that can get you started.
