7 Simple Hands-On Science Tools, Kits & Projects You Will LOVE!
Inside: Science doesn’t have to be dry and boring. Grab any of these 7 simple hands-on homeschool science tools, kits and projects and start having a BLAST in your homeschool!
We love science tools!
That is a sentence I never ever thought I’d write.
When I first started homeschooling, science was another subject I stressed out about.
I couldn’t remember much from my years in school besides sitting on an upturned table while the class stood around blowing up balloons to make the table rise. I was on the table because I was the smallest kid.
7 Homeschool Science Tools, Kids & Projects
For the record, I don’t remember the point of the lesson except hating the fact I was the littlest AND the nicknames that followed. UGH!
Plus, we did very few hands-on experiments, I mean, besides that one! Which is sad as this is where the real learning is.
When you get to use all your senses to explore a subject, fail, troubleshoot, watch, touch, discover, learn and succeed. Then the “lessons” seem to stick for years.
This hands-on, digging in, getting dirty and having fun is the type of education I want for my children.
Our Favorite Homeschool Science Tools
Since science has become so much fun, I wanted to share a few homeschool science tools, kits, eBooks, and projects to get you started this year.
Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
1 STEAM KIDS
I was introduced to STEAM KIDS last year, and this book changed my homeschool. (Read that here: Let’s Make Learning Fun! )
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. You know, all those subjects that make us want to run to the hills. Not just me right?
STEAM KIDS is the plan and resource you need to keep your kids engaged and learning without all the guesswork on your end.
The book is filled with hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math inventions to inspire your children to engineer, create, design, explore and build the unimaginable.
Learning while they play!
I have the e-book. However, I really wish I had invested in the hard copy because the book is sooo pretty!
STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for Kids
STEAM Kids in the Kitchen: Hands-On Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math Activities & Recipes for Kids (STEAM Kids Books)
STEAM Kids has expanded beyond this book and now includes books and challenge cards. Be sure to check out the shop!
2 Backyard Science: Easy Activities for All Ages
The Backyard Science: Easy Activities for All Ages e-book is designed to help you get the most out of your very own backyard.
Did you know there are tons of opportunities to learn science in your very own backyard? No matter where you live be it the country or town, you can teach science easy!
You can read my full review here: Backyard Science: Easy Activities for All Ages
This book actually gave me the confidence to create my first unit study! If you are looking for a great tool to help you get your kids outside and enjoy nature, this book is for you!
3 Science Expeditions
I love subscription boxes.
They are perfect for busy moms who don’t have time to run around and find all the things.
Science Expeditions is by Little Passports and is designed to encourage kids to dig into science explore and have fun!
Little Passports Science Expeditions – Science Experiment Subscription Box for Kids | Ages 9+
This hands-on learning box encourages children to solve real-life scientific mysteries through science experiments, hands-on STEM activities and more! Aimed at children ages 9+.
We’ve done several boxes and I’ll share the unboxing videos below so you can see what was inside. You can read my full review here: Thinking Outside The Box With Science Expeditions
Perfect for teens who like to build, learn, and discover in science. Give your kids the world!
The best kids’ gifts inspire imagination and keep kids interested and engaged. That’s exactly what you get with Little Passport’s monthly subscriptions!
4 STEM Lab Deluxe Box
For those who are not familiar with the Science Club, from Steve Spangler here is a quick overview:
The Spangler Science Club was designed to inspire the next generation of scientists. They focus on hands-on learning through experiments and inquiry-based activities.
They currently offer 3 different subscription types:
- STEM Snack
- STEM Lab
- STEM Lab Deluxe (this is the one I’m unboxing below)
Each month you receive a box filled with the science tools and resources you need to conduct fun, hands-on experiments at home.
Below you’ll see an unboxing video of our first STEM Lab Deluxe Club Box!
As you can see, a ton of stuff came in our box.
Steve Spangler’s Ghost Science Kit, Science Experiment Kit for Kids and ClassroomSteve Spangler Science Giant Energy Stick – Fun Science Kits for Kids to Learn About Conductors of Electricity, Safe, Hands-On STEM Learning Toy, Independent or Group Activity for Classrooms or HomeSteve Spangler’s Super-Cool Science Experiments for Kids: 50 mind-blowing STEM projects you can do at home (Steve Spangler Science Experiments for Kids)Steve Spangler’s Mind-Blowing Science Experiments for Kids and Their Families: 40+ exciting STEM projects you can do together (Steve Spangler Science Experiments for Kids)
Each box comes with:
- Free shipping (USA Only)
- Up to 10 STEM Experiments
- Comprehensive experiment guides for both the young scientist and the adult science helper
- Everything you need for the experiments
Not sure if this is the right box for your family? Click here to read a side by side comparison of Steve Spangler Box vs Little Passports Science Expeditions.
5. STEM Club
STEM CLUB from Amazon was introduced to me by a mom in The Working Homeschool Mom Club. Her daughter absolutely loves them!
Don’t you love it when those who use the products tell you how awesome they are? I sure do!
How it works:
Delivered monthly to your door hand-picked Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) toys encouraging your child to learn through play.
There are 3 different subscriptions sorted by 3 age groups: 3-4, 5-7, 8-13.
You get to keep the toys sent to you. If your children are of multiple ages you may want to have subscriptions to more than one age group and you can skip delivery on any month that you do not want the item(s) offered without having to cancel the subscription or having to restart it when you want to receive another shipment.
One thing I love about shopping at Amazon is being able to read the personal reviews.
Not available in Amazon.ca
5. Magic School Bus Resources
I love the Magic School Bus. When we first started homeschooling this show was my go-to for all things science and I learned a ton!
Magic School Bus has so many resources perfect for all ages and budgets. I’ve broken it down by resource to help you out!
Magic School Bus Books:
Please note these books come in paperback, e-book, audiobook, board book or hardcover, depending on the book. Choose whichever fits your child best ♥
- The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body
- The Magic School Bus Lost In The Solar System
- The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor
- The Magic School Bus in the Time of the Dinosaurs
- The Magic School Bus Explores the Senses
- The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth
- The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds: A Book About How Living Things Grow
- Sink or Swim: Exploring Schools of Fish: A Branches Book
The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth (Magic School Bus)The Magic School Bus and the Climate ChallengeThe Magic School Bus Inside the Human BodyThe Magic School Bus Inside a HurricaneThe Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar SystemThe Magic School Bus Explores the SensesThe Magic School Bus on the Ocean FloorThe Magic School Bus Inside a BeehiveThe Magic School Bus in the Time of the Dinosaurs
Magic School Bus Videos:
There are 4 Seasons:
- The Magic School Bus Season 1
- The Magic School Bus Season 2
- The Magic School Bus Season 3
- The Magic School Bus Season 4
The Magic School Bus Complete Series: Seasons 1-4 (8 Disc DVD Set)Magic School Bus Rides Again: Season 2The Magic School Bus: Season Four
Magic School Bus Kits:
Did you know? This series has won over 20 nationally recognized awards!
1 The Magic School Bus – Chemistry Lab
Ms. Frizzle and her students take Young Scientists on a wild ride with the Magic School Bus as they explore the field of chemistry.
With this kit you will:
- make sticky ice
- use litmus paper,
- measure pH,
- perform chromatography
- make bubble sculptures
- wake-up fungus, create slime,
- and much, much more!
2 Young Scientist Club The Magic School Bus Engineering Lab
This time your child goes on an adventure into the Engineering Lab.
With this kit you will:
- build a solar oven
- design a car
- construct a bridge
- create solar energy
- design an electric game
- make a simple machine
- construct a submarine
- and much, much more!
3 The Magic School Bus – Jumping Into Electricity
Are your children ready for a shocking ride?
With this kit, you will:
- generate lightning bolts
- use anti-static sheets
- make cereal dance
- bend a water stream
- create static hair
- construct an electric circuit
- build a light switch
- experiment with insulators and conductors
- design electric games
- and much, much more!
4 The Magic School Bus Space Lab
This kit includes a specialized astronomical device called the Star Pilot to locate constellations both on the star ball and in the night sky.
Your child will:
- make a constellation box
- learn about the life cycle of a star
- make a solar system mobile
- create a planet poster
- make a night-vision flashlight
- and much, much more!
5 Young Scientist Club The Magic School Bus Weather Lab
Explore and learn more about the weather around you.
With this kit your child will:
- Explore the weather by spinning a pinwheel
- make a tornado in a bottle
- swirl a paper snake
- recreate the water cycle
- create a rain cloud
- use a sun dial
- and become their own meteorologist by building the bus-shaped weather station with a thermometer, rain gauge, wind meter, wind vane and compass.
I chose the top 5 since Magic School Bus has a ton of Science kits and they ALL look fun!
The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Exploring Oceans by Horizon Group USA, Homeschool STEM Kits for Kids, Includes Hands-On Educational Manual, Collector Cards, Sea Shells, Game Cards, Sea Salts & MoreThe Magic School Bus – Chemistry LabThe Magic School Bus:A Journey into the Human BodyThe Magic School Bus Exploring Bugs, Insects & Creatures, at-Home STEM Kits for Kids Age 5 and Up, Insect Kits for Young Scientists, DIY Bug House, Insect Games
6. Online Unit Studies
I love using technology in my homeschool. It has been and continues to aid me in all I do.
We do much of our school online. We use tablets to use Easy Peasy, SchoolhouseTeachers, and Khan Academy.
We use apps to reinforce learning, record keeping, and learning a foreign language. We use computers to print off notebooking pages, reserve library books, and research.
7. Science Projects!
I’m going to admit these don’t work for me. My poor son has been waiting over 2 weeks for a PVC Pipe and we can’t seem to remember.
However, if you are better at that than me…you’ll love these awesome science projects!
1 The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book
I actually remember owning this when the kids were younger.
All you need to do is gather a few household items, and you can recreate dozens of mind-blowing, kid-tested science experiments!
This book covers from biology to chemistry to physics to outer space. Estimated ages range of 7-12 years!
2 101 Great Science Experiments
This book is a fun and comprehensive step-by-step science experiment resource jam-packed with 101 great ideas!
The book includes plenty of experiments for adults and children to do together, but for kids who want more independence, it also includes experiments that can be done alone—estimated age range 8 – 12 years.
3 Kitchen Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family Friendly Experiments from Around the House (Lab Series)
Do physics, chemistry, and biology experiments with tools and ingredients found in any kitchen!
Kitchen Science Lab for Kids makes it simple to do science in your own kitchen, not to mention inexpensive and fun to whip up a number of amazing science experiments using everyday ingredients.
4 Science in Seconds for Kids: Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less
Science projects for the busy mom! I’m gonna bet that’s you, right?
Experience the magic of science with these quick, easy experiments and activities from Jean Potter. You can complete each activity in ten fun-filled minutes or less. Clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations help you get it right every time.
The Everything Kids’ Easy Science Experiments Book: Explore the world of science through quick and fun experiments!The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments: Awesome Things To Do With Your Parents, Babysitters and Other Adults101 Great Science Experiments: A Step-by-Step GuideKitchen Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family Friendly Experiments from Around the House (Volume 4) (Lab for Kids, 4)Science In Seconds.
Bonus: NaturExplorers!
I just discovered Our Journey Westwards Nature Guides.
She has 20+ individual studies that your kids will love.
These nature studies are perfect for busy moms because these nature studies already put together for you, the planning and ideas are already done for you!
You will find links to book lists, notebooking pages, journaling pages and more! Each guide, rich with hands-on activities and fabulous cross-curricular ideas, provides fun, easy-to-implement lessons for students of all ages and abilities.
Awesome Science Tools
There you have it! 7 awesome science tools, kits, and projects to dig into this year!
I know you are going to have a blast exploring Science in all its forms!
What will you use first? Let’s chat!
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Hi, I’m Jen. I help working moms juggle their career and homeschool their kids by providing support, systems and tools. You are warmly invited to Join the Online Community Here!
