10+ Best Science Experiment Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to spark a love of science in your tween? Look no further! Our list of science experiment books for 12-year-olds is carefully crafted to captivate curious minds and encourage a hands-on approach to learning. Whether your young scientist is just starting out or already deep into experimenting, these books offer a wealth of fun, engaging, and educational activities. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to keep your 12-year-old enthralled and excited about science!

Fun Science Experiment Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book by Tom Robinson
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This engaging book takes readers through easy and exciting experiments that can be done at home with simple materials. It covers various aspects of science from biology to physics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes science accessible and fun, encouraging experimentation and learning through doing, which is great for keeping 12-year-olds engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists who love hands-on learning and parents looking for educational activities to do at home.

• Kitchen Science Lab for Kids by Liz Lee Heinecke
  • Genre(s): Science, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book offers 52 family-friendly experiments, each designed to be conducted with common kitchen materials. It covers a range of scientific principles and is illustrated with step-by-step photos.
  • Why we recommend this book: It shows how science is present in everyday life and makes it exciting. The experiments are safe and educational, making science both fun and approachable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy cooking or crafting and any young reader curious about how things work.

• Exploratopia: More than 400 Kid-Friendly Experiments and Explorations for Curious Minds by Pat Murphy, Ellen Macaulay, and the staff of the Exploratorium
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide offers a deep dive into scientific exploration with more than 400 activities that encourage observing, thinking, and questioning. It is richly illustrated to help explain concepts and methods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters a deep curiosity about the natural and physical world and enhances critical thinking skills, which are essential at this developmental stage.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds that are not satisfied with simple explanations and enjoy understanding the "why" and "how" of things.

• The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science: 50 Experiments for Daring Young Scientists by Sean Connolly
  • Genre(s): Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book combines historical events with hands-on science experiments, such as creating a homemade volcano or a solar oven, linking scientific principles to real-world scenarios.
  • Why we recommend this book: It connects historical scientific advancements with practical experiments, making both history and science lively and relevant.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love history and science, and enjoy learning by doing rather than just reading.

• Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects by Jack Challoner
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)
  • Synopsis: Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution, this book features 28 kid-friendly projects ranging from building a soap-powered boat to creating a lemon battery. Each project is designed to be fun and informative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and problem-solving through DIY projects and simple explanations, perfect for engaging young minds in STEAM subjects.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and tinkerers who love to build, create, and learn how things work.

Educational Science Experiment Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Outdoor Science Lab for Kids by Liz Lee Heinecke
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book features 52 fun science experiments and activities that can be done outside, using common household items. It encourages exploration of the natural world through engaging, hands-on learning.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, observational skills, scientific inquiry
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the joy of outdoor play with the educational value of science experiments, making learning both fun and interactive.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love the outdoors and are curious about nature, as well as parents seeking educational activities that get kids moving and thinking outside.

• Smithsonian Maker Lab: Outdoors by Jack Challoner
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM)
  • Synopsis: This book offers 25 STEAM projects tailored for outdoor exploration and learning, each designed to help kids discover the wonders of nature and science.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: STEAM skills, environmental awareness, hands-on building
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a creative approach to learning STEAM subjects through outdoor activities, fostering both creativity and scientific knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who enjoy crafting and building, and who are keen to learn more about the natural world through interactive projects.

• The Curious Kid's Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4-8 by Asia Citro
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: With over 100 activities designed to inspire kids to question, experiment, and explore the world of science, this book offers a range of experiments that cover various scientific principles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, experimentation, scientific reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity and critical thinking through experiments that are both accessible and challenging, making science both fun and educational.
  • Perfect for: Curious young scientists and any child interested in finding out how things work through active experimentation.

• STEAM Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Hands-On Projects for Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math by Liz Lee Heinecke
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM)
  • Synopsis: This book presents 52 projects that integrate the STEAM subjects in fun, hands-on ways, encouraging kids to learn through doing.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: STEAM skills, creativity, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a diverse range of projects that blend scientific inquiry with artistic creativity, making it ideal for holistic learning and development.
  • Perfect for: Kids who thrive on creative projects and parents looking to supplement their child's education with diverse and engaging activities.

• Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work by Crystal Chatterton
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM)
  • Synopsis: This collection of over 100 experiments is designed to teach kids about STEAM concepts through engaging and easy-to-follow projects.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: STEAM concepts, analytical skills, scientific method
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex concepts and makes learning them accessible and enjoyable, with clear explanations of why the experiments work.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are just beginning to explore STEAM subjects and parents who want to encourage a love of science and creativity.

Challenging Science Experiment Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Supercharged Science: Electricity and Magnetism Projects for Kids by Aurora Lipper
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book dives into the electrifying world of electricity and magnetism through advanced projects like building a mini motor and creating a homemade battery.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex physics concepts and requires precision and careful handling of materials.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a hands-on approach to learning about electricity and magnetism, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists interested in physics and engineering, and kids who enjoy challenging projects.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Readers Edition by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Anna Hymas
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This true story follows William Kamkwamba as he builds a windmill from scraps to bring electricity to his village in Malawi, teaching readers about physics, engineering, and resilience.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex scientific concepts and real-world problem-solving that go beyond typical science experiments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspirational story that shows how innovation and science can change communities and lives.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love real-life stories and are interested in sustainable technology and engineering.

• Rocket Science for the Rest of Us by Ben Gilliland
  • Genre(s): Science, Space, Technology
  • Synopsis: This book simplifies the complicated science behind space travel, covering topics from basic physics to the mechanics of rocketry.
  • Why this book is challenging: It demystifies the advanced topics of aerodynamics and rocket science, which are typically covered at higher educational levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes the complex world of space travel accessible and engaging, sparking curiosity about science and technology.
  • Perfect for: Young space enthusiasts and future astronauts who want to understand the science behind rocket launches.

• The New Way Things Work by David Macaulay
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology, Engineering
  • Synopsis: This book explains the mechanics behind how things work, from simple tools to modern machines, using detailed illustrations and clear explanations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of mechanical and technological principles with in-depth analysis suitable for advanced learners.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances understanding of everyday technology and fosters an appreciation for innovation and design.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who always want to know how things work, from toasters to computers.

• Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines by Richard A. Muller
  • Genre(s): Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book covers essential physics concepts that future leaders need to know, explaining topics like terrorism, energy, nukes, space, and global warming in understandable terms.
  • Why this book is challenging: It applies physics to real-world global issues, requiring readers to think critically about how science influences global policies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It prepares young readers for informed citizenship and leadership by linking science with societal challenges.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring leaders and anyone interested in how science affects global decisions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Diving into science experiment books can be a blast, especially for curious 12-year-olds eager to explore the world of science. To make the most out of these books, developing good reading habits is essential. Here are a few exercises that can help:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and helps make reading a daily habit.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit into your daily schedule without feeling overwhelming.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in your home that is comfortable and free of distractions.
  • How it helps: Improves focus and enhances the overall reading experience.
  • Tips: Include comfortable seating and good lighting, and keep all your reading materials close at hand.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the experiments and concepts with friends or family members who share your interest.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to relate the discussions to everyday life to make the concepts more relatable and memorable.

• Use Active Reading Strategies
  • What it is: Engage with the text by highlighting, annotating, or summarizing key points.
  • How it helps: Helps better understand and remember the information read.
  • Tips: Use different colored highlighters for different types of information to make reviewing easier.

• Schedule Regular Reading Reviews
  • What it is: Periodically review notes and summaries of what you've read.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and understanding of the material.
  • Tips: Set a regular review schedule, such as once every week or after finishing a book.

By integrating these exercises into your routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment and understanding of science experiment books but also develop lifelong reading habits that will serve you well in all areas of learning. So, grab your favorite book, get comfy, and start experimenting with these strategies today!