Reading books in science is absolutely a necessity because it gives students early exposure to the world around them. I know you may not know what to start implementing in your science block, so I’ve made a list of a couple of my favorite science read aloud books that you can add to your science instruction.
I have a love for all things read alouds which means I couldn’t get these books into one post. I actually have three parts- yes, I know, I know… You can check out 6 Engaging Science Read Aloud Books for 2nd Grade and 7 Captivating Science Read Aloud Books for 2nd Grade to add those books to your library, too.
Doing an extension activity is perfect after reading one of these books. I’ve also included easy follow-up activities for each book so that you don’t have to!
Pebble Plus Books
These books are the absolute best. They cover a wide range of topics like The Water Cycle, Flowers, All About Matter, and A Frog’s Life Cycle. I love the photography and the kid-friendly text of all the books. They are perfect to have two copies for your teacher read aloud collection and also for your classroom library.
Activity: There are so many of these books you can easily implement them into any science unit! You can also have a science book center that has a collection of same topic books for students to read during your science time.
Pete the Cat and the Supercool Science Fair
By James Dean
I love Pete the Cat, and he has a science book! Pete and friends build a volcano for the science fair but run into multiple mishaps. But is the volcano good enough? Pete adds a little fun to science to get the prize.
Activity: Obviously, you’ll have to make a volcano! Ha! Here are the instructions How to Make a Volcano or you can pull up Volcano Science Experiment for Kids from Ryan’s World to watch the vinegar and baking soda fun.
Stories of the Seasons: Nature Stories Collection
By IglooBooks
These are sweet books to welcome in each season. I don’t know about you, but I love seasonal activities! Each book goes through the changes that happen before, during, and after the change.
Activity: If you haven’t noticed by now, I love directed drawings. They are super easy and yet get students thinking creatively about what they are drawing. Then I always pair a write-to-explain with science directed drawings. Have students explain what changes happen within each season.
How to Draw a Fall Tree, How to Draw a Winter Landscape, How to Draw Spring Tulips, How to Draw a Tree
The Wonderful World of Weather
By Kay Barnham
I love the Look and Wonder series. They make the scientific concepts of life cycles and the natural world more tangible and understandable to young learners. This book in particular is great for second grade because it explains how weather works and how it affects people’s lives.
Activity: Since this book covers many weather types, you can make your own weather types collections library for each on Epic at GetEpic.com. You’ll need to make an account first, but it’s free for you and students (students during school hours).
What If You Had Animal…
By Sandra Markle
My students love these books! They love it so much, I actually take a week of my year to focus on a different animal body part each day. I also love that incorporated on each page is the adaptations the animals need the body part for and what a human could do if they had that part.
Activity: Students can draw themselves with a certain animal body part and explain what they could do with that specific animal adaptation in their own life.
What Is the World Made Of?: All About Solids, Liquids, and Gas
By Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
This book is perfect for introducing states of matter. It takes the perspective of children using everyday things that explore each state of matter. Your students will better understand the world around them after reading this book!
Activity: Added bonus to this book- it includes several experiments at the end of the book which are easy to do in the classroom. Another good (and tasty) activity is to make Root Beer Floats which the Learning Lab Resources gives great way to do it in a classroom setting.
Who Would Win? Series
By Jerry Pallotta
This series is another huge hit! Especially with the boys in my class. I love having several copies of each because they are so popular. When I read these to my class, I always start with a prediction vote of which animal would win and why. You will absolutely get a captivated class with each of these books!
Activity: Have students write down their winner prediction and a reason why. Then have students write down the actual winner and why, then compare it to their predictions.
I hope these read aloud books will get your students loving science! Make sure you get these books for your classroom library and read aloud collection!
If you liked this list, then you’ll love my STEM read aloud books for 2nd Grade.
Happy Teaching!
