Outdoor Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family-Friendly Experiments for the Yard, Garden, Playground, and Park

Inspire a lifelong passion for science and nature with these outdoor physics, chemistry, and biology experiments for kids!

In Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, scientist and mom Liz Heinecke presents 52 family-friendly labs designed to get kids outside in every season. From playground physics to backyard bugs, this book makes it fun and easy to dig into the natural sciences and learn more about the world around you.

Following clear, photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions, have fun learning about:

• The laws of physics by constructing and using a marshmallow catapult.
• Centripetal forces by swinging a sock filled with gelatin snack and marbles.
• Earthworms by using ground mustard seed dissolved in water to make them wriggle to the surface.
• Germination by sprouting a sapling from a pine cone or tree seed.
• Surface tension and capillary action by growing baking soda stalagmites and stalactites.
• And so much more!

Along with the experiments, you’ll find:

• Tips for keeping a science journal.
• Suggestions for taking your experimentation to the next level with “Creative Enrichment.”
• Accessible explanations of “The Science Behind the Fun.”
• Safety tips and hints.

The experiments can be used as part of a homeschool curriculum, for family fun, at parties, or as educational activities for groups. Many of the simple and inexpensive experiments are safe enough for toddlers, yet exciting enough for older kids, so families can discover the joy of science and STEM education together.

*Outdoor Science Lab for Kids was a 2017 Finalist for the AAAS/Subaru Prize for excellence in science books.*

The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields.

Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels.

Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.

Liz Lee Heinecke has loved science since she was old enough to inspect her first butterfly. After working in molecular biology research for 10 years and earning her master’s degree, she left the lab to kick off a new chapter in her life as a stay-at-home mom. Soon, she found herself sharing her love of science with her three kids as they grew, chronicling their science adventures on her KitchenPantryScientist website. Her desire to share her enthusiasm for science led to regular television appearances, an opportunity to serve as an Earth Ambassador for NASA, and the creation of an iPhone app. Her goal is to make it simple for parents to do science with kids of all ages, and for kids to experiment safely on their own. Liz graduated from Luther College and received her master’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is the author of Kitchen Science Lab for Kids, Kitchen Science Lab for Kids: Edible Edition, Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, STEAM Lab for Kids, Sheet Pan Science, and Little Learning Labs: Kitchen Science for Kids. Her namesake series, The Kitchen Pantry Scientist, pairs illustrated biographies with engaging hands-on activities inspired by their work. The books in that series include: Chemistry for Kids, Biology for Kids, Physics for Kids, Math for Kids, and Ecology for Kids.