Physical Science Explored Elementary: Reading List
Below is a list of books recommended for students in the Physical Science Explored Elementary (Level A) program. It is not necessary to read every book in this list, and parents should choose books most fitting to how they’re using the course at home. Some are for younger readers, others for older readers, and most would make excellent read-alouds.
Books on a Budget
Before making any purchases, we recommend seeing if any of these books are available at your local library or through interlibrary loan.
We’ve created a spreadsheet you can access here to help you know what books are available through open sources (Hoopla, Open Library, and on Youtube as read alouds).
Important notes:
- Many books are repeated through several lessons.
- Consult the supplemental guides for each lesson (or the Student Adventure Guide) to know the relevant pages in each book.
Books Listed in Lesson Order
Lesson 1
Cece Loves Science, by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes
Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished, by Camille Andros
Mad Margaret Experiments With the Scientific Method, by Eric Braun
Mesmerized, by Mara Rockliff
My Dog Is Not a Scientist, by Betsy Ellor
The Princess & the Petri Dish, by Sue Fliess
Lesson 2
All About Matter, by Mari Schuh
Curious Pearl Explains States of Matter, by Eric Braun
Mae & Gerty and the Matter With Matter, by Elaine Vickers
What Is the World Made Of? All About Solids, Liquids, & Gases, by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Elements, by Lisa Congdon
Chemistry for Curious Kids, by Lynn Huggins-Cooper
Lesson 3
How Do Molecules Stay Together? A Book About Chemistry, by Madeline J. Hayes
Let’s Get Tiny! by Chris Ferrie
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Elements, by Lisa Congdon
Chemistry for Curious Kids, by Lynn Huggins-Cooper
Lesson 4
The Periodic Table, by Daniel Faust
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Elements, by Lisa Congdon
Chemistry for Curious Kids, by Lynn Huggins-Cooper
Elements & the Periodic Table, by Suzanne Slade
The Periodic Table: Mapping the Elements, by Sharon Katz Cooper
Lesson 5
Metals & Nonmetals, by Daniel R. Faust
Chemistry for Curious Kids, by Lynn Huggins-Cooper
Elements & the Periodic Table, by Suzanne Slade
The Periodic Table: Mapping the Elements, by Sharon Katz Cooper
Lesson 6
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Elements, by Lisa Congdon
Chemistry for Curious Kids, by Lynn Huggins-Cooper
Chemistry: The Atom & Elements, by April Chloe Terrazas
Elements & the Periodic Table, by Suzanne Slade
Scientists Who Changed History, by DK
Scientists: Inspiring Tales of the World’s Brightest Scientific Minds, by Isabel Thomas
Lesson 7
Chemistry for Curious Kids, by Lynn Huggins-Cooper
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Elements, by Lisa Congdon
Investigating Atoms & Molecules, by Jessica Rusick
Lesson 8
Investigating Atoms & Molecules, by Jessica Rusick
How Do Molecules Stay Together? by Madeline J. Hayes
Lesson 9
Chemical Reactions: It Matters, by Rachael Morlock
Fizz, Gurgle, Pop! Chemical Reactions in the Lab, by Daniel R. Faust
Building Blocks of Chemistry: Chemical Compounds & Reactions, by William D. Adams
Chemical Reactions, by Jenna Winterberg
Chemistry for Curious Kids, by Lynn Huggins-Cooper
Every Day, Chemistry, by Julia Sooy
Lesson 10
Conservation of Mass, by Jenna Winterberg
Building Blocks of Chemistry: Chemical Compounds & Reactions, by William D. Adams
Scientists Who Changed History, by DK
Scientists: Inspiring Tales of the World’s Brightest Scientific Minds, by Isabel Thomas
Lesson 11
Building Blocks of Chemistry: Acids, Bases, and Salts, by William D. Adams
Acids and Bases, by Daniel R. Faust
Chemicals in Action: Acids and Bases, by Chris Oxlade
Material Matters: Acids and Bases, by Carol Baldwin
Chemistry for Curious Kids, by Lynn Huggins-Cooper
Lesson 12
Building Blocks of Chemistry: Mixtures and Solutions, by Cassie Meyer
Examining Mixtures and Solutions, by Jessica Rusick
Building Blocks of Matter: Mixtures and Solutions, by Louise and Richard Spilsbury
Mixtures and Solutions, by Hugh Westrup
Chemistry for Curious Kids, by Lynn Huggins-Cooper
Lesson 13
Newton and Me, by Lynne Mayer
Motion: Push and Pull, Fast and Slow, by Darlene Stille
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Lesson 14
Oscar and the Cricket: A Book About Moving and Rolling, by Geoff Waring
Forces: Physical Science for Kids, by Andi Diehn
Forces Make Things Move, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Lesson 15
Gravity Is a Mystery, by Franklyn Branley
I Fall Down, by Vicki Cobb
Motion, by Lola M. Schaefer
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Newton and Curie Take Flight, by Daniel Kirk
The Gravity Tree: The True Story of a Tree That Inspired the World, by Anna Crowley Redding
Scientists Who Changed History, by DK
Lesson 16
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
The Magic School Bus Plays Ball: A Book About Forces, by Joanna Cole
Why Do Moving Objects Slow Down? A Look at Friction, by Jennifer Boothroyd
Lesson 17
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Scientists Who Changed History, by DK
Scientists: Inspiring Tales of the World’s Brightest Scientific Minds, by Isabel Thomas
A Crash Course in Forces & Motion with Max Axiom, by Emily Sohn
Lesson 18
A Crash Course in Forces & Motion with Max Axiom, by Emily Sohn
Isaac Newton & the Laws of Motion, by Andrea Gianopoulos
Let’s Get Moving! by Chris Ferrie
Lesson 19
Simple Machines: Wheels, Levers, & Pulleys, by David Adler
Newton & Curie the Science Squirrels, by Daniel Kirk
Roll, Slope, & Slide, by Michael Dahl
Pull, Lift, & Lower, by Michael Dahl
Scoop, Seesaw, & Raise, by Michael Dahl
Tires, Spokes, & Sprockets, by Michael Dahl
Cut, Chop, & Stop, by Michael Dahl
Twist, Dig, & Drill, by Michael Dahl
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Lesson 20
Energy Animated, by Tyler Jorden
Energy: Heat, Light, & Fuel, by Darlene Stille
Energy: Physical Science for Kids, by Andi Diehn
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Lesson 21
What Is Mechanical Energy? by Kristina Lyn Heitkamp
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Energy Makes Things Happen, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Kinetic Energy: The Energy of Motion, by Dan Nardo
Lesson 22
The Science of Heat, by Angela Royston
Hot! Heat Energy, by Emma Carlson Berne
Heat, by Joseph Midthun
Lesson 23
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
How Does Heat Move? by Alicia L. Klepeis
Heat, by Joseph Midthun
Lesson 24
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Waves: Physical Science for Kids, by Andi Diehn
Kinetic Energy: The Energy of Motion, by Dan Nardo
Let’s Ride a Wave! by Chris Ferrie
Lesson 25
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
The Unexpected Light of Thomas Edison, by Raymond Arroyo
Light Waves, by David A. Adler
Manipulating Light: Reflection, Refraction, and Absorption, by Darlene Stille
Let’s Make a Rainbow! by Chris Ferrie
Lights Day and Night, by Susan Hughes and Ellen Rooney
Lesson 26
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Manipulating Light: Reflection, Refraction, and Absorption, by Darlene Stille
How Colors Work, by Catherine Barr
Lesson 27
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
The Science of Sound Waves, by Robin Johnson
Sound Waves, by Tara Haelle
Lesson 28
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Charged Up: The Science of Electricity, by Jacqui Bailey and Matthew Lilly
Fun with Static Electricity, by Chocolate Tree
Electricity and Magnetism, by Cody Crane
Building Blocks of Physical Science: Electricity, by Joseph Midthun
Lesson 29
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Electricity & Magnetism, by Cody Crane
Oscar and the Bird, by Geoff Waring
Building Blocks of Physical Science: Electricity, by Joseph Midthun
Lesson 30
Magnets Push, Magnets Pull, by David A. Adler
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Electricity and Magnetism, by Cody Crane
Magnet: How WIlliam Gilbert Discovered the Earth Is a Great Magnet, by Darcy Pattison
Attract & Repel, by Jennifer Boothroyd
Books Listed in Alphabetical Order
Acids and Bases, by Daniel R. Faust
A Crash Course in Forces & Motion with Max Axiom, by Emily Sohn
All About Matter, by Mari Schuh
Attract & Repel, by Jennifer Boothroyd
Building Blocks of Chemistry: Acids, Bases, and Salts, by William D. Adams
Building Blocks of Chemistry: Chemical Compounds & Reactions, by William D. Adams
Building Blocks of Chemistry: Mixtures and Solutions, by Cassie Meyer
Building Blocks of Matter: Mixtures and Solutions, by Louise and Richard Spilsbury
Building Blocks of Physical Science: Electricity, by Joseph Midthun
Cece Loves Science, by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes
Charged Up: The Science of Electricity, by Jacqui Bailey and Matthew Lilly
Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished, by Camille Andros
Chemical Reactions, by Jenna Winterberg
Chemical Reactions: It Matters, by Rachael Morlock
Chemicals in Action: Acids and Bases, by Chris Oxlade
Chemistry: The Atom & Elements, by April Chloe Terrazas
Chemistry for Curious Kids, by Lynn Huggins-Cooper
Conservation of Mass, by Jenna Winterberg
Curious Pearl Explains States of Matter, by Eric Braun
Cut, Chop, & Stop, by Michael Dahl
Electricity and Magnetism, by Cody Crane
Elements & the Periodic Table, by Suzanne Slade
Energy: Heat, Light, & Fuel, by Darlene Stille
Energy: Physical Science for Kids, by Andi Diehn
Energy Animated, by Tyler Jorden
Energy Makes Things Happen, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Every Day, Chemistry, by Julia Sooy
Examining Mixtures and Solutions, by Jessica Rusick
Fizz, Gurgle, Pop! Chemical Reactions in the Lab, by Daniel R. Faust
Forces: Physical Science for Kids, by Andi Diehn
Forces Make Things Move, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Fun with Static Electricity, by Chocolate Tree
Gravity Is a Mystery, by Franklyn Branley
Heat, by Joseph Midthun
Hot! Heat Energy, by Emma Carlson Berne
How Colors Work, by Catherine Barr
How Does Heat Move? by Alicia L. Klepeis
How Do Molecules Stay Together? A Book About Chemistry, by Madeline J. Hayes
I Fall Down, by Vicki Cobb
Investigating Atoms & Molecules, by Jessica Rusick
Isaac Newton & the Laws of Motion, by Andrea Gianopoulos
Kinetic Energy: The Energy of Motion, by Dan Nardo
Let’s Get Moving! by Chris Ferrie
Let’s Get Tiny! by Chris Ferrie
Let’s Make a Rainbow! by Chris Ferrie
Let’s Ride a Wave! by Chris Ferrie
Lights Day and Night, by Susan Hughes and Ellen Rooney
Light Waves, by David A. Adler
Mad Margaret Experiments With the Scientific Method, by Eric Braun
Mae & Gerty and the Matter With Matter, by Elaine Vickers
Magnet: How WIlliam Gilbert Discovered the Earth Is a Great Magnet, by Darcy Pattison
Magnets Push, Magnets Pull, by David A. Adler
Manipulating Light: Reflection, Refraction, and Absorption, by Darlene Stille
Material Matters: Acids and Bases, by Carol Baldwin
Mesmerized, by Mara Rockliff
Metals & Nonmetals, by Daniel R. Faust
Mixtures and Solutions, by Hugh Westrup
Motion, by Lola M. Schaefer
Motion: Push and Pull, Fast and Slow, by Darlene Stille
My Dog Is Not a Scientist, by Betsy Ellor
Newton and Curie the Science Squirrels, by Daniel Kirk
Newton and Curie Take Flight, by Daniel Kirk
Newton and Me, by Lynne Mayer
Oscar and the Bird, by Geoff Waring
Oscar and the Cricket: A Book About Moving and Rolling, by Geoff Waring
Physics for Curious Kids, by Laura Baker
Pull, Lift, & Lower, by Michael Dahl
Roll, Slope, & Slide, by Michael Dahl
Scientists: Inspiring Tales of the World’s Brightest Scientific Minds, by Isabel Thomas
Scientists Who Changed History, by DK
Scoop, Seesaw, & Raise, by Michael Dahl
Simple Machines: Wheels, Levers, & Pulleys, by David Adler
Sound Waves, by Tara Haelle
The Gravity Tree: The True Story of a Tree That Inspired the World, by Anna Crowley Redding
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Elements, by Lisa Congdon
The Magic School Bus Plays Ball: A Book About Forces, by Joanna Cole
The Periodic Table, by Daniel Faust
The Periodic Table: Mapping the Elements, by Sharon Katz Cooper
The Princess & the Petri Dish, by Sue Fliess
The Science of Heat, by Angela Royston
The Science of Sound Waves, by Robin Johnson
The Unexpected Light of Thomas Edison, by Raymond Arroyo
Tires, Spokes, & Sprockets, by Michael Dahl
Twist, Dig, & Drill, by Michael Dahl
Waves: Physical Science for Kids, by Andi Diehn
What Is Mechanical Energy? by Kristina Lyn Heitkamp
What Is the World Made Of? All About Solids, Liquids, & Gases, by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
Why Do Moving Objects Slow Down? A Look at Friction, by Jennifer Boothroyd
