15 Science Themed Stocking Stuffers

Bring on the science this holiday season! Here are some affordable, unique and interesting ideas for stocking stuffers this year. Sure to please the young (or old) scientist on your list. Many of these would make great science-themed party favors as well. There is bound to be something here that will pique the interest of the people in your life this year. Really, who doesn't love science? 

 

From miniature microscopes to temporary tattoos you will find something for every budget. I have also included links for several retailers, so that you can conveniently find what you are looking for at a price you like. Let the science gift-giving begin! 

 

This post contains affiliate links meaning when you make purchases through these links I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please see disclosures for more information. 

 

 

Science Tool Stocking Stuffers

Tools of the trade for small hands. 

 

Magnifying Glass 

 

Kids love to view things magnified and close up. A magnifying glass makes the perfect little budget friendly stocking stuffer. 

 

Here are some good choices: 

Magnifying Glass: Amazon

Magnifying Glass: Dollar Tree

Magnifying Glass: Discount School Supply

 

Binoculars

From bird watching to star gazing, a pair of binoculars can be a handy tool. Here are a couple of good choices for young scientists. 

Binoculars: Amazon

Binoculars: Discount School Supply 

 

 

Miniature Microscope

Absolutely love this pocket microscope. Use it inside or throw it in a backpack for an outdoor adventure. 

Pocket Microscope: Amazon

A Science Notebook

A notebook for observations and experiments is indispensable! And it doesn't have to be anything fancy. Check out these little stocking-sized ones. 

 

Notebook: Dollar Tree 

Notebook: Amazon

 

Plastic Test Tubes

For all of those little experiments! These test tube sets will inspire all sorts of open-ended experimenting and science play. 

Plastic Test Tubes: Discount School Supply

Plastic Test Tubes: Amazon

 

Exploring Nature Stocking Stuffers

A few must haves for kids who love nature!

Bug Box

Investigate some creepy crawlies close-up, before returning them to their home. 

Bug Box: Amazon

 

Rocks and Fossils

Do you know a little rock hound? Small fossils and polished stones are fun little gifts. 

Tumbled or Rough Stones: Etsy 

Ammonite Fossil: Etsy 

Animal Tracking Cards

Perfect for the backpack when you are out exploring! 

 

Animal Tracking Cards: Amazon 

 

Sun Print Paper

Make a nature print with something cool you've discovered outside. These can be so beautiful, and easy to stick in a nature journal. 

 

Sun Print Paper: Amazon

Sun Print Paper: Discount School Supply

Little Science Experiment Stocking Stuffers

 

Crystal Growing Kits

These are so fun! Grow crystals of different colors and shapes. How about a little nostalgia? Crystal growing trees! I loved these when I was a kid. 

 

 

Crystal Growing Kit: Amazon

 

Crystal Growing Tree: Etsy

Crystal Growing Tree: Amazon  

 

Lemon Clock Experiment

Build your own lemon clock!

Lemon Clock Experiment: Amazon

 

 

Just for Fun Science Stocking Stuffers

 

Crocheted Biology and Chemistry Novelties

Are you crafty? Download some crochet patterns to make some cute biology or chemistry themed stuffed toys.

Biology Crochet Patterns: Etsy

Chemistry Crochet Patterns: Etsy

Giant Microbe Stuffies

These funny novelties also teach a little bit about germs and viruses! Good for someone with a sense of humor! 

Giant Microbes: Amazon

Science Themed Stickers

Super fun for water bottles, laptops, etc. Science and STEM themed stickers!

Science Themed Stickers: Etsy

STEM Pun Stickers (for older kids or grown-ups): Amazon

STEM Pun Stickers (for older kids or grown-ups): Etsy

Science Temporary Tattoos

Get temporarily "inked" in a wonderfully science-nerdy way! Fun for all ages.

Science Temporary Tattoos: Amazon

 

Find more unique science gifts here! Perfect for science teachers! 

 

Building Science Skills with Compare and Contrast Picture Books

Kids love animals and have an innate desire want to categorize and sort things into groups. Why not combine these passions to build early observation skills in science? I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to review this year's Compare and Contrast books from Arbordale Publishing. I'd love to share this engaging book series with you along with resources and activity ideas for science class. 

 

In this post you will find information about Compare and Contrast books, written by seasoned zoo and aquarium educators, as well as links to an infographic activity and how to use graphic organizers to build science skills in observation and categorization.

 

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission from purchases made through links, at no additional cost to you. Please see disclosures for more information.

Animal Compare and Contrast Books

 

The newest compare and contrast books from Arbordale Publishing feature dazzling photos of animals. In many cases the pictures give a glimpse of something we would not have an opportunity to see otherwise. We especially loved the images of turtles in Turtles: A Compare and Contrast Book.  You can preview the turtle book here. (Recommended for ages 4-9, grades K-3)

 

 

 

 

Each book in the series is well organized. For example, Birds: A Compare and Contrast Book is organized by feature and adaptation. I think this makes this series perfect for the classroom or at home because students can find interesting information in a way that is logical and scaffolds off of their prior knowledge. You can preview the bird book here. (Recommended for ages 4-9, grades K-3)

 

 

 

 

While the turtle and bird books focus on one group of animals, others compare and contrast two similar yet different types of animal. These are wonderful for finding out why we may confuse two types of creatures and what actually makes them different from one another. These titles include: Alligator or Crocodile?, Black Bear or Grizzly Bear?, Hippo or Rhino? and Octopus or Squid?.

We definitely learned some interesting things we didn't know before from this book series. 

 

Did you know? 

• There are 16 subspecies of Black Bear in North America. All subtle differences in DNA.
• In addition to eight arms, squid have two tentacles covered in suction cups and hooks.
• Black rhinos can grab onto things with their prehensile upper lip.
  

And many, many more interesting facts, but I don't want to spoil them all! 

 

I loved that each book contained additional learning material, activities and ideas in the back. You could read the book just for fun, or turn it into a deeper learning experience with these extensions. 

 

I believe the Compare and Contrast series would be an excellent addition to any classroom or home library. Engaging images, interesting and understandable content on topics kids get excited about.

Comparing and Contrasting for Preschool

Little ones love to sort! After a Compare and Contrast book read-aloud, get out a big sheet of paper (we love big paper rolls!) tape it to the floor and draw some sorting circles. Grab some animal toys (our Octonauts made it into the mix!) and have the kids sort based on color, type or however they choose. 

 

 

This is excellent practice in making observations, looking carefully, comparing and contrasting. 

Create an Infographic with Elementary Students

 

Use the Compare and Contrast series to have students design their own infographics. Using this template, kids can illustrate and write about an animal they have read about. Bits of information comparing their animal to another are explained with text and information. Once everyone is done the students can become the teachers and share their illustrated information with their peers.  

 

Grab the infographic template worksheet here. 

 

Graphic Organizers

 

Here is a great article on using graphic organizers in literature-based science instruction. After reading a compare and contrast book help students organize and process new information by using a graphic organizer such as a T-chart or Venn diagram. 

T-charts are an easy way for young students to organize information when comparing two things. Circle the kids up and get out the chart paper to have them help you populate information into two categories. 

 If you're looking for another book to inspire some STEM learning in the elementary classroom, check out my post: Poetry and Engineering Inspired by Nature.