Astronomy, zoology, meteorology, the scientific field encompasses a wide range of disciplines. The books below introduce the diverse nature of this subject to young audiences moving beyond biology, chemistry and physics. These richly illustrated texts are sure to spark curiosity and encourage scientific pursuits.
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Ada Twist, Scientist
by Andrea Beaty (author) and David Roberts (illustrator)
Review: A best seller for a reason, this enchanting book follows Ada Twist as she finds her voice and begins asking one question after another. Children are introduced to the scientific process as Ada researches, hypothesizes and tests over and again to find the source of an awful smell at home. Throughout, Ada’s inquiring mind, questioning and perseverance are highlighted as traits of a great scientist. Written in rhyme, this is a highly engaging read and a wonderful read-aloud. N.B. Ada Twist, Scientist is now the star of a Netflix series.
Suggested Reading Age: 5 – 7 years
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: Great Thinking Wall – Inspired by the book, hang sheets of wallpaper on a wall. Students write their questions on these. They could also record hypotheses and use these as a starting point for discussions about their scientific wonderings.
Answer Hunt – Students attempt to find the answers to some of the questions posed in the book.
Developing questioning skills – This book would make a great starting point when exploring questioning with students, particularly the idea of one question, leading to another, then another. Students could draw a windy “Question Trail” on paper with one question leading to the next as they record their answers.
The Fascinating Science Book for Kids
by Kevin Kurtz, MA
Review: Packed full of scientific facts, this is a great book to dip into and spark curiosity. Split into topics such as “Funky Fungi”, “When a Star Dies”, “Tree-mendous Trees” and “Ocean Chimneys”, each focus area is spread over two pages. Full-colour pictures throughout support and clarify the text, inviting readers in. This book provides an absorbing, fun-filled way to learn about science and would be perfect for any fact lover out there!
Suggested Reading Age: 9 – 12 years
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Fascinating Facts – Students find some fascinating science facts to surprise each other, their teachers and families. These will need to be “fact-checked”, providing a perfect opportunity to discuss the reliability of sources and triangulation with students.
The Big Earth Book
by Mark Brake (author) and Brendan Kearney (illustrator)
Review: Divided into the elements (initially identified by the Greeks) that shape our world – earth, air, fire and water – this book draws on history, science, geography and the environment to show how the Earth has evolved over time. Colourful labelled diagrams, illustrations and fact boxes highlight key scientific language and developments. “Fab Four ” cartoon element characters dotted throughout the book point out extra facts and information. Complete with a glossary and further reading section at the back, this book tells the story of the Earth in a truly engaging way.
Suggested Reading Age: 9 – 12 years. I believe that the content would appeal to older readers looking to revise this information, too.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: Find the missing elements: The planet and everything on it are made up of far more than the 4 elements in this book. Ask students to research into different elements and explain their role in our planet, this can be both historical and current.
Personal Inquiry: Students carry out a deeper personal inquiry into an aspect of the book that they found interesting. They could use the recommended reading suggestions at the end as a launch point.
Everything You Need to Ace Science: In One Big Fat Notebook
by Workman Publishing
Review: Another really accessible book in the “Big Fat Notebook” series, this edition takes a look at all things science. Split into 11 units of study, topics such as “Matter, Chemical Reactions and Solutions”, “Energy”, “Life: Classification and Cells” and “Ecology: Habitats, Interdependence and Resources” are all addressed. Students are walked through the scientific process, beginning with “Scientific Investigation”; how to write lab reports and lab safety are also included. Laid out with colour, bold text and highlights drawing attention to key learnings, this student-friendly, practical book will be of use for any secondary school science student.
Suggested Reading Age: 11 – 14. Although older students would benefit from this to consolidate and review learning.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Personalised revision guide: Using the book as a springboard, students create their own visually engaging revision guide using diagrams and visuals to aid their learning. These could also take the form of an interactive journal with lift-the-flap sections, for example.
The Science Book
by National Geographic
Review: Who doesn’t love a National Geographic book? This science book tells you “Everything you need to know about the world and how it works.” Beautifully presented with stunning photographs throughout, the main areas of focus are the universe, the Earth, biology, chemistry and physics and technology. A handy guide at the start explains the page layouts and how to use the book. Cross-references within the text allow readers to easily see the connections between different theories and areas of science. A balance between general overviews and in-depth information, allows the book to be used for multiple purposes. Overall, this is a super wide-ranging reference tool and a pleasure to sit and look at!
Suggested Reading Age: Secondary upwards
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Inspired by the book, students create their own layout on a scientific area of their choice featuring a broad overview, an in-depth dive, photographs and illustrations to bring the subject to life.
Happy Reading!
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