It is British Science Week in England! What better way to celebrate, investigate and initiate discussions than through children’s books?
Some books will be about women in science, others about the natural world as well as some about space.
STEM picture books for children: including women in science
Prior to COVID, there was a real push in schools to develop STEM subjects within the primary curriculum. But what does this have to do with books? Well, there is even a section on the STEM website about teaching science through stories. Please keep scrolling for my recommended books for British Science Week.
A wonderful exploration of women in science. Whilst some are well known, like Marie Curie and Rosalind Franklin others like Sau Lan Wu, not so much. An informative text and an excellent introduction to biographical texts. Stunningly illustrated. Guaranteed to fascinate children. Most suitable for Key Stage 2.
Ada is an inquisitive child. Therefore, she asks lots of questions. For example, Why are there hairs growing inside your nose? She believes it is her job to investigate. But will she be able to stay out of trouble?
This book is not simply about women in science. However, it does contain some fantastic information about female scientists like Ada Lovelace. Furthermore, the illustrations are stunning and very engaging.
If you haven’t heard of the Little People, Big Dreams series where have you been? This one about David Attenborough is just one example. But there are many more scientists explored in this series!
British Science Week: Books about nature
This is a must read. Also, it answers a huge range of questions that only kids would ask. For example, Why do octopuses have eight arms? I have also included The Big Book of Blooms and Birds below. If you don’t have these, they needed to be added to your collection!
Wow! This book is a thing of beauty! Why are animals different colours? For instance, some are red. But others blend in? The answers to these questions and many more. A wonderful reference book for the classroom, at home, or in the school library!
A stunning picture book about the seasons of the year. What happens to the tree as it passes through the seasons. What do the different seasons mean? So, if you’d like the answer to that and more, this is for you. Britta Teckentrup’s illustrations are as stunning as ever.
British Science Week: Books about space
This is a fascinating tour of the solar systems. From finding out about living on Mars to ‘visiting’ the highest mountain. Certainly, this book gives an intriguing insight into space. Also, provides children with lesser known facts. What is there not to love?
Another fantastic book, this time by Oliver Jeffers. A story about a little boy. He finds an aeroplane in his cupboard. Can you guess where he ends up? The moon! But he is not alone there. Therefore, a lovely fictional story to read to young children.
Looking for a book about night time and nocturnal creatures? This book is all about the moon and the creatures out at night. But not only that creatures from across the planet, in different habitats. A perfect story for the end of the day or as part of British Science Week.
Looking for more scientific resources for kids?
General information about Hookable Books
Often I create blog posts around themes, as I have done here for British Science Week. In addition, I wrote a post about bedtime stories. However, some of the themes I discuss are tricky topics, such as self-esteem, positive body image and resilience.
But you might like to find out a bit more about me. Or how you can get involved. Later on this week, I will be posting about a sex education books for kids. So, make sure to subscribe, so you don’t miss out.
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