Looking for great science biographies for your classroom? Whether you are working with print books or digital texts, there are plenty of great options for young readers. In earlier posts I’ve shared some of my favorite tools for digital reading responses including Spark Video and PicCollage. You can also check out a list of nine favorite reading response apps and websites here. I put together this list of a handful of great science biographies available in both digital and print to give you easy access to great reading materials for responses in any form!
On the list below you’ll find chapter books and picture books perfect for independent readers, book clubs and read alouds. These selections highlight a range of topics and can be used for cross-curricular connections in the science and ELA classroom. If you are studying ecosystems or nonfiction text features, here is a selection of science biographies for young readers. This list will link you to titles available in print as well as Kindle.
Science Biographies for Young Readers
My Life with the Chimpanzees is the biography of Jane Goodall. This is a text I’ve used in fifth grade book clubs that covers the life of this amazing conservationist.
Mae Jemison (You Should Meet) shares the story of the first African-American female astronaut Mae Jemison. Geared towards elementary readers, this text covers notable moments in her life.
On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein highlights events in Albert Einstein’s life. This picture book has beautiful illustrations to accompany his story.
Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women features a selection of inventors including Grace Murray Hopper and Margaret E. Knight. Students can learn about their creations in this collection of profiles.
The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon explores the life of John James Audubon. Students can learn about the man known for his paintings of different birds.
Marie Curie for Kids: Her Life and Scientific Discoveries, with 21 Activities and Experiments includes the life story of Marie Curie. In this book students can learn about one of the most famous scientists on this list.
As you choose science biographies for students you might also explore short texts and passages as well as news articles. Take stock of your students’ interests using #FormativeTech tools to help choose print and digital texts for your classroom.
Do you have a favorite science biography for young readers? Share it in the comments below!