5 Picture Books for Teaching Science
By KELLIE
Picture books are not just for the early years. (But you already knew that!). These picture books for teaching science make for wonderful mentor texts to explore language with students while building their content knowledge. These picture books are most likely already in your school library.
1. "On Earth"
Written and illustrated by G. Brian Karas.
This gorgeous picture book begins with the sentence “On Earth, we go for a giant ride in space spinning like a merry-go-round.” So you won’t be surprised it explores the wonder of our beautiful planet and the concepts of rotation and revolution, including seasons, day and night and shadows.
2. "Moth"
Written by Isabel Thomas and illustrated by Daniel Egneus.
This is a non-fiction picture book describing the struggle of animal survival in the evolving human world. Be captivated by Isabel reading her book below.
3. "One Small Island"
Written by Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch.
“One Small Island” is a wonderful story about Macquarie Island, a remote and precious Heritage-listed site, and is a must for Science and Humanities. A truly beautiful picture book filled with scientific and historical explanations.
4. "Koala"
Written by Claire Saxby and Julie Vivas (Illustrator).
“Koala” is the story of a koala joey experiencing life after leaving the protection of his mother. It is a great text to model the difference between objective (scientific) and subjective (literary) language.
5. "Don't Spew in Your Spacesuit - Fart Monster and Friends"
Written by Tim Miller and Matt Stanton.
“Don’t Spew in Your Spacesuit – Fart Monster and Friends” is hilarious (and gross!). This beautifully illustrated picture book is a fun take on the side effects of space travel (may or may not be scientifically accurate!). Try Dinosaur Dump which is equally funny and gross.
Bonus. "Dr Karl's Random Road Trip Through Science"
Written by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.
“Dr Karl’s Random Road Trip Through Science” is on our hot list because you couldn’t have a list of scientific picture books without including Dr Karl. His infectious love for science is… well, infectious! This book is a great one for sourcing short reads for reading instruction too.
Want a Doctor Karl fix? Hear him share 16 incredible science facts, including delving into the shape of wombats’ poo.
What favourite picture books do you use to support Science? Come and share them with us in The Lounge, and let us know how you use them to teach writing in Science.
“The Lounge” is Quality Writing Instruction’s Facebook group, where you can share ideas and get support from a fabulous group of like-minded teachers.
