Books to inspire young scientists

Science and engineering provide fantastic career opportunities, but science is not just for scientists – it’s a huge part of everyday life. A good grounding in science will help every child to navigate their world and make good decisions. Isabel Thomas recommends books for ages 3–11 to inspire your young scientist.

Science for fun – six super science activities to try at home

Six super science activities to try at home from Isabel Thomas. Bake a solar system, design a marble run, and sculpt with sugar!

Science at primary school

Science at primary school is practical and exciting. Children love the chance to learn through being totally hands-on and finding things out for themselves — the perfect way to understand the world around them.

Science and areas of study

Find the different areas of scientific study in the wordsearch and match them to the correct description.

Oxford Primary Illustrated Science Dictionary

Age 9+

A new edition of this favourite illustrated alphabetical dictionary with terms and concepts from the curriculum clearly explained to support children aged 8–11. With around 1000 words and meanings and a thematic supplement on focus areas, it is the ideal quick reference tool for school and home. View product

Book of the Month: Science Words for Little People

Win a free copy of Science Words for Little People: Weather. This entertaining book introduces children to words and phrases that help them explore science confidently. Suitable for 3+ (January 2024)

Science at home: How to extract DNA from a banana

Try this fun science activity to help children create a mental image of DNA and give them a taste of what being a scientist is like!

Supercharge your revision with the Oxford Revise Exam Tutor

Looking for ways to support your child with their AQA science GCSE revision? We're here tp help with the Oxford Revise Exam Tutor, in association with ExamJam.

Oxford First Illustrated Science Dictionary: Answer sheet

Answers to the Oxford First Illustrated Science Dictionary activity sheets.

Oxford Primary Illustrated Science Dictionary: Answer sheet

Answers to the Oxford Primary Illustrated Science Dictionary activity sheets.

Coding for children: problem-solving, precision, and going unplugged

Guest blogger Claire Lotriet discusses the benefits of encouraging children to code, and explains the place of computing in the curriculum.

Book of the Month: The Earth’s Immense Oceans

Win copies of The Earth's Immense Oceans, packed full of clear and entertaining explanations. Suitable for children aged 9+ (May 2023)

Five ways to encourage reluctant readers

From 'thinking outside the bookbag' to reading for a purpose, Isabel Thomas shares some great advice on helping reluctant readers get excited about books. Read more >

Secondary school

Find out what your child will be learning when they start secondary school, and browse our books and resources to help their studies at home, from Year 7 to GCSEs and A Levels.

The new GCSEs explained – what’s changed and how the new grades work

Teacher and writer Aaron Wilkes explains what the new 1–9 GCSE grades mean, how they will be used, and how they map onto the old A*–U GCSE grades.