The Kitchen Pantry Scientist Biology for Kids: Science Experiments and Activities Inspired by Awesome Biologists, Past and Present; with 25 ... Scientists from Around the World

by Liz Lee Heinecke, Kelly Anne Dalton (Illustrator)

Aspiring young biologists will discover an amazing group of inspiring scientists and memorable experiments in Biology for Kids , the second book of The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series.

Play disease detective to learn how John Snow tracked down the source of a cholera epidemic. Learn about biologist Ernest Everett Just’s discoveries and experiment with osmosis using eggs with dissolved shells. Make your own agar plates for growing bacteria and fungi just like Fannie Hess.

This engaging guide offers a series of snapshots of 25 scientists famous for their work with biology, from ancient history through today . Each lab tells the story of a scientist along with some background about the importance of their work, and a description of where it is still being used or reflected in today’s world.

A step-by-step illustrated experiment paired with each story offers kids a hands-on opportunity for exploring concepts the scientists pursued, or are working on today. Experiments range from very simple projects using materials you probably already have on hand, to more complicated ones that may require a few inexpensive items you can purchase online. Just a few of the incredible people and scientific concepts you’ll

Maria Sibylla Merian (b. 1647)
Observe, photograph and illustrate insects on plants
Scientific observation and documentation of insect habitat and metamorphosis

Charles Darwin (b. 1809)
Play a competitive advantage game.
Scientific natural selection and evolution

Louis Pasteur (b. 1822)
Make a flask like Pasteur’s to grow microbes from the air.
Scientific microbial fermentation and germ theory

Rae Wynn-Grant (b. 1985)
Use cookie crumbs to attract ants. Observe the behavior of ants and other animals.
Scientific ecology and animal behavior

Biology is the name for the study of living organisms , but long before the word biologist was coined, people around the world realized that by studying the world around them, they could improve their lives. Learning about plants and insects helped them discover new medicines and grow better crops. Studying animals taught them how to raise healthy poultry, cattle, and horses for food, farming, and transportation.

Today’s biologists study everything imaginable . From oceans, jungles, and cities to the space station, the universe is their laboratory. Like those who went before them, they are fascinated by plants, animals, and microbes and understand that their discoveries can make the world a better place for all living things.

With this fascinating, hands-on exploration of the history of biology, inspire the next generation of great scientists.
Dig into even more incredible science history from The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series Chemistry for Kid s, Physics for Kids , Math for Kids , and Ecology for Kids .

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Science, Stem

128 pages, Paperback

Published May 25, 2021

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a colorful book that combines biographies of scientists with kitchen table experiments and activities to expand on their discoveries. Most are rather simple and don't require fancy equipment or materials. I appreciated the number of female scientists, even going back hundreds of years.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

[Ardyth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only skimmed this, abandoned when it became clear it needs a lot of supplies not in my kitchen -- or anywhere in my house. Sculpting clay is the one I remember, but there were others.

Honestly speaking, if I need to buy materials for science studies, I'd rather spend on serious science supplies (a major SnapCircuits kit with book & experiments, or a microscope and corresponding course) than crafting materials or "kitchen" supplies I'll never use & feel bad for wasting. YMMV.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does an appealing job of mixing hands-on science activities and experiments with interesting biographies of important scientists. I love that the illustrated bios correspond to the activities—the bio of Patricia Bath, an eye and vision expert, is followed by instructions to make your own binoculars, photos included, and the biology behind the experiment is also written accessibly.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My twelve year old is unhappy with the ebook and is pestering me to hurry up and get the print version so she can get involved with the activities and not just read about the various scientists and their work (but she did seem to enjoy that part anyway). I don't think that without 2020 she would never become so involved! Good work!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Quarto Publishing Group/Quarry Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entire Kitchen Pantry Scientist book series is excellent, and this newest release does not disappoint. I absolutely love how experiments are all matched with a specific real scientist and the book includes a nice biography of that scientist before diving in to a related experiment.

The book contains 25 experiments (and biographies of 25 different biologists!), and as with the other Kitchen Pantry Scientist books, the materials needed to do these experiments should not cause too much trouble or expense to procure. It's just brilliant and a fun way to engage young scientists!

***Note: I was give a review copy of this book by Quarto Kids. Opinions are my own.

[Lauren Millard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good resource for our science. I loved the art work as well! Filled with a short bio on a historical science figure, what their research impacted and then a tangible experiment or enrichment activities. It has been so great to pick up. I have checked it out 3 times from the library, will probably just buy it now. But I have done experiments at our homeschool co op and at home. It has been great and I recently sat down with an epidemiologist and actually could talk about their field of study because my kids and I read this book together. One of the reasons I love homeschooling, I’m learning too.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Heinecke's books and have her other for Kids experiments books that we utilize in our homeschool curriculum. They are a blast and I love the beautiful visuals! This book delivers equally as well as the others we have used. The experiments are educational and engaging and my kids were very excited to try them! Like me, they also enjoy flipping through the books, studying the pictures, and reading the experiments. This is a great resource!

[Micki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a masterful book to teach children science, introduce them to new concepts and give them a powerful interest in the subject of biology. As an adult I was thrilled by how much I learned - both from the outlined experiments and the incredibly inclusive spotlights on different people who helped pioneer in biology. There were so many names and stories I had not heard before.

[Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

A children's nonfiction book that looks at 25 famous and not so famous scientists including women and BIPOC representation from a variety of scientific fields. Each bio is one page and there is a hands on lab with step by steps to complete the lab. Some labs were more kid friendly and material friend than others. Geared for 8-12 year-olds who like science and scientists.

[Annie Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I’m always looking for ways to make science fun for my kids-because Science is fun when you pull away from “text books”.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting scientists and fun, unique experiments

[Jean Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the biographies of the scientists. As a grandmother, I think the experiments look perfect to try with grandchildren.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was donated to my Stags Read program. It will be given directly to a child or placed in our community little free libraries.

[ReadinIt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

Some of the activities seemed to be more for the sake of doing something rather than being truly relevant or meaningful to the topic.