Marie Curie for Kids: Her Life and Scientific Discoveries, with 21 Activities and Experiments

An Outstanding Science Trade Book 2017

Marie Curie, nicknamed "Manya" by her family, reveled in reading, learning, and exploring nature as a girl growing up in her native Poland. She went on to become one of the world's most famous scientists. Curie's revolutionary discoveries over several decades created the field of atomic physics, and Curie herself coined the word radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person ever to win in two different fields--chemistry and physics.

Marie Curie for Kids introduces this legendary figure in all her complexity. Kids learn how Curie worked alongside her husband and scientific partner, Pierre, while also teaching and raising two daughters; how this intense scientist sometimes became so involved with her research that she forgot to eat or sleep; and how she struggled with health issues, refused to patent her discoveries (which would have made her very wealthy), and made valuable contributions during World War I.

Packed with historic photos, informative sidebars, a resource section, and 21 hands-on activities and experiments that illuminate Curie's life and work, Marie Curie for Kids is an indispensable resource for budding scientific explorers. Kids can: examine real World War I X-rays; make a model of the element carbon; make traditional Polish pierogies; and much more.

Amy M. O’Quinn is a former teacher and a freelance writer who has contributed to many educational publications, including Jack and Jill, Learning Through History, Guideposts for Kids, Highlights for Children, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Homeschooling Today, and others. She lives in southern Georgia.