From lab coats to literature: 9 books for science teachers to enjoy

You spend your days in the complexities of chemistry, physics and biology, igniting curiosity and passion in your students for the world around them. But when the lab coat comes off and the classroom light is dimmed, how do you continue to fuel that curiosity for yourself?

We’ve collated a list of books for science teachers to delve into outside of the classroom. Whether you’re a biology buff, a physics aficionado or a chemistry connoisseur, we’ve got you covered. You could also use this handy list to bulk out your science lab library, or inspire those more reluctant scientists who grace your classroom!

9 books for science teachers to enjoy

Make a brew, put your feet up, and settle down to one of these fantastic books, perfect for science teachers.

1. Black Hole Survival Guide by Janna Levin

Ever wondered what would happen to you if you travelled into a Black Hole? Us too. In Black Hole Survival Guide, Janna Levin (Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University) explains what would happen to you and why. She also explores how the enigmatic black hole could be the answer to some of the world’s most complex mysteries. You’ll be presented with revelations and mind-boggling concepts, in this engaging and perfectly written book.

2. All We Can Save by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson

All We Can Save is a collection of essays from women at the forefront of the climate movement. They will enlighten you in the importance of diversity of thought when it comes to the climate emergency the planet is facing. This book is both a call to arms and a celebration of those already fighting the good fight for climate justice. Each essay offers a wide range of ideas and insights for how we can swiftly resolve what has been done to the planet, whilst giving readers the confidence and determination to never give up on the possibility of reversing the damage already done.

3. what if? By Randall Munroe

There isn’t any question too absurd or ridiculous for Randall Munroe as he attempts to answer the downright ridiculous in what if? From, ‘How fast can you hit a speed bump, driving, and live?’ to ‘What would happen if the Earth and all terrestrial objects suddenly stopped spinning, but the atmosphere retained its velocity?’ Munroe maintains a heroic level of scientific rigour to proceedings. In his quest for answers, he employs research (some of which comes from declassified military records!), interviews, equations, and scientific investigation. Munroe presents a humorous look on the world that is sure to inspire some truly crazy, but definitely engaging, science lessons. Described by one reader as “Nerdy science humour.” And you can’t really go wrong with that in our book. Pun intended. Related content: Making science classroom displays simple, effective and meaningful 7 tips for teaching students how to revise for required practicals Collecting classroom data: why and how we do it

4. In Search of Schrödinger's Cat by John Gribbin

John Gribbin tells readers the complete story of quantum physics in this interesting and entertaining introduction to this key topic. From computers to the understanding of DNA, quantum physics underpins some of the most important developments in scientific discovery - In Search of Shrödinger's Cat is a digestible, but no less fascinating explanation of the subject. Step-by-step, Gribben explores the atom, radiation, time travel, the universe, super conductors and life itself - no easy feat we’re sure you’ll agree.

5. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

You might have seen the film, but if you’d like a deeper understanding of the African American women who helped put man on the moon, then Margot Lee Shetterly’s Hidden Figures is for you. Using personal recollections, interviews with NASA employees, archival documents and reporting from the era, Hidden Figures tells the heroic story of Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Christine Darden and Gloria Champine. This group of intelligent, determined and courageous women fought for their place at the table of scientific achievement against the backdrop of Jim Crow South and the civil rights movement. Their story explores the lesser-told, painful history of what is remembered as one of the proudest moments for humankind.

6. The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean

What happens when you take each element of the periodic table and delve into the discovery, history and mystery surrounding each one? You get The Disappearing Spoon. It’s an exploration of the treasure trove that is the periodic table. Discover stories about carbon, neon, silicon, gold and all the other elements and how they have played a part in human life through history.

7. Book of the Moon by Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Ever wondered how our moon came to be? Or how it protects the earth? In Book of the Moon, astrophysicist Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock uses the latest scientific research in order to celebrate the past, present and future of the moon. Featured on BBC Radio 4 Saturday Live and BBC Breakfast, this warmly written book is filled with interesting facts and anecdotes. If you weren’t fascinated by the moon before, this book will fill you with curiosity about our closest neighbour.

8. Immune by Philipp Dettmer

It’s a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller, which is a great start. Immune: A Journey Into The Mysterious System That Keeps You Alive comes from the creator of the popular YouTube channel, Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell. The body’s immune system is in a constant battle and in Dettmer’s exploration of immunology, you’ll consume stories of invasion, strategy, defeat and noble self-sacrifice. Dettmer writes about viruses, bacteria, allergies, parasites and about how ‘boosting your immune system’ is actually nonsense. You’ll be challenged, comforted and tickled by this fun and informative adventure around the complex war ground that is the immune system.

9. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore

During World War 1, there was a significant increase in demand for clock dials that glowed in the dark. The Radium Girls follows the gripping and inspiring true story of the young women who worked in the radium-dial factories creating these much-needed products. Seen as lucky to be working in such a prestigious and well-paid job, the women worked up-close and personal with the ‘wonder drug’ of the time: radium. When these women started to feel the effects of working with such a deadly chemical, their claims were wilfully ignored. Learn the stories of these brave and determined women as they took on some of the most powerful companies in America at the time. Have you heard of Learning by Questions? It’s a teaching app that harnesses the power of continuous formative assessment and immediate feedback in and beyond the classroom and we have hundreds of science resources. Find out more.