Can anyone recommend a good biography for sixth grade gifted kids about mathematicians/physicists/scientists?
The book would have to be very age appropriate in terms of content (no sex, drugs, etc). But these kids have a strong vocabulary and are fairly intelligent.
Thanks!
Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
I recommend "Madame Curie: A Biography", by Eve Curie, her daughter. Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize (around 1903, I think) and the first individual, male or female, to win two Nobels (1911, I believe). One prize was for physics and the other was for chemistry.
I read this book when I was in elementary school, and I would think it would be quite appropriate.
Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
I was actually just going to recommend that. I also read it in elementary school.
Posted by HollowEarth (Member # 2586) on :
I don't know the exact book, but i know i read a biography of Thomas Edison when i was in the sixth grade.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
One of my favorite stories, with a great math problem contained within it, is the story of Eratosthenes. He measured the circumference of the earth within (200-400) miles of modern measurements.
There is a great picture book(a big-kids' picture book, if you know what I mean)which I will try to find. I don't know of a specific biography but he would be a good subject.
And if you get to the point of having them write a biography, I have some really great sites and tips for that.
Posted by Ophelia (Member # 653) on :
I'm guessing the biography of Vlad the Impaler that I read in 6th grade is not going to pass the appropriateness test? I don't remember any sex or drugs, but it's definitely gory. And very long. I think I decided that the teacher wouldn't appreciate it and I should do a report on Elizabeth Blackwell instead (I don't remember who wrote either of these biographies, unfortunately.).
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I also read it in elementary school.