Moments when Something Happen to Change Science Forever

10 Hardcover Books

Click here for paperback books.

As a homeschool parent, you know that the best learning happens when children are captivated by real stories of discovery, perseverance, and wonder. That's exactly what the Moments in Science series delivers.

Author Darcy Pattison—who homeschooled her own children for 12 years—understands what families need: engaging, accurate, beautifully illustrated books that spark curiosity and inspire deeper learning. Each book in this award-winning series focuses on a pivotal moment in science history, making complex concepts accessible and exciting for young readers.

Why Homeschool Families Love This Collection

Cross-curricular connections: Each book naturally integrates science, history, geography, and language arts.

Multiple formats available: Hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook options fit every learning style and budget.

Rich backmatter: Extended information about the scientists and topics encourages deeper exploration.

Globally minded: Stories span continents—from England to Korea, Germany to Madagascar, China to America.

Diverse role models: Features scientists of different backgrounds, nationalities, and time periods, including women in STEM.

Beautiful illustrations: Peter Willis's quirky, colorful artwork makes each book a visual delight while maintaining scientific accuracy.

TITLES INCLUDED IN THIS COLLECTION

BURN: Michael Faraday's Candle

Travel back to 1848 London to experience one of the most famous science lectures ever given. British scientist Michael Faraday invites children to observe a simple candle and discover the chemistry of combustion—sparking scientific thinking that still inspires today.

CLANG! Ernst Chladni's Sound Experiments

— 2019 NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book

What if your science experiments were so fascinating that even an emperor wanted to learn more? Follow Ernst Chladni, the Father of Acoustics, as he demonstrates the science of sound to Napoleon Bonaparte in this engaging tale of international scientific collaboration.

POLLEN: Darwin's 130 Year Prediction

Junior Library Guild Selection, Starred Kirkus Review, 2020 NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book, Eureka! Nonfiction Honor Book

How long does it take science to solve a mystery? When Charles Darwin discovered an orchid with an 11.5-inch nectary, he predicted a moth with an equally long tongue must exist. It took 130 years to prove him right—a powerful lesson in scientific patience and perseverance. (NOTE: Darwin is only presented here as a scientist. His theory of evolution is not discussed.)

ECLIPSE: How the 1919 Eclipse Proved Einstein's Theory of General Relativity

Join astronomers on their expedition to photograph a solar eclipse and test Einstein's revolutionary theory. This dramatic story shows how one observation changed our understanding of space, time, and gravity forever.

EROSION: How Hugh Bennett Saved America's Soil and Ended the Dust Bowl 

2021 NCSS Notable Social Studies Book

When the devastating dust storms of the 1930s threatened American agriculture, one soil scientist knew exactly what to do—but first, he had to convince Congress. Discover how Hugh Bennett waited for the wind and changed environmental policy forever

A.I.: How Patterns Helped Artificial Intelligence Defeat World Champion Lee Sedol

Kirkus calls it "an enthralling, contemporary tale of man versus machine." In 2016, the AlphaGo program challenged the world's top Go player. This timely book introduces artificial intelligence concepts while exploring what happens when humans and machines compete—and what they can learn from each other.

FEVER: How Tu Youyou Adapted Traditional Chinese Medicine to Find a Cure for Malaria

People were dying from malaria, and scientist Tu Youyou was determined to find a cure. By combining ancient Chinese medicine scrolls with modern research methods, she tested 640 traditional treatments. Her courage and perseverance ultimately led to a Nobel Prize.

AQUARIUM: How Jeannette Power Invented the Aquarium to Observe Marine Life

How do you study a live sea creature when the only way was to examine dead specimens? French scientist Jeannette Power invented aquariums to observe the mysterious Argonaut octopus—the weirdest octopus on Earth. A wonderful introduction to the scientific method and marine biology.

MAGNET: How William Gilbert Discovered That Earth Is a Great Magnet 

Why does a compass needle always point north? William Gilbert collected lodestones from around the world and conducted experiments that debunked myths and revealed the truth: Earth itself is a giant magnet. Join the Father of Magnetism on his journey of curiosity and discovery.

CLIMATE: How Wladimir Köppen Studied Weather and Drew the First Climate Map

 2026 Best STEM Book, 2026 Notable Social Studies Book

Before kids can understand climate change, they need to understand climate. Wladimir Köppen's childhood travels inspired him to create the world's first climate map—a classification system still used today. A foundational book for understanding weather, geography, and our planet's ecosystems.

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Give your children the gift of stories that show science in action—where curiosity leads to discovery, patience yields breakthroughs, and ordinary people change the world through careful observation and bold thinking.