Famous Scientists for Kids

Why Should Kids Learn About Famous Scientists?

When kids learn about well-known scientists and their discoveries, they also learn that they are capable of anything if they work hard enough.

If you didn’t already know, you would find that many of these famous scientists didn’t become famous from being a professional in their field but from being excited about science and working hard to learn and discover new things!

What Is A Scientist Resource Activity

Does your kiddo know what a scientist is or what a scientist does? You can start by building a lapbook with this free printable lapbook kit. Then, take a look at more science resources to get started.

• Best Science Practices
• Science Vocabulary List
• Favorite Science Books for Kids
• Scientist Vs. Engineer

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Famous Scientists for Kids

There have been so many amazing scientists and inventors throughout history, including those who are still with us today! Find a selection of free printable famous scientist projects below.

Additionally, you’ll find all of the scientists below (with even more information and projects) included in our complete Famous Scientist Pack.

Sir Isaac Newton

Famous scientist Isaac Newton discovered that light is made up of many colors. Learn more by making your own spinning color wheel!

Mae Jemison

Who is Mae Jemison? Mae Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first black woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Go ahead and build your own shuttle.

Margaret Hamilton

American computer scientist, systems engineer and business owner Margaret Hamilton was one of the first computer software programmers. She created the term software engineer to describe her work. Now it’s your turn to play with Binary Code!

Mary Anning

Mary Anning was a paleontologist and fossil collector who discovered several important fragments that led to the discovery of new dinosaurs! Her biggest and most notable discovery was when she discovered the first complete plesiosaurus! You can make fossils and re-discover dinosaurs!

Neil deGrasse Tyson

“Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is one of 50 or 100 billion other galaxies in the universe. And with every step, every window that modern astrophysics has opened to our mind, the person who wants to feel like they’re the center of everything, ends up shrinking.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson. Paint a galaxy with watercolors and Neil!

Agnes Pockels

Scientist Agnes Pockels discovered the science of surface tension of fluids simply doing the dishes in her own kitchen.

Despite her lack of formal training, Pockels was able to measure the surface tension of water by designing an apparatus known as the Pockels trough. This was a key instrument in the new discipline of surface science.

In 1891, Pockels published her first paper, “Surface Tension,” on her measurements in the journal Nature. Explore surface tension with this magic pepper demonstration.

Archimedes

An ancient Greek scientist, Archimedes, was the first known person to discover the law of buoyancy through experimentation. Legend has it that he filled a bathtub and noticed that water spilled over the edge as he got in, and he realized that the water displaced by his body was equal to the weight of his body.

Archimedes discovered that when an object is placed in water, it pushes enough water out of the way to make room for itself. This is called water displacement. Additionally, you can explore Archimedes and build your own working version of the Archimedes Screw to test!

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Marie Tharp

Marie Tharp was an American geologist and cartographer who along with Bruce Heezen, created the first scientific map of the Atlantic Ocean floor. A cartographer is a person who draws or produces maps. Tharp’s work revealed the ocean floor’s detailed topography, physical features, and 3D landscape. Create your own ocean floor map with this STEAM project.

John Herrington

Build your own model of the Aquarius Reef Base, inspired by Indigenous astronaut John Herrington. John Herrington was the first American Indigenous person in space, and also spent 10 days living and working underwater on the Aquarius Reef Base.

Susan Picotte

Make a super simple DIY stethoscope that really works, inspired by Indigenous doctor Susan Picotte. Dr Picotte was one of the first American Indigenous peoples and the first Indigenous woman to earn a medical degree.

Jane Goodall

Famous for her work with the chimpanzees in the Tanzanian Rainforest, Jane Goodall helped to change the world’s perception of these incredible creatures. Later in her life, she fought for the preservation of their habitats. Download her free coloring page here.

Marie Curie