March Reading List: Our diverse planet

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British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths that takes place between 6-15 March 2020. This year’s theme is ‘our diverse planet’, covering everything from biological diversity and social diversity, to the diversity of STEM careers. To inspire young scientists of all ages, we’ve put together this list of reading recommendations all about the world around us that will help them get excited about protecting our planet.

Animal Tracks

Animal Tracks
Explore with Biff, Chip and Kipper
Oxford Level 1 (Reception/P1)

This book is from a series that’s designed to take readers on a journey of discovery – in the company of Biff, Chip and Kipper! Set out on an adventure around the world with your very youngest explorers to look at some of the different tracks made by animals, including snakes, elephants and wolves. 

Take a look at the whole Level 1 pack or buy Animal Tracks on Amazon.

Into the Deep

Into the Deep
Project X Phonics
Oxford Level 3 (Reception/P1)

Head to the other side of the world and become a deep-sea diver to explore the Australian Great Barrier Reef. This book is packed full of fun facts about the creatures and fish that live there and how the reef was formed. It practises sounds ai, ee, igh, oa, oo, ar, or, ur, together with discussion topics and activities.

Take a look at the whole Level 3 pack or buy Into the Deep on Amazon

Our Incredible Planet

Our Incredible Planet
Read Write Inc. Phonics Non-fiction Book Bag Books
Read Write Inc. Blue Level (Year 1-2/P2-3)

Introduce early readers to the ways they can help protect the planet from harmful greenhouse gases in this book that’s designed to be taken home and used for reading practice outside the classroom. It includes supportive notes for parents and carers, as well as pre-reading activities and a Vocabulary Check, making it guaranteed to get everyone talking about what we can do to help the planet!

Take a look at the whole Blue Level pack

Sam's Flood Plan

Sam’s Flood Plan
Project X Origins
Oxford Level 8 (Year 1-3/P2-4)

With the heavy rain and the river closing in on his house, can Sam’s flood plan save the day? At a time when we’re increasingly seeing extreme weather and more widespread flooding, use Sam’s story to start a discussion about the different types of flooding that can occur, and consider the causes and effects of these on people and the environment.

Take a look at the whole Level 8 pack or buy Sam’s Flood Plan on Amazon.

Demolition Danger

Demolition Danger
Hero Academy
Oxford Level 10 (Year 2/P3)

The heroes discover that Ray Ranter has a plan to destroy Hero Academy by building a shopping centre over their secret entrance. When they find out that an endangered species of newt is living there too, they must use their powers to protect it. This is a great story to inspire your class to be environmental super heroes! 

Take a look at the whole Level 10 pack or buy Demolition Danger on Amazon.

Invasive Species

Invasive Species
TreeTops inFact
Level 13 (Year 2-5/P3-6)

What happens when animals or plants move away from their natural habitats and homes?  From rabbit invasions to giant plants – anything is possible! This book offers a useful introduction to just how delicately balanced the planet’s ecosystems are, using non-fiction to inspire reading for pleasure.

Take a look at the whole Level 12-13 pack or buy Invasive Species on Amazon.

Geeks Can't Dance

Geeks Can’t Dance
TreeTops Reflect
Oxford Level 16 (Years 4-6/P5-7)

There are two things in life that Keisha gets completely head-over-heels-excited about: her favourite band and science facts. Incredibly, there’s a chance the band might visit her school, if she and her friends can raise the money. But there’s also a science competition that has just been announced, in which the winner gets to visit NASA – and there’s not enough time to do both! This is an inspiring story about staying true to your dreams that will encourage science-mad girls to pursue their STEM career ambitions.

Take a look at the whole Level 16-17 pack or buy Geeks Can’t Dance on Amazon

Generation Energy

Generation Energy
TreeTops inFact
Oxford Level 20 (Year 5-6/P6-S1)

Is your class ready to enroll in the Energy Force? In this book, they’ll join a team of top agents dedicated to spreading the word about looking after the planet.  It offers an accessible way to consider the world’s energy problems in your classroom and to investigate ways to harness new energy sources to help us protect the environment.

Take a look at the whole Level 18-20 pack or buy Generation Energy on Amazon.


There are lots of different ways you can get involved in British Science Week. Visit the British Science Week website to find out more and to download these brilliant free Activity Packs to use in your classroom.

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