For your kids: Scientriffic and Helix
Two science-oriented magazines from this part of the world for younger readers.
One for 7+, one for 10+.
Readers are welcome to share other possibilities in the comments below. (Adults reading, too, even!)
Scientriffic
Curious little scientific minds can dig into Scientriffic.
Published every two months, it’s a production of CSIRO Education intended for those from 7 years old, upwards. There’s stuff on the website, too.
To get the magazine readers join the Double Helix Club. The subscription form has a rate for those from overseas. New Zealanders ought to also find it in local libraries.
The magazine is a mix of short ‘articles’ ranging up to a full page and a few longer ones as centrepieces. As you might expect it’s (very) brightly coloured and includes experiments, quizzes, puzzle, a cartoon strip (in the reviewed edition, Midge Bristol Investigates) and competitions.
There’s content from readers too. One page features calls for penpals. Another includes book reviews by kids – in the edition I’m reviewing these are by kids ages 9, 10 and 13, one being of Kitchen Science Experiments: How Does Your Mold Garden Grow?
Helix
For the slightly older reader, aged 10+, there is Helix.
I don’t have a physical copy of this at hand to review, but the sample articles and sample feature articles from the website show that Helix adds more details, depth and science-y flavour.
Like Scientriffic it’s published every second month and can be ordered online by joining the Double Helix Club.
Afterthought
I haven’t encountered a New Zealand counterpart to this initiative to publish, in print form, science-orientated material for younger readers – does anyone know of one?
Other reading material on Code for life (these mostly for adults):
Teaching kids critical thinking
What books do you think geeks should read?
Free books: basic statistics, evolution and origin of man
3 Responses to “For your kids: Scientriffic and Helix”
Would Junior Skeptic count?
[Edited URL]
Thanks for the link, looks good. What age bracket is it targeted at?
good question, never seen it in the flesh so to speak, I’d guess 8-13-ish