 | This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. (April 2010) |
 Front cover of Measly Medicine | |
| Author | Nick Arnold; Phil Gates |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Tony De Saulles |
| Cover artist | De Saulles |
| Subject | Science |
| Genre | Children's literature; science writing |
| Publisher | Scholastic |
Publication date | 1996–present |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
Horrible Science is a similar series of books to Horrible Histories, written by Nick Arnold (with the exception of Evolve or Die, which is written by Phil Gates), illustrated by Tony de Saulles and published in the UK and India by Scholastic. They are designed with the intention to get children interested in science by concentrating on the trivial, unusual, gory, or unpleasant. The books are in circulation in 24 countries, and over 4 million books have been sold in the UK alone.[1]
Nick Arnold released a paper entitled "Teaching Science the Horrible Way",[2] in which he demonstrates the reasons why the Horrible Science series has a positive contribution to learning. According to Arnold, Horrible Science books are based on everyday topics and key areas of the curriculum. The range of approaches used in Horrible Science books are intended to emphasise the drama and excitement and wonder of science. Science words and concepts are introduced gradually, often using humour or fact files. Although mathematics is not needed at the level of science covered in the books, some activities require calculators. The books contain experiments under the heading "Dare you discover...". Several of the books end with thoughts on how science will shape the future.
- ^ "Welcome to Horrible Science – Horrible Science". horrible-science.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 August 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
- ^ "Teaching Science the Horrible Way" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 July 2011.