Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small: questions to ask and activities to try
Everything is made of something, but what? Nano is a beautiful, award-winning introduction to the science of the very small.
What age is it for? Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small is best for ages 5–9. Good for: The science of atoms and tiny things.
Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small (Jess Wade and Melissa Castrillón)
- Age
- 5-9
- Best for
- The science of atoms and tiny things
Read a few pages at a time. Use a magnifying glass to look at everyday materials.
What it helps with
- Atoms and materials
- Science vocabulary
- Curiosity
- How scientists work
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What is everything made of?”
- “What is an atom?”
- “How small is nano?”
- “What new materials did scientists make?”
- “What would you invent?”
- “What do you want to look at closely?”
5-minute activities to try together
Magnify
Look at fabric, salt and leaves with a magnifying glass.
Material sort
Sort objects by what they're made of.
Free printables: Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Ada Twist, Scientist (Andrea Beaty and David Roberts)
- Best for
- Endless questions, curiosity and science
- Age
- 4-8
Marvellous Machines (Jane Wilsher and Andrés Lozano)
- Best for
- Looking inside incredible machines
- Age
- 7-10
The Street Beneath My Feet (Charlotte Guillain and Yuval Zommer)
- Best for
- A journey down through the layers of the Earth
- Age
- 5-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.