Play disease detective to learn how John Snow tracked down the source of a cholera epidemic. Learn about biologist Ernest Everett Just’s discoveries and experiment with osmosis using eggs with dissolved shells. Make your own agar plates for growing bacteria and fungi just like Fannie Hess.

This engaging guide offers a series of snapshots of 25 scientists famous for their work with biology, from ancient history through today. Each lab tells the story of a scientist along with some background about the importance of their work, and a description of where it is still being used or reflected in today’s world.

A step-by-step illustrated experiment paired with each story offers kids a hands-on opportunity for exploring concepts the scientists pursued, or are working on today. Experiments range from very simple projects using materials you probably already have on hand, to more complicated ones that may require a few inexpensive items you can purchase online. Just a few of the incredible people and scientific concepts you’ll explore.