Story-Based Math and Physics Learning for Kids Ages 8-12
Books
Fairy tale stories interwoven with physics concepts, activities, and practice problems. For ages 8-12
Interactive Story Games
Interactive stories that teach physics concepts with puzzles and multiple endings! Ages 10-12
Practice Problems
Classic physics practice problems in fantasy story contexts. Ages 12-14
Parent Review of my Sorceress of Circuits Story Game:
“An absolutely brilliant game! Really fun to play, very captivating storyline - and the fact that my daughter learned (and retained) so much about electricity and circuits was amazing to me! I was very impressed with the graphics too. Overall, a wonderful idea fantastically executed!”
About the Author
Hi! My name is Sarah
I love both physics and math, and I think stories are an amazing way to learn. I’ve been tutoring for over twenty years. My undergrad degree is in physics, and I have a master’s degree in cognition and learning. All my materials are fully secular.
I believe in
Growth mindset over "being smart"
Conceptual understanding rather than just memorization
Active, motivated puzzles rather than rote practice problems
Customizing learning for each individual!
And that learning is intrinsically fun!
Reedsy review of Physics Fables
“Loved it!… Sarah Allen’s book Physics Fables, presents very complex concepts at a level that is fun and interactive for readers of all ages, and provides thoughtful information in a charming and captivating manner.”
The Sometimes Science Newsletter
Subscribe below to receive the sporadic Sometimes Science Newsletter! I only send out emails when I have found or made enough truly delightful and fun science or math books, games, puzzles, art projects, or activities, preferably with a fantasy angle!
Interactive Story Games and Worksheets
All my interactive story games and worksheets are for sale on my Patreon shop.
Buy the Books in Paperback
My stories might be a good fit for you if:
You remember things best when they’re presented through stories
You like magic, fantasy, and fairy tales
You like things that are cute, quirky, and whimsical
You’re curious about physics and you liked things like The Phantom Tollbooth, Anne of Green Gables, or the Hayao Miyazaki movies
You’re looking for a fun introduction to some concepts, or some fun supplemental activities to go along with an existing class you’re taking or teaching
You know an 8-12 year old who is curious about physics and into quirky adventure stories and you’d like to get them some fun things to read
You like to understand concepts before you do the math
My stories might NOT be a good fit for you if:
(And, as a side note, these things are all awesome, they’re just not what my stuff is for)
You like to start with math and equations rather than big picture concepts
You’re looking for a traditional physics class (Check out Khan Academy, Phet Physics Simulations, and Crash Course)
You know a super advanced 10-12 year old who is already working through physics textbooks and you’re looking to get them advanced material. (I’d recommend the Fenyman Lectures, Stephen Hawking’s books, Leonard Susskind’s books, or the MIT OpenCourseware classes for them!)
You’re ready to dive into rigorous physics problem solving
You’re looking for an engineering and building-based approach (Check out Crunch Labs/ Mark Rober and Smarter Every Day)
You’re looking for something very hands-on (Check out Spintronics and Kiwico subscription boxes)
You want traditional physics labs and experiments
You’re looking for something that will prep you for AP Physics exams (I’d recommend the Princeton Review books, the MIT packet of previous AP test problems, and Khan Academy for this!)
You’re looking for a full, complete physics curriculum
You’re wanting something that goes into the full math of every concept covered
Patreon
Something that’s incredibly important to me is making engaging physics education accessible to everyone.
I want to make very high-quality materials, which means great stories, editing, professional illustrations, and formatting, and I’d like them to available at a cost that anyone can afford.
To that end, I’m experimenting with starting a Patreon.
For $5/month, you can help support things like high quality illustrations (done by people!), editing, audiobook production (something very expensive that a lot of people ask me about and I'd really like to make), and just general predictability for me so I can invest in ambitious projects.
In return for the support, you get absolutely everything I’ve made! eBooks and pdfs of everything I've made and will make in the future! This includes:
The Fairy Tale Physics Series
The Stick Figure Physics Series
The Physics Story Worksheets
The Math Workbooks
You’ll also get everything I make as it comes out!
The Electricity Interactive Story Game
The Upcoming Gravity: A Fairy Tale
A new monthly bonus story or game, with discussion questions and activities
More importantly (to me, anyway), you can help me shape the direction of this new project by voting on what topics you’d like to see and what features you’d like them to have. I’ve found the input from parents, teachers, and students incredibly helpful over the years as I’ve been making these story-based educational resources.
You can also follow along for free- I post free material, and I'll try to make as much of the content as possible available for individual sale- I get not wanting to sign up for a subscription.
Thanks for reading!