Nonfiction Reimagined™: Why Representation in Science Education Matters
We want to show that our African ancestors greatly observed, studied, and understood the natural world, challenging, reframing and readjusting conventional learning resources.
Over the past years, representation in children’s books has improved tremendously. Books like Sulwe by Lupita N’goyo and The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander have not only earned prestigious honors but have become staples on countless bookshelves in bedrooms, libraries, and classrooms. According to data compiled by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC), the total percentage of books centering BIPOC individuals rose from 23% in 2018 to 51% in recent annual reporting.
Yet when children encounter science and nature studies, the picture often becomes much narrower. The familiar story tends to move through European scientists, discoveries, and perspectives. Their contributions are important parts of scientific history—but they are not the whole story. Across cultures and civilisations humans achieved great knowledge about the cosmos, developed mathematical systems, engineered structures, and practiced medicine to a very advanced degree.
Kids on the Wise wants to broaden the picture
We set out to teach young minds about science and the wonders of the natural world while also showing that our African ancestors greatly observed, studied, and understood the natural world, challenging, reframing and readjusting conventional learning resources.
When you take a closer look at African history and cultures, you discover sophisticated knowledge of mathematics, geometry, biology, astronomy, architecture, and philosophy. Decorative patterns reveal mathematical principles. Buildings and structures reflect astronomical and geometric knowledge. Music expresses mathematical relationships and the rhythmic patterns found throughout nature.
Centers of studying such as Timbuktu and Ancient Egypt remind us that intellectual and scientific traditions were deeply imbedded on the African continent across timelines. Beyond these well-known examples, there are African scholars, thinkers, systems of knowledge, and discoveries that remain hidden in educational children’s literature. On this side of the Atlantic ancient Black people also left evidence of influence and culture before Columbus even arrived. Black people’s love for science and knowledge continues in modern times in all scientific fields, far beyond the few usual names appearing in the mainstream.
A new approach in science and nature learning
At Kids on the Wise, we firmly believe that teaching STEAM against this broader backdrop can have tremendous benefits for children, especially children of color.
It opens up a new way of seeing the relationship between themselves, their roots, and the world around them. Children begin to understand that curiosity, observation, and intellectual achievement are deeply embedded in their heritage. Our learning resources enable to see a bigger and clearer picture and expands young readers’ understanding of the contributions Black people have made to human knowledge. And eventually it can awaken the confidence to step out into the world to become a scientist, researcher, inventor, engineer, thinker, and a true happiness pursuer.
We take special pride in creating and developing Kids on the Wise learning materials for children. Our focus is first and foremost on presenting accurate scientific facts, engaging children with rich vocabulary, and introducing new concepts. Beyond that, we place special emphasis on helping children discover science and nature through beauty, imagination, and wonder.
We believe knowledge should feel exciting and be something children can truly experience. Learning is not only about what children remember; it is also about what inspires them, awakens their curiosity, and ultimately reaches their soul. And beneath every new discovery, another story magically unfolds: the story of themselves and their place in the grand scheme of things.
This nuanced and layered concept we call Nonfiction Reimagined™, and it is surely not only about collecting facts. It is intentionally designed to nurture the whole child with innovative and change bringing learning resources.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create publications and educational resources with the depth and quality children and educators expect from established names such as National Geographic Kids, Smithsonian, or DK—while bringing our own intentional visual language, cultural perspective, and love for origination to the forefront.
Black children deserve to see themselves not only in stories, but in the story of knowledge itself.
About the Author
Sara Armstead is the founder and creative director of Kids on the Wise, where she combines her background in graphic design with her passion for education, culture, and creative learning. As a mother and multicultural creative, she explores how thoughtful educational experiences can help children expand their knowledge, imagination, identity, and sense of belonging.
