A kids’ guide to Marie Curie: the Nobel Prize-winning scientist

This children’s article, A kids’ guide to Marie Curie: the Nobel Prize-winning scientist, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore the life and discoveries of one of the world’s most important scientists. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and writer.

The early life of Marie Curie

Marie Curie was born in Warsaw, Poland, on 7 November 1867. Both of her parents were school teachers, and Marie grew up loving to learn. She moved to Paris, France, to study science at university because women in Poland, which was under Russian rule at the time, were not allowed to attend.

Groundbreaking discoveries

Marie Curie became famous for her research into radioactivity, a new word she created to describe the invisible energy released by certain elements. 

Along with her husband Pierre Curie, she discovered two new elements: polonium (named after her beloved homeland Poland) and radium. These discoveries changed science forever and opened the door to many modern technologies.

Nobel Prizes and achievements

Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. She also became the first person ever to win two Nobel Prizes, in two different sciences: Physics and Chemistry. This achievement made her one of the most respected scientists in history.

Helping during war

During the First World War, Curie organised mobile X-ray units to help doctors treat wounded soldiers. She fitted cars with X-ray equipment so that injuries could be examined quickly on the battlefield. Historians believe her work saved many lives.

What is radioactivity?

Radioactivity is the natural energy released from certain materials, such as radium. It cannot be seen, but it can be very powerful. Radioactivity is used today in medicine, such as cancer treatments, and also in energy production. However, too much exposure can be harmful, which is something Curie herself sadly experienced.

Later life and legacy

Marie Curie died in 1934 and was first buried in Sceaux, a town near Paris. Many years later, in 1995, her remains were moved to the Panthéon, a special place of honour where France remembers its greatest people. There she now rests alongside her husband, Pierre Curie, in recognition of their groundbreaking scientific achievements.

Curie’s discoveries continue to inspire scientists, and her story shows the importance of courage, curiosity, and determination.

For more about Marie Curie’s life and science, you can explore the Curie Museum in Paris.

Article vocabulary list

• Radioactivity – invisible energy released from certain materials
  
• Element – a basic substance like oxygen, gold, or iron
  
• Discover – to find something new for the first time
  
• Beloved – something very loved and important
  
• Scientist – a person who studies and learns about how the world works
  
• Nobel Prize – a special award given to people who make great discoveries or achievements
  
• Radiation – energy that can move through space, sometimes dangerous in large amounts
  
• Legacy – what someone is remembered for after their lifetime

Comprehension questions

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