Peter.D.Riley

International bestselling award-winning author

Taking science education across the world

Our future depends on exploring all the frontiers of science, on innovative technologies based on these explorations and on the development of scientific literacy in all peoples through science education.

Hello and welcome!

I'm Peter Riley and I've been an author of science books for nearly forty years. I spent twenty four years as a teacher - seventeen as Head of Science at a large secondary school - before becoming a full time writer in 1996.

On this site you'll find information about my books, which take children from five to fourteen years of age and beyond, supported by books for teachers and additional downloadable resources such as films, posters and quizzes to support your teaching.

I hope you will also take part in the Science Enquiry Hub by sending photos of your experiments and the plants and animals where you live, to communicate science through IT and join me in taking science education across the world.

Books and films

In the past year we have been adding films to the website to support my Ways into Science book series. The filming of these is now complete, and so there is now a free to view film to support each book in the series.

The aim of the films is to build on the content of the books in a way that stimulates even greater interest in the science topic. Each film comes with a freely downloadable zip file containing several additional resources, including a Stop and chat sheet you can use to add extra information or engage in discussion with your children while watching and pausing the video.

Here is the film for Ways into Science:Habitats...

After you have watched the film click here to see the stop and chat sheet and how to use the two together.

See all the films and their stop-and-chat sheets for the series.

Books for primary schools

My science books for primary school cover the whole range of science topics for 5-11 year olds.There is also an Endorsed Revision Study Guide for children taking the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint tests in Science. more...

Books for secondary schools

I have two series for 11–14 year old students. One series is used widely throughout the world and the second is endorsed by University of Cambridge International Examinations for use with Cambridge Checkpoint. There is a Biology book and a Chemistry book for IGCSE too. more...

Downloads and resources for teachers

Here you'll find downloads and resources to support my books and your teaching in the classroom. These resources include video, posters, lesson plans and quizzes. more...

Cambridge Checkpoint Science

Boost learner confidence ahead of the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint tests with invaluable support and practical, ready-to-use revision activities.

Site Pages

Science Enquiry Hub

My Books

Follow the links below to find out more about my books and book series, as well as downloadable resources for teachers and parents using my books.

Books for Primary Schools

Books for Secondary Schools

Books and Resources for Teachers

Contact Me

I can be contacted in the following ways. If you have a picture for the Natural World Photo Gallery or the Science Exhibition Gallery, please send it by email.