When we consider the magnitude and extent of his discoveries and their influence on the progress of science and of industry, there is no honour too great to pay to the memory of Faraday, one of the greatest scientific discoverers of all time.
~ Physicist Ernst Rutherford
Michael Faraday’s Inventions
Michael Faraday (1791-1867) was an extraordinary scientist.
- His work in the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry laid the foundation for much of what we experience in our daily lives today.
- Faraday built the first motor, the first generator and the first transformer.
- His work with electricity was truly spectacular.
- In addition to his discoveries regarding electricity, Michael Faraday liquified chlorine.
- He discovered nanoparticles.
- Faraday was involved in the building of many lighthouses.
- He worked for mine safety.
Faraday began his life poor and uneducated, and found his passion for science through the books he would read as a bookbinder’s apprentice. His experience of living outside the elite scientific community, and his love for Christ, gave him a heart for the average person.
Throughout his scientific career, Faraday gave scientific lectures – complete with experiments – to help the layperson understand science. He even created lectures specifically for children. Later in his life, Faraday championed the idea of providing quality education for children from all levels of society.
Michael Faraday Biography for Kids
Michael Faraday: Spiritual Dynamo by Derick Bingham (Christian Focus Publications) tells the story of Michael Faraday for children aged 8-14. While our family was studying the 1800’s, I scheduled Spiritual Dynamo during the week we learned about the Industrial Revolution. We love history, and we love studying events and time periods. We also love studying God’s people and the way He works through their lives and obedience to impact His world.
For my boys, it was exciting to read about a scientist who served the Lord. Generally, our Christian biographies revolve around theologians and missionaries. It’s really interesting to read about the way God works in other vocations and areas of life as well. Michael Faraday was not a missionary, but his discoveries and work improved the everyday lives of common people. My children both commented on the fact that they loved reading about a scientist.
I’m a fan of Christian Focus Publications’ Trailblazers series for middle grade children. At the present moment, they have 33 biographies available. We own all of them and read them regularly. Through reading about the lives of men and women who loved Christ, and who dedicated their lives to His service, my boys and I have all been inspired to follow Him in our own lives. It’s truly amazing to see the way God works through the lives of ordinary individuals.
The godly people in the land
are my true heroes!
I take pleasure in them!
Psalm 16:3
Purchase Michael Faraday: Spiritual Dynamo
Michael Faraday: Spiritual Dynamo (Trail Blazers)
OR, at Christian Book:
More Christian Focus Trail Blazers Books for Your Kids
Our family loves the Christian Focus Trail Blazers books. They’re perfect for ages 7-14. We read them as we studied history! Check them out.
Eric Liddell: Finish the RaceJohn Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s CourtSamuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the ScribeFrancis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the WorldTitanic: The Ship of DreamsWilliam Tyndale: The Smuggler’s FlameWilfred Grenfell: Courageous DoctorDietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the WheelElisabeth Elliot: Do the Next ThingBetty Greene: Courage Has WingsUlrich Zwingli: Shepherd WarriorLilias Trotter: Daring in the DesertIsobel Kuhn: Lights in LisulandJim Elliot: He Is No FoolGeorge Müller: The Children’s ChampionAdoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of GoldPatricia St. John: The Story Behind the StoriesHelen Roseveare: On His Majesty’s ServiceJohn Newton: A Slave Set FreeJohn Calvin: After Darkness LightJohn Knox: The Sharpened SwordBilly Graham: Just get up out of your SeatRichard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the DarkMary Slessor: Servant to the SlaveJoni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the TideHudson Taylor: An Adventure BeginsAugustine: The Truth SeekerPatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who ForgaveBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesLottie Moon: Changing China for ChristD L Moody: One Devoted ManNate Saint: Operation AucaJohn Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be StoppedMichael Faraday: Spiritual DynamoWilliam Wilberforce: The Freedom FighterC. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesJonathan Edwards: America’s GeniusCharles Spurgeon: Prince of PreachersGeorge Müller: The Children’s ChampionGeorge Whitefield: Voice That Woke the WorldAmy Carmichael: Rescuer By NightMary of Orange: At the Mercy of KingsMartyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to WestminsterHannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn’t Stop WritingFanny Crosby: The Blind Girl’s SongPaul Brand: The Shoes That Love MadeFrances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved MountainsCorrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker’s DaughterGladys Aylward: No Mountain Too HighJohn Bunyan: Journey of a PilgrimDavid Brainerd: A Love for the LostJohn G. Paton: South Sea Island RescueBilly Bray: Saved From the Deepest PitJohn Stott: The Humble LeaderBill Bright: Dare to be DifferentCharles Simeon: For Christ in Cambridge (Trail Blazers)William Carey: Expecting Great Things (Trail Blazers)Jack Turner: Truth in the Arctic (Trail Blazers)Elaine Townsend: At Home Around the World (Trail Blazers)Thomas Clarkson: The Giant With One Idea (Trailblazers)John and Betty Stam: To Die is Gain (Trail Blazers)Maud Kells: Fearless in the Forest (Trail Blazers)Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool (Trail Blazers)Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love (Trailblazers)Polycarp: Faithful unto Death (Trail Blazers)Thomas Cranmer: The King’s Ambassador (Trailblazers)Olaudah Equiano: A Man of Many Names (Trail Blazers)
Learn more about the Who What Why series and get your FREE Abolition Lapbooks here.
Bible Resources for Your Kids
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Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
Christian History Matters for Our Kids.
History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.
Here’s why:
- God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings.
- Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
- Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.
- Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.
- Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history.
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Danika,
Thanks for being a part of the Trailblazers Book Review Extravaganza. We’re so glad that the Michael Faraday book correlated so well with your study of the Industrial Revolution. Many thanks for reminding us that God’s work is not limited to the lives of missionaries. He works through each of us, in our various vocations and areas of life. Looking forward to working with you on future book review blog tours!
We certainly appreciate the Trailblazers series! By the end of next year, we plan to read them all. Thank you for providing such a wonderful resource for Christian families.
I am so honored to be able participate in blog tours for Christian Focus. Thank you!
~ Danika