There’s an incredible synergy between science and poetry. Our bio bias aside, we think that biology, the study of life, is brimming with marvels and mysteries waiting to be uncovered, discovered, and shared. And what better way than through lyrical language, images, and metaphors that stimulate the imagination, hint at the unknown, and evoke emotions – aka poetry. Here are five resources to help you bring poetry into your biology world or (vice versa) bring biology into your poetry world.
- Roundup of roundups. There’s something about a good poem that makes you want to share. It makes sense then that there are a ton of top ten lists for science poems out there. Three of our favorites are Science Poems You Need to Read, 17 Interesting Poems about Biology, and Ten Poems To Get You Through Science Class this Year.
- Science Poets: We often talk about science artists on this blog. While this often skews towards visual art, it’s time to shine the light on those who wield words to illuminate the discoveries of science. Check out the poet, playwright, and Nobel prize-winning chemist Roald Hoffmann; the poet, botanist, and medical biochemist Diana Beresford Kroeger; and the Czech immunologist and poet Miroslav Holub.
- Exam Poetry Prep: These seven poems and mnemonics from Biology Junction are on the lighter side but they pack a punch when it comes to helping you remember key concepts.
- The Go-To Collection: No poetry resource list is complete without mentioning the Poetry Foundations website. Type in everything from biology, ecology, biotechnology, DNA, etc., and get back a high-quality search list of useful poems, subject-focused poets, and insightful articles.
- Hands-On: Write your own science poem. For inspiration check out the articles The Scientific Lens: An Exploration of Science-Inspired Poetry and the article How Kids Can Tap into Science and Nature to Write Amazing Poems.
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