DK Life Stories Ada Lovelace
DK Life Stories Series
What’s inside...
This biography from the DK Life Stories series explores the life of Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer. The daughter of the famous poet Lord Byron, Ada was encouraged in the sciences from a young age. She later developed a friendship with inventor Charles Babbage, and her notes on his Analytical Engine laid the groundwork for modern computing. Discover the inspiring story of Ada Lovelace, one of the world's first computer scientists. In 1833, Ada Lovelace met mathematician Charles Babbage, inventor of calculating machines. She went on to devise a way of inputting data into Babbage's Analytical Machine, and in doing so became the first ever computer programmer. In this biography book for 7-11 year olds, learn all about Ada Lovelace's intriguing life, including her talent for languages and mathematics, and her fascination with science. Life Stories is a new biography series for kids from DK that goes beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history's most interesting and inspiring people. Full-colour photographs and hand-drawn illustrations complement age-appropriate narrative text to create an engaging book children will enjoy reading. Definition boxes, information sidebars, inspiring quotes, and other nonfiction text features add depth, and a handy reference section at the back makes DK Life Stories the one biography series everyone will want to collect.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ada Lovelace
Mary Somerville
Lady Byron
Charles Babbage
Discussion points
What challenges did Ada Lovelace face and how did she overcome them?
How did Ada Lovelace's contributions to mathematics and computing influence the world?
Why do you think it’s important to remember and learn about historical figures like Ada Lovelace?
If you had the chance to meet Ada Lovelace, what would you ask her?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on Ada Lovelace’s achievements and why they matter. Encourage your child to think about how they use technology and its origins. Relate Ada's persistence and creativity to challenges they face in daily life. Celebrate her pioneering spirit and discuss how one person's ideas can change the world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Ada Lovelace's relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence in mathematics and computing, despite the norms of her time, exemplifies perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their studies and hobbies, even when they find them challenging, understanding that perseverance leads to mastery and success.
Example Lesson: Innovation
Explanation: Through her work on Charles Babbage’s analytical engine, Ada Lovelace's creative thinking laid the groundwork for modern computing.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think outside the box and be open to exploring new ways of solving problems, understanding that innovative ideas can lead to significant advancements.
Example Lesson: Empowerment Through Education
Explanation: Ada's story shows how education opened doors for her, a woman in the 1800s, to make significant contributions to science and technology.
Real-World Application: This story can motivate children, especially girls, to pursue education in fields where they are passionate, breaking traditional barriers and achieving greatness.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: Ada's insatiable curiosity about how things work drove her to delve deep into complex subjects.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek understanding, fostering a lifelong love for learning and discovery.