Book recomendation for a young scientist please
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Can anyone offer any recommendations of a science(I know that is a very broad and nebulous term) book to buy as a present for a my niece who is 11 and is just starting to very much get interested in science? I heard she came top of her school year in all subjects so I would want to get her something which is a little bit of a challenge to read - whilst at the same time not being too abstract(anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning...) Thanks in advance [Edit] In the end I went for the book by Bill Nye[^] and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced. So thanks for all the suggestions and I am sure the ones that I did not follow up I will keep in mind at some later date when my niece is older. :thumbsup:
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
A big thank you for all your helpful responses - now I have plenty of ideas :-D
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
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Can anyone offer any recommendations of a science(I know that is a very broad and nebulous term) book to buy as a present for a my niece who is 11 and is just starting to very much get interested in science? I heard she came top of her school year in all subjects so I would want to get her something which is a little bit of a challenge to read - whilst at the same time not being too abstract(anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning...) Thanks in advance [Edit] In the end I went for the book by Bill Nye[^] and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced. So thanks for all the suggestions and I am sure the ones that I did not follow up I will keep in mind at some later date when my niece is older. :thumbsup:
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
My old physics professor has written a few books that may also be of interest. Here is a link[^] I recommend the Cosmic Onion and The Infinity Puzzle, but the 'Short Introductions' series are also very good. They are aimed at non-scientists (but not morons - you need a little bit of intelligence to read them). Frank is a great guy who finally answered my question after 22 years. (What is the speed of gravity - he said he had to think about it, I feel he took quite a long time to think about it, I believe he is designing the computer that is to come after him oh wait, that's been done!).
--------------------------------- I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] English League Tables - Live
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Can anyone offer any recommendations of a science(I know that is a very broad and nebulous term) book to buy as a present for a my niece who is 11 and is just starting to very much get interested in science? I heard she came top of her school year in all subjects so I would want to get her something which is a little bit of a challenge to read - whilst at the same time not being too abstract(anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning...) Thanks in advance [Edit] In the end I went for the book by Bill Nye[^] and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced. So thanks for all the suggestions and I am sure the ones that I did not follow up I will keep in mind at some later date when my niece is older. :thumbsup:
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
The Time and Space of Uncle Albert[^] Like many of the posters here, this was on the required reading list for my degree (the Relativity course). Unlike the other degree level books, it's actually aimed at children, and a child will enjoy the story IMO.The lecturer described it as the best introduction to the concepts of specific relativity he could find. The book works presents a series Gedanken experiments (the neice is called Gedanken IIRC) as a story to introduce the relativistic wierdness. It sounds complicated, but it really isn't. If you've read "Sophie's World", this book has a similar concept, but more squarely aimed at children.
Sort of a cross between Lawrence of Arabia and Dilbert.[^]
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A Dead ringer for Kate Winslett[^] -
GuyThiebaut wrote:
anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning
Which is the best reason to buy a Dawkins, get her out of that terrible trap, open her mind and let her think for herself rather than be constrained by the wizards and the religiopolitical machinations of the friends of the sky pixies. Otherwise, Brian Cox's astronomy books, or Wonderful Life by Gould.
--------------------------------- I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] English League Tables - Live
I agree with what you are saying however I don't want to alienate my niece. Religion and even science itself can be such an emotionally charged area that I feel it is best for her to come to her own conclusions. If she reads the science books carefully the only conclusion she will be able to come to is that the only true god is the flying spaghetti monster - ramen!
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
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Please no! Dawkins is as fanatical as the Sky Pixies Fanciers he spends his entire time ridiculing. Let her decide for herself - his rabid atheism is as bad as the unthinking fanaticism he protests.
Ideological Purity is no substitute for being able to stick your thumb down a pipe to stop the water
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The Time and Space of Uncle Albert[^] Like many of the posters here, this was on the required reading list for my degree (the Relativity course). Unlike the other degree level books, it's actually aimed at children, and a child will enjoy the story IMO.The lecturer described it as the best introduction to the concepts of specific relativity he could find. The book works presents a series Gedanken experiments (the neice is called Gedanken IIRC) as a story to introduce the relativistic wierdness. It sounds complicated, but it really isn't. If you've read "Sophie's World", this book has a similar concept, but more squarely aimed at children.
Sort of a cross between Lawrence of Arabia and Dilbert.[^]
-Or-
A Dead ringer for Kate Winslett[^] -
Can anyone offer any recommendations of a science(I know that is a very broad and nebulous term) book to buy as a present for a my niece who is 11 and is just starting to very much get interested in science? I heard she came top of her school year in all subjects so I would want to get her something which is a little bit of a challenge to read - whilst at the same time not being too abstract(anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning...) Thanks in advance [Edit] In the end I went for the book by Bill Nye[^] and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced. So thanks for all the suggestions and I am sure the ones that I did not follow up I will keep in mind at some later date when my niece is older. :thumbsup:
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything[^] or even the kid's version - A Really Short History of Nearly Everything
==================================== Transvestites - Roberts in Disguise! ====================================
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Please no! Dawkins is as fanatical as the Sky Pixies Fanciers he spends his entire time ridiculing. Let her decide for herself - his rabid atheism is as bad as the unthinking fanaticism he protests.
Ideological Purity is no substitute for being able to stick your thumb down a pipe to stop the water
The thing that amuses me about Dawkins is how he has to guard every word he speaks in public. If he got kicked in the doo-dahs would he collapse to the floor screaming "Oh, God." or spit out "Jesus Christ" if he stubbed his toe on something? Who does he thank when he's profoundly grateful? Yes, keep her away from Dawkins for the time being. He strikes me as one those people whose venomous proseltysing is indeed as dangerous as that which he chooses to attack. In 2000 years when he's nothing but stardust a generation will look back on his books and possibly think that what he wrote then was indeed so old gospel. :-D
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The thing that amuses me about Dawkins is how he has to guard every word he speaks in public. If he got kicked in the doo-dahs would he collapse to the floor screaming "Oh, God." or spit out "Jesus Christ" if he stubbed his toe on something? Who does he thank when he's profoundly grateful? Yes, keep her away from Dawkins for the time being. He strikes me as one those people whose venomous proseltysing is indeed as dangerous as that which he chooses to attack. In 2000 years when he's nothing but stardust a generation will look back on his books and possibly think that what he wrote then was indeed so old gospel. :-D
He is already stardust, we all are. Hopefully in 200 years, never mind 2000, humanity will have thrown off the shackles of religion and embraced knowledge and enlightenment.
--------------------------------- I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] English League Tables - Live
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I agree with what you are saying however I don't want to alienate my niece. Religion and even science itself can be such an emotionally charged area that I feel it is best for her to come to her own conclusions. If she reads the science books carefully the only conclusion she will be able to come to is that the only true god is the flying spaghetti monster - ramen!
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
Blessed be his Noodly Appendage!
--------------------------------- I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] English League Tables - Live
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He is already stardust, we all are. Hopefully in 200 years, never mind 2000, humanity will have thrown off the shackles of religion and embraced knowledge and enlightenment.
--------------------------------- I will never again mention that I was the poster of the One Millionth Lounge Post, nor that it was complete drivel. Dalek Dave CCC Link[^] English League Tables - Live
My limited knowledge of history suggests they've probably been saying that for over 2000 years already. The prospect of me containing elements from one of Hitler's or Dubya Bush's farts makes me shudder. I don't know how old you are but you could be made from one of mine. There should be a sticker on your forehead: "Warning, this human contains trace elements from PHS241." :)
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Can anyone offer any recommendations of a science(I know that is a very broad and nebulous term) book to buy as a present for a my niece who is 11 and is just starting to very much get interested in science? I heard she came top of her school year in all subjects so I would want to get her something which is a little bit of a challenge to read - whilst at the same time not being too abstract(anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning...) Thanks in advance [Edit] In the end I went for the book by Bill Nye[^] and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced. So thanks for all the suggestions and I am sure the ones that I did not follow up I will keep in mind at some later date when my niece is older. :thumbsup:
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
It's not exactly "science", but I love David Macaulay's books. David Macaulay on Amazon[^]
Curvature of the Mind now with 3D
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Please no! Dawkins is as fanatical as the Sky Pixies Fanciers he spends his entire time ridiculing. Let her decide for herself - his rabid atheism is as bad as the unthinking fanaticism he protests.
Ideological Purity is no substitute for being able to stick your thumb down a pipe to stop the water
I disagree, true, he can go on a bit, but at least his belief system is based on a foundation of science and logic.
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Can anyone offer any recommendations of a science(I know that is a very broad and nebulous term) book to buy as a present for a my niece who is 11 and is just starting to very much get interested in science? I heard she came top of her school year in all subjects so I would want to get her something which is a little bit of a challenge to read - whilst at the same time not being too abstract(anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning...) Thanks in advance [Edit] In the end I went for the book by Bill Nye[^] and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced. So thanks for all the suggestions and I am sure the ones that I did not follow up I will keep in mind at some later date when my niece is older. :thumbsup:
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
I highly recommend Cosmos by Carl Sagan. It's a classic. It's very accessible. I read through it when I was 12 or 14. Carl Sagan gives a narrative that is a combination of wonderment and scientific presentation. Just what a young scientist needs. There is an accompanying video series. Get the hardback, you want this one to last. I still have my original copy. I dont really know how dated Cosmos is anymore. Of course technology has changed the way we see things but the questions remain the same. We can observe things much better now which actually makes his questions more relavent. Please tell me you will get this one. * * * * * * * * Now, Dawkins is anything but slight, lol. he's an out and out bigot when it comes to religion. I was fascinated by the Selfish Gene and curious enough to read the God Delusion. I came away disgusted by his tone.
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Can anyone offer any recommendations of a science(I know that is a very broad and nebulous term) book to buy as a present for a my niece who is 11 and is just starting to very much get interested in science? I heard she came top of her school year in all subjects so I would want to get her something which is a little bit of a challenge to read - whilst at the same time not being too abstract(anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning...) Thanks in advance [Edit] In the end I went for the book by Bill Nye[^] and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced. So thanks for all the suggestions and I am sure the ones that I did not follow up I will keep in mind at some later date when my niece is older. :thumbsup:
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
When I was a kid, the books that actually inspired me most were by Andre Norton, Robert Heinlein, Lester Delrey. Dreaming about how things could be inspired me to learn more about math and science.
CQ de W5ALT
Walt Fair, Jr., P. E. Comport Computing Specializing in Technical Engineering Software
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Can anyone offer any recommendations of a science(I know that is a very broad and nebulous term) book to buy as a present for a my niece who is 11 and is just starting to very much get interested in science? I heard she came top of her school year in all subjects so I would want to get her something which is a little bit of a challenge to read - whilst at the same time not being too abstract(anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning...) Thanks in advance [Edit] In the end I went for the book by Bill Nye[^] and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced. So thanks for all the suggestions and I am sure the ones that I did not follow up I will keep in mind at some later date when my niece is older. :thumbsup:
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
Personally I think that Jules Verne books and Isaac Asimov books and essays are still a must for everyone who have an inner joy for science :cool:
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Can anyone offer any recommendations of a science(I know that is a very broad and nebulous term) book to buy as a present for a my niece who is 11 and is just starting to very much get interested in science? I heard she came top of her school year in all subjects so I would want to get her something which is a little bit of a challenge to read - whilst at the same time not being too abstract(anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning...) Thanks in advance [Edit] In the end I went for the book by Bill Nye[^] and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced. So thanks for all the suggestions and I am sure the ones that I did not follow up I will keep in mind at some later date when my niece is older. :thumbsup:
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
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Can anyone offer any recommendations of a science(I know that is a very broad and nebulous term) book to buy as a present for a my niece who is 11 and is just starting to very much get interested in science? I heard she came top of her school year in all subjects so I would want to get her something which is a little bit of a challenge to read - whilst at the same time not being too abstract(anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning...) Thanks in advance [Edit] In the end I went for the book by Bill Nye[^] and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced. So thanks for all the suggestions and I am sure the ones that I did not follow up I will keep in mind at some later date when my niece is older. :thumbsup:
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
GuyThiebaut wrote:
I'm not familiar with it but probably a good choice.
GuyThiebaut wrote:
and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced.
IMHO you may have gone to far in the other direction - a little beneath a bright child that age. An old but a goodie that I cut my teeth on at around that age is "One Two Three . . . Infinity: Facts and Speculations of Science"[^], by George Gamow.
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Can anyone offer any recommendations of a science(I know that is a very broad and nebulous term) book to buy as a present for a my niece who is 11 and is just starting to very much get interested in science? I heard she came top of her school year in all subjects so I would want to get her something which is a little bit of a challenge to read - whilst at the same time not being too abstract(anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning...) Thanks in advance [Edit] In the end I went for the book by Bill Nye[^] and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced. So thanks for all the suggestions and I am sure the ones that I did not follow up I will keep in mind at some later date when my niece is older. :thumbsup:
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
Isaac Asimov has written some great books on science. They cover all different topics. Take a look at them.
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Can anyone offer any recommendations of a science(I know that is a very broad and nebulous term) book to buy as a present for a my niece who is 11 and is just starting to very much get interested in science? I heard she came top of her school year in all subjects so I would want to get her something which is a little bit of a challenge to read - whilst at the same time not being too abstract(anything by Dawkins is probably not a good idea due to a slight religious leaning...) Thanks in advance [Edit] In the end I went for the book by Bill Nye[^] and a year's subscription to National Geographic Kids magazine[^] after my sister informed me that New Scientist may be too advanced. So thanks for all the suggestions and I am sure the ones that I did not follow up I will keep in mind at some later date when my niece is older. :thumbsup:
“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.”
― Christopher Hitchens
I know you already picked a book, but may I recommend one? The Dancing Universe[^] It's a great read even for people that are not aspiring scientist. It has a great tale of the origins of science (and religion in the sense of when things were not comprehended) and mentions the great names of science throug the history up to Plato. I know that when I started it I couldn't stop. It's not a difficult read and can be challenging at some points. To me this is the book that better explained relativity in a way common people could actually understand it.
"To alcohol! The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems" - Homer Simpson "Our heads are round so our thoughts can change direction." ― Francis Picabia
