dori123 Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 I am trying to put together a list of "big idea" science books for a read aloud / discussion class this year for my ds, who is in 7th. He likes science but it is my weakest subject. We usually read aloud for 20 minutes or so, then have a discussion, look related stuff up on the internet, etc. This is an informal, interest-led class and my aim is to present a variety of topics so he can chase down what he wants from there. Would love to hear suggestions from the hive on the following books. We won't have time to read all of them, so I am hoping that you all can help me streamline the list. I am sure there are some redundancies, and I am equally sure there are others that should be there but aren't. Here's what I have so far: Magic of Reality (Dawkins) The Planets (Sobel) Science Matters (Hazen, Trefil) Men, Microscopes & Living Things (Shippen) Disappearing Spoon (Kean) What If? (Munroe) Briefer History of Time (Hawking) Microbe Hunters (de Kruif) Thanks for your help! We won't have time to read all of them, so I am hoping that you science-types will be able to help me figure out which are the best ones and which might be redundant, and of course, I am open to suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 I would not use Science Matters. It's just not very compelling. We really enjoyed The Upright Thinkers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daijobu Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 I love Magic of Reality. Also to recommend: Guns Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond Sapiens by Yuval Harari Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dori123 Posted June 13, 2017 Author Share Posted June 13, 2017 Thanks for the suggestions! Also hoping for a few that are for a younger audience than the ones listed. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stutterfish Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 (edited) Can I start by saying, I don't know if these count as 'big idea' books, I don't know what ages they'd be suited to, I haven't read any of them yet, and I'm in the UK (so I dont' even know which ones are available in the US), but, if you are looking for some more suggestions, these are a few of the science-related books that have been lurking in my Amazon wishlist for ages... The Hidden Life of Trees: What They feel, How they Communicate - discoveries from a secret world The Secret Lives of Trees: how they live and why they matter The Hot Zone: the chilling true story of an Ebola Outbreak What a Plant Knows: A field guide to the senses of your garden - and beyond The gene, an intimate history. The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks Being mortal: illness, medicine and what matters in the end Guineapig scientists: bold self-experimenters in science and medicine Sugar changed the world: a story of magic, spice, slavery, freedom and science Tools of navigation: a kids guide to the history and science of Finding your way Tools of timekeeping: a kids guide to the history and science of telling time Are we smart enough to know how smart animals are? The Invention of Nature: The adventures of Alexander von Humboldt, the lost hero of science The weather experiment: the pioneers who sought to see the future. Tide: the science and lore of the biggest force on earth Edited June 13, 2017 by stutterfish 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birchbark Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 Science Matters was a flop here too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 Maybe Bryson's A Really Short History of Everything? It's an illustrated children's version. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dori123 Posted June 15, 2017 Author Share Posted June 15, 2017 Thanks for the help. I didn't realize Bryson had a kid's version -- that is fantastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 Thanks for the help. I didn't realize Bryson had a kid's version -- that is fantastic. Look inside before you buy it. It is completely different in layout and lacks the storytelling of the original. It reminded me of a Usborne or DK book. A 7th grader should enjoy the original. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wathe Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 I've just ordered Neil Degrasse Tyson's Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. It's getting good reviews. Might fit with what you're looking for. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluegoat Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 You might find A Brief History of Time a bit much for grade 7 - many adults don't finish it. It's not impossible, but I would see if you can have a look at it first. Or, you might find the introduction and first few chapters would work, but not the whole book. As for other suggestions, I enjoyed The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat when I was that age. Gorillas in the Mist might be another interesting book. Or Lucy, though its older and you'd want to look at some updated information. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73349 Posted June 16, 2017 Share Posted June 16, 2017 You might like The Forest Unseen. It goes big by going small, looking at a small part of a forest for a year and exploring the significance of what's going on. Right now I'm reading I Contain Multitudes, but IDK if it'd overlap with your microbe book or if a 7th-grader would want to read the whole thing. I agree that an Oliver Sacks book and/or an Atul Gawande book would be nice. Both really enjoyable and thought-provoking. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saddlemomma Posted June 17, 2017 Share Posted June 17, 2017 My Dd enjoyed the book Stronger Than Steel when she was studying DNA & genetics. It could lead to several rabbit trails and discussions. It's one of the books in the Scientists in the Field series. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 I just read The Sixth Extinction and really enjoyed it. Each chapter stands alone but also builds the theme. I've never been able to read more than a chapter of Guns, Germs and Steel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aprilleigh Posted June 21, 2017 Share Posted June 21, 2017 No new recommendations at this time, but I'm following along so I can see what everyone else is recommending. I'll have to check my book shelves to see what I have that might be appropriate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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