Greta Posted August 4, 2013 Share Posted August 4, 2013 My dd is going to be doing a distance-learning program for high school, and for this year (8th grade), we're doing some subjects from that school, and some subjects still homeschooling, to transition her into it. I bought a general science text to use this year to get her ready for textbook-based science for high school. But after looking through it, I'm now thinking about doing the exact opposite. To fully enjoy the "freedom" of her last year of homeschool science, I'm thinking we should just read science books that are truly fascinating, and not worry about the textbook approach. So I am all ears for any and all recommendations of engaging and interesting science books appropriate to a typical 8th grader's reading level. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted August 4, 2013 Author Share Posted August 4, 2013 If there have been other threads discussing this (and I would certainly imagine that there have been!), please point me to them. I am already following the thread on vintage science books. I'm interested in more recently written books, too, though. Also, any favorite documentaries or Great Courses? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted August 4, 2013 Share Posted August 4, 2013 David Attenborough's books are interesting and colorful. You could also watch corresponding documentaries. My 8th grader is taking an online class and watching the Teaching Company Oceanography course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted August 4, 2013 Author Share Posted August 4, 2013 Thank you - great suggestion! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted August 4, 2013 Share Posted August 4, 2013 Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. Exerpts from Darwin. Essays by Stephen Gould. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted August 4, 2013 Author Share Posted August 4, 2013 Thanks, Ravin! I was thinking of Darwin and Gould as being high school level (I'm not as familiar with Carson so don't know) but now that you mention it, she can handle it. Great idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted August 4, 2013 Author Share Posted August 4, 2013 This list could prove helpful: http://oedb.org/ilibrarian/100-all-time-greatest-popular-science-books/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter Posted August 4, 2013 Share Posted August 4, 2013 It's more history/geography than science, and it's not a book, but my son really liked watching a DVD version of Kon-Tiki. Hmm it looks like there is a new version? And yes, there is a book, but...it sounds like time will be tight, with so many things you want to do, so I recommend the DVD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter Posted August 4, 2013 Share Posted August 4, 2013 That lists looks good! When I was a kid, the library had a big coffetable type book about Jane Goodall, with lots and lots of pictures of the chimpanzees. I loved that book! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter Posted August 4, 2013 Share Posted August 4, 2013 I just saw this today and it reminded me of the Jane Goodall book a bit. Four-handed Folk http://archive.org/details/fourhandedfolk00millgoog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted August 4, 2013 Author Share Posted August 4, 2013 Thank you, Hunter! Here's another list I found, not as long, but with more kid-friendly choices: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-12/aaft-aat120508.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto2Cs Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 A Really Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson The Magic of Reality, Richard Dawkins (contains evolutionary content) Science Matters, Robert Hazen Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood, Oliver Sacks The Plant Hunters, Anita Silvey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyforlatin Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 You may want to browse the NSTA's list of the best science books, http://www.nsta.org/publications/ostb/. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 Carson was originally published as a series of newspaper articles. It is not a difficult read. Darwin is easier to follow imo than a lot of fiction that is contemporary with it. Another fun one if she's interested in genetics is Cats Are Not Peas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted August 5, 2013 Author Share Posted August 5, 2013 Wonderful, thank you all so much for the suggestions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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