Martin Gardner's Science Tricks
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
This collection contains over 80 amazing tricks, silly stunts and brainbursting puzzles. Learn about basic science in water, air, fire, heat, gravity, motion and inertia, friction, magnetism and more.
Age
9-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What science trick from the book did you find the most fascinating, and why?
How do you think these science tricks help us understand the world around us better?
Can you think of a way to modify one of the experiments to test a new hypothesis?
What did you learn about the scientific method from this book?
Which experiment would you like to show your friends or classmates and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book together, ask your child what they know about science and what makes them curious.
While exploring the book, relate the experiments to everyday phenomena to make the content more relatable.
Encourage your child to predict the outcomes of experiments before you read the book's explanation. Discuss whether their predictions were right or why they might have differed.
After trying some experiments, ask your child to think about modifications they could make to the experiment and discuss what different results they might expect.
Celebrate any curiosity or questions your child has, and use them as further discussion points to enhance their learning and critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: Martin Gardner's 'Science Tricks' encourages children to explore scientific concepts through engaging experiments.
Real-World Application: Fostering a curious mindset helps children in school settings to explore subjects more deeply and ask questions that enhance their understanding.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book presents various science tricks that require children to think critically and devise ways to solve scientific puzzles.
Real-World Application: Children can utilize these problem-solving techniques in real-life scenarios, enhancing their ability to navigate challenges and find solutions.
Example Lesson: Learning through play
Explanation: Gardner demonstrates that learning can be fun by incorporating playful elements into educational science experiments.
Real-World Application: This approach can be applied to other learning areas, making educational activities more enjoyable and effective, thereby improving engagement and retention.
Example Lesson: Persistence and patience
Explanation: Some experiments might not work on the first try, teaching children the importance of persistence and patience as they repeat processes to achieve success.
Real-World Application: These traits are vital in all areas of life, helping children to continuously strive and improve, even in the face of difficulties.
Example Lesson: Scientific understanding
Explanation: Each trick and experiment in the book is based on fundamental scientific principles, providing foundational knowledge in an accessible manner.
Real-World Application: This early exposure to basic science concepts can spark a lifelong interest in the subject and encourage further academic pursuits in scientific fields.