Where Do Astronauts Put Their Dirty Underwear?: And 73 other weird questions that only science can answer
#1 in New Scientist Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Children make excellent scientists - they're inquisitive, keen to learn and have open minds. And they especially love to learn about all the gross stuff and all the weird facts - this book is packed full of them. In Where do Astronauts Put Their Dirty Underwear?, kids will discover how to extract iron from breakfast cereal; that fish communicate by farting; how to turn fried eggs green; why tigers have stripes, not spots; and much, much more. Behind each surprising question and answer or wacky experiment is a scientific explanation that will teach kids more about biology, chemistry and physics, and the world around them.
Discussion points
What do you think happens to astronauts' dirty laundry in space?
Why do you think some questions might seem weird but are important to science?
How do astronauts solve everyday problems differently in space compared to Earth?
Which of the 73 questions in the book surprised you the most, and why?
If you could ask a scientist one weird question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child's curiosity by taking turns asking each other 'weird' questions that pop up in daily life. When discussing the book, relate it to real-world scenarios to make the scientific concepts more tangible. Validate all questions, showing that inquiry is the core of learning, and consider looking up additional information together to foster a love of knowledge.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity in learning
Explanation: The book harnesses children's natural inquisitiveness through odd and fascinating questions related to science.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to question the world around them and seek answers, fostering a lifelong love for learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Each weird science question challenges children to think critically and analytically about the answers.
Real-World Application: Helps develop problem-solving skills and the ability to evaluate information, which are essential in academic and everyday decision making.
Example Lesson: Understanding Science and its Application
Explanation: By answering quirky questions, the book illustrates how science applies to everyday life and peculiar scenarios.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate science not just as a subject but as a practical tool that explains various phenomena in the world.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: The questioning format shows that not all inquiries have straightforward answers, mirroring real scientific pursuits that often involve trial and error.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of persistence and resilience when faced with challenges or unexpected results.
Example Lesson: Enhanced Communication Skills
Explanation: Discussing the unusual topics presented promotes dialogue and helps in articulating thoughts clearly.
Real-World Application: Boosts children's confidence in expressing themselves and improves their ability to discuss and explain complex ideas.