Why Spacemen Can't Burp
#3 in The Know-It-All Series
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
The latest collection of terrific trivia from the author of That Book of Perfectly Useless Information answers mind-boggling questions such as why doughnuts have holes in the middle, if rocks can have snot, if a human child can be raised by animals, what hyenas laugh about, and why belching is impossible after blast-off. This hilarious book is filled with incredible information that will boggle your brain.
Discussion points
Why do you think spacemen can't burp in space, and how does that relate to what you know about gravity?
What other bodily functions might be difficult in space and why?
If you were an astronaut, what daily activity do you think would be the most challenging to do in space?
How do astronauts train on Earth to prepare for the different conditions in space?
What did you find the most surprising or interesting about the life of astronauts?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as astronauts and ask them how they would handle various challenges in space.
Utilize the book's content to discuss the science of gravity and how it affects our daily lives on Earth compared to space.
Prompt your child to think critically by asking them to come up with solutions to the challenges astronauts face.
After reading, watch videos or documentaries about space travel to reinforce the information and keep the interest alive.
Link the discussion to the broader topic of scientific innovation and ask your child what kind of technology they think would help astronauts in the future.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The book presents fun space facts that stimulate children's curiosity about space and science.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek answers, fostering a love for learning that can be applied in school subjects.
Example Lesson: Importance of scientific inquiry
Explanation: Through engaging questions like why spacemen can't burp, the book highlights the role of gravity in bodily functions, subtly teaching basic physics.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand and appreciate the scientific method, promoting critical thinking when they encounter new information.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The book uses imaginative scenarios to explain scientific facts, demonstrating creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to think creatively in their problem-solving and in expressing themselves in arts or writing.
Example Lesson: Understanding physical human body functions
Explanation: Explains the physical limitations and changes the human body would undergo in space, giving insights into human anatomy and physiology.
Real-World Application: Enhances children's understanding of their own bodies and encourages health and physical awareness.