Has a child - or anyone else - ever asked you why the sky is blue? Could you explain why ice cream melts? Have you forgotten why scientists think the universe started with a Big Bang, and do you understand the difference between respiration and breathing?
Why Don't Things Fall Up? will gently remind you of everything you may have learnt once upon a time, but have somehow forgotten along the way. If you've ever changed the subject when a child has asked for homework help, or if you have the curiosity of a seven year old yourself, or if you know everything but have forgotten the basics or don't want to know anything except the basics - then this is the book for you.
Using questions asked by children as a starting point, Alom Shaha (who has spent over two decades trying to help people of all ages understand this stuff) takes us on a tour of the "big ideas" of science from his unique perspective. His experience as a dad, a teacher and science communicator means he knows exactly what people don't know -and especially the misconceptions and other intellectual hurdles which prevent us from grasping key ideas. Combining his proven skill for explaining science with storytelling and flashbacks to school experiments, Why Don't Things Fall Up? reminds us that science is not just for scientists - it's a human endeavour that enriches all our lives.
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
ISBN: 9781529348163
Number of pages: 304
Weight: 360 g
Dimensions: 202 x 138 x 32 mm
A joyful exploration of fundamental questions about our world; Shaha proves that science is for everyone! - Roma Agrawal
'Friendly, informative and such fun to read, this book from ace science teacher Alom Shaha will make any reader feel instantly more intelligent! A must-have read that will help you look at the world around you with real wonder and understanding.' - Christopher Edge
'Alom Shaha is the science teacher many people will wish they had but didn't. Patient, clear, never patronizing, and constantly warm and humane, Why Don't Things Fall Up? presents the key concepts of science with infectious energy and enthusiasm. If you never got on with science, you've nothing to fear here, and everything to gain.' - Philip Ball
'Brilliant book. So easy to read, and written in such an engaging and accessible manner without talking down to the reader at all. As a scientist, and a parent, I have enjoyed it thoroughly and would recommend it to everyone who is interested in finding out more about the world around them.' - Pragya Agarwal
'I have greatly enjoyed reading Alom's wonderful book. Alom provides a masterclass in clear explanation - he effortlessly breaks down the causes of complex phenomena, an impressive achievement and a great read.' - Richard Brock
'Quite delightful. Shaha's many years of experience as a science teacher shine through every page. Not only is he such a natural 'explainer', but he has that rare gift of putting readers at ease without ever talking down to them. If you ever felt that science was not for you or too complicated to grasp then here is the teacher you'll wish you had at school.' - Jim S. Al-Khalili CBE FRS
'I have learnt (and remembered) so much, and so easily. It's the mango ice cream of science books.' - Hilary McKay
'Everything Alom writes is a joy to ponder, his love of science is utterly contagious, the perfect guide through things that might perplex.' - Robin Ince
A book of quiet wonder. - Ian Dunt
'A great idea, beautifully executed.' - Popular Science
'A gentle and reassuring journey through school science, perfect for polishing up both long-forgotten knowledge and confidence, and helping everyone to make science a part of their world. - Helen Czerski
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