As a homeschooler, I’m always on the lookout for ways to bring science to life for my kids. They can learn only so much with their nose stuck in a textbook. It often takes the hands-on approach to teach some of the more difficult concepts and to let the kids see for themselves what science can do for them.
I’ve seen plenty of books and videos attempting to make science cool, but the new The Geek Dad Book for Aspiring Mad Scientists, by Ken Denmead, is one of the best collections of scientific projects and experiments that I’ve ever read. Denmead is the editor of the amazing GeekDad blog, so he knows what he’s talking about.
With this book, your kids will learn how to extract their own DNA, build a radio out of office supplies, grow sea monsters, and play with plasma.
And it all couldn’t be easier. The instructions, concepts, illustrations, are all explained in an easy-to-understand creative way. Denmead knows how to capture and keep a kid’s imagination by relating the science to what they think is fun. You know, space aliens, lasers, robots, spies. All the important stuff.
My kids actually got excited when they thumbed through this book for the first time. My son immediately wanted to try the alchemy experiment (no, it’s not lead into gold, unfortunately). And my daughter is ready to set fire to some Cheetos.
If you’d like to get your kids excited about science too, this book is the place to start. There’s something in it for everyone in the family. I wouldn’t hesitate to give it to a 3rd grader or a college student, or anyone who wants to find some answers to how the science all around us works.
With Christmas coming up, this book should be at the top of your list of gift ideas. It’s available at every major book seller, including Amazon.
The good folks at Gotham Books have sent me a copy of The Geek Dad Book for Aspiring Mad Scientists to give away to one of my readers.
Just leave a comment on this post, telling me you want it. I’ll pick a winner after the Thanksgiving break.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this kind of stuff! A few years back I was looking for a book that showed scientific lineage, i.e., because “such-n-such” was invented, it enabled so-n-so to make “this thing” and that guy used it in a weird way and was able to do “this stuff.” When “this stuff” became popular, people started “doing this” with it and then some guys made a “Sumthin-r-other” out of of that. Refining it into a “whoosy-whatsy” over the years has enabled us to make this “gobbledy-gook.” So _that_ is how we got “gobbledy-gook” from “such-n-such.” …but I never found the book.
*Just leave a comment on this post, telling me you want it.*
I want it
Fact is, I just asked my wife to get it for our 9 year old boy…not leaving this to chance. The publisher should give you a nice treat as your description could not sell the book better. Fun science that arouses curiosity and gets kids to think–awesome. Thanks.
Oh my! Lukas would LOVE this book. He is so into Science and Engineering types of activities right now. If I am not lucky enough to win one here, I will be getting one so we can do projects together as he gets older.
Pick me! Pick me! I want it! It sounds like a great book, and 4 kids would benefit from it!
I’m in.
It sounds like a fun book! As a homeschooling Mom, I find
myself falling short when it comes to science–I haven’t
retained much of that subject from my public school education
(nor was it ever presented in an exciting way!)
Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences; I really
enjoy your blog!
Yes, I want it! : )
Talking about mad science, do have a look at … well, “Mad Science” by Theodore Gray. It comes with the subtitle “Experiments You Can Do At Home – But Probably Shouldn’t”. More hands-off than hands-on, but it is highly inspirational and the antithesis of the oh-so-safe experiments that too many books presents.
The book by Ken Denmead looks interesting though; setting fire to something is always a good start.
Work – the curse of the drinking class.
I’d love a copy of this. My kid’s old and I spent lots of time through her youth saying “Well… let’s try it and see what happens.” I’d love to give this to friends that are considering homeschooling.
-Stu
My father in law is an engineer. I need this book. He’s got the monopoly on the brainy part of science. My only hope is to outcool him. And this book sounds like it does just that. “Yeah, that sounds interesting grandpa, but I can’t talk right now. Daddy just set a cheeto on fire.”
Thanks to everyone for entering! The winner is Ryan Brodwater.