Overview
Sixteen weird (and real) unsolved science mysteries. Learn about them and what is being done to try to solve these mysteries.
Synopsis
Come explore sixteen of science's toughest mysteries through stories, activities, and examination of what scientists are doing to try to solve them. Students and adults will be fascinated by these awesome science mysteries.
Gloria Levine - KLIATT
Classroom-tested as a read-aloud by this reviewer's (spellbound) sixth-grade English students, this is a truly "awesome" collection of science essays and mystery stories about 16 intriguing phenomena: Atlantis, the Bermuda Triangle, Black Holes, dinosaur extinction, the Easter Island statues, firewalking, ghosts, lightning, the Loch Ness monster, sea serpents, Stonehenge, life on Mars, time travel, origin of the universe, UFOs, and "warp speed." Displaying his dual-career talents (he's a scientist and a full-time storyteller, now), Haven presents a compelling narrative based on each strange event and follows up each story with the relevant scientific facts, as we know them. This combination of fiction with fact is a wonderful lure for use by language arts teachers struggling to find appealing expository material for students in grades 4 on up. Each mystery is followed by questions that help young readers make personal connections and activities that encourage research and hands-on experience. For reading/English teachers trying to teach students how to "read actively," apply "critical thinking" and "access prior knowledge," this is an ideal text. Source material listed at the end of each mystery enables readers to consider the validity of Haven's source material and a thorough index makes That's Weird a good starting point for research. With its interdisciplinary content, the book could be used in science, world studies, and even math classes. Haven does an admirable job of presenting opposing viewpoints, stimulating critical thinking, and presenting the "mystery" without promoting pseudoscience in any way. Finally, Haven conveys to young readers just how fascinating this all is tohim, and encourages them to become involved in the ongoing wonder that is science. KLIATT Codes: JS* Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2001, Fulcrum, 244p. illus. bibliogs. index.,
Editorials
Children's Literature
Have you ever considered the fact that there are many seemingly unexplained scientific mysteries that have titillated human thought for centuries? Mysteries such as the Loch Ness Monster, UFO's, life on Mars, and the origins of the universe all have captured both scientific and popular interest. Such areas of contemplation have led to sharply contradictory views of the world. It is these types of controversial, or simply "fun," areas of science that are touched upon in this entertaining and well-crafted book. The author presents sixteen different scientific mysteries that have spawned debate over the years. In each instance, the subject is thoroughly introduced, a short story based upon fact is presented, the existing scientific perspectives are outlined, a verdict is given, and follow up activities are described. Concepts such as time travel, black holes, warp speed and sea monsters are introduced in a manner that is both readable and educational. Readers will come away from this book better informed about basic scientific methods as well as the captivating subject matter. This is a book that scientists young and old will enjoy. 2001, Fulcrum, $19.95. Ages 9 up. Reviewer:Greg M. RomaneckVOYA
Inquiring minds always want to know how different things happen. Haven presents for middle school students sixteen "thrill rides" that deal with fascinating subjects including lightning, Atlantis, ghosts, UFOs, the Big Bang Theory, and time travel. Chapters begin with a general overview to pique interest and a semifictional story presenting the topic as it occurs in everyday life. Scientific explanations of the phenomena, defining the story as fact or fiction, contrast the fictional story. Sections conclude with "Follow-On" questions, activities, and bibliographies. With this ambitious approach, however, each section borders on information overload. The catchy title will attract middle school students, and the sectioned format allows readers to browse for subjects that intrigue them. In the introduction, the author suggests that students "become curious as you read." This advice is sound, as many of the topics have clearly written scientific explanations. The section describing the nature of black holes makes an especially abstract subject easy to comprehend. Most of the writing fits the age level, although spelling errors pop up—angle instead of angel, Santa Clause instead of Santa Claus, and Trumble County of Ohio should be Trumbull. Occasionally the detailed scientific explanations drag on, particularly in defining time travel. Casual browsers will enjoy the less-measurable scientific topics such as UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, and firewalkers. With better editing, this book would be valuable in school and public libraries as a starting point for reports, but it is doubtful all topics discussed would be assigned. Index. Illus. Biblio. Source Notes. Further Reading. VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P MJ S (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2001, Fulcrum, 256p,— Rollie Welch
KLIATT
Classroom-tested as a read-aloud by this reviewer's (spellbound) sixth-grade English students, this is a truly "awesome" collection of science essays and mystery stories about 16 intriguing phenomena: Atlantis, the Bermuda Triangle, Black Holes, dinosaur extinction, the Easter Island statues, firewalking, ghosts, lightning, the Loch Ness monster, sea serpents, Stonehenge, life on Mars, time travel, origin of the universe, UFOs, and "warp speed." Displaying his dual-career talents (he's a scientist and a full-time storyteller, now), Haven presents a compelling narrative based on each strange event and follows up each story with the relevant scientific facts, as we know them. This combination of fiction with fact is a wonderful lure for use by language arts teachers struggling to find appealing expository material for students in grades 4 on up. Each mystery is followed by questions that help young readers make personal connections and activities that encourage research and hands-on experience. For reading/English teachers trying to teach students how to "read actively," apply "critical thinking" and "access prior knowledge," this is an ideal text. Source material listed at the end of each mystery enables readers to consider the validity of Haven's source material and a thorough index makes That's Weird a good starting point for research. With its interdisciplinary content, the book could be used in science, world studies, and even math classes. Haven does an admirable job of presenting opposing viewpoints, stimulating critical thinking, and presenting the "mystery"—without promoting pseudoscience in any way. Finally, Haven conveys to young readers just how fascinating this all is tohim, and encourages them to become involved in the ongoing wonder that is science. KLIATT Codes: JS*—Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2001, Fulcrum, 244p. illus. bibliogs. index.,— Gloria Levine