Nibbling on Einstein's Brain: The Good, the Bad and the Bogus in Science

Features

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Cover Type: Paperback with 112 pages
• Published by: Annick Press September 1, 2001
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1550376861
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1550376869
• Book Dimensions: 9.4 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Weighs: 9.6 ounces

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-Almost every day the public reads or hears about a new and amazing scientific discovery guaranteed to make important changes in our lives; some are even true. But how can people learn to tell the difference between "good" and "bad" science? According to Swanson, they just have to be willing to ask questions and think clearly. This fascinating and kid-friendly book gives budding scientists and others an introduction to the tools and strategies needed to evaluate and understand scientific information. First, it differentiates between what is faulty science and what isn't, and offers a checklist of characteristics that apply to valid studies. There are chapters on what can go wrong in research (biased questions, incomplete data, "data dredging"), how reporting can confuse or misrepresent information, and how the human mind can muddle the news it receives. Amusing black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout. "Your Turn" suggestions give readers the opportunity to put the strategies they read about into practice. The layout features bold headings, shaded sidebars, and quotes. The strategies learned here can easily be applied to history and social science research, making this title an intriguing choice for any school or public library.
Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 5-8. Readers who can get past the book's distasteful title will find a good introduction to terrible science. Swanson offers analysis and many, many examples of vague theories, poor logic, badly designed experiments, biased scientific spokespersons, wild advertising claims, and irresponsible journalism. Introducing ideas under attention-grabbing headings ("baloney busters," "media alerts," "mind traps"), she discusses topics such as the difference between correlation and cause-and-effect relationships, the importance of asking the right questions about advertisers' claims, and the links between superstition, coincidence, and probability. With a highly readable text and jaunty line illustrations, the book encourages critical thinking and skepticism when evaluating science reporting and media hype. Appendixes include a glossary and lists of recommended magazines, Web sites, and books. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
This book is the best thing for kids since peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were invented. It is illustrated, amusing, and fun to read even for adults. It's a complete short course in how to think, and how not to be fooled. Its advice applies to evaluating advertising, pseudoscientic claims, and what your teachers tell you. Hey, kids! Grownups can be wrong! Kids are encouraged not to accept everything they hear at face value; it is empowering to kids to know that they can use their own "baloney detectors." BUY IT! For your children, your grandchildren, to donate to the nearest school or library, or to read for yourself. Comment | | (Report this)