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

Diane Swanson (Author), Warren Clark (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

"At one time cannibals in New Guinea believed they could absorb the skills and knowledge of their enemies by eating their brains."

Believe it or not, in the 1950s and 1960s competent scientists actually tested an "edible memory theory." Only through the time-honored tradition of scientists cross-checking one another's results did the theory get discarded.

Science is everywhere! It's astonishing to what extent it pervades our lives, influencing us on a daily basis. But there is a lot of faulty and phony research, and it's difficult for the public to discern what science is good and what is false or misleading. Nibbling on Einstein's Brain takes a fun yet informative look at the scientific facts that constantly bombard us.

How can we equip ourselves to better judge what is good and what is suspect? First we must examine how good science works. And don't worry, there is plenty of good science out there. You'll learn how to follow a "scientific method" for developing theories, designing research to test those theories, and analyzing the results in order to reach conclusions. You'll be amazed at how fascinating the process can be. Now go back: is the initial theory still sound? Good science is always checked and rechecked, both by the original scientist and by others in the field.

Plenty of tips are offered on how to be discerning when it comes to science. Chapters are organized into specific themes to help the reader become a skilled scientific watchdog:

Science Watch

21 "Baloney Busters" look at how science can go wrong (sometimes in hilarious ways). A checklist of things to watch for ends the chapter.

Media Watch

Since most of us rely on the media to learn about scientific advances, how can we tell when something is reliable? "Media Alerts" examine how reporting can confuse or misrepresent science. Tips on how to be a smart consumer of news and products are recapped in a final checklist.

Mind Watch

"Mind Traps" explore how the human mind -- your mind -- can muddle the science news you receive. There are hints on how to look critically at science research and how to doubt while still keeping an open mind. A mind-trap question checklist finishes things off.

The engaging text is perfectly geared to middle readers and is complemented by amusing illustrations and a lively design. Numerous sidebars throughout feature intriguing facts, examples of experiments, humorous tales, and provocative quotes from scientists, astronomers, and philosophers. Kids are encouraged to question the process of science so they can separate the good from the bad. A list of recommended books, magazines, and Internet sites as well as a glossary of terms complete this illuminating exploration of science and how it enters our everyday world.

(20020202)

Editorial Reviews

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 bad 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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Annick Press (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550376861
• ISBN-13: 978-1550376869
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,221,253 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #69 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Philosophy

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Lessons in Critical Thinking, October 24, 2002

By 

Harriet Hall (Puyallup, Wa USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nibbling on Einstein's Brain: The Good, the Bad and the Bogus in Science (Paperback)

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.