Ask Slashdot: Science Books For Middle School Enrichment?

new submitter heybiff writes "It is the time of year where students are scrambling for extra credit assignments to boost grades. As a middle school science teacher, I want to accommodate them, while still keeping science involved; and book reports are a popular activity in my school. Unfortunately, I have only been able to come up with a short list of science related books that a 11-14 year old would or could read in their free time: Ender's Game, Hitchhiker's Guide. What books would you recommend as a good read for an extra credit book report, that would still involve a strong science twist or inspire a student's interest in science? The book must be in print, science related, fiction or non-fiction, and not be overtly objectionable or outright banned. I look forward to the submissions." "Outright banned" actually seems a rich vein on which to draw; note that not even Ender's Game is safe.

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!

[simon_clarkstone]

As a younger geek, I loved reading Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! [wikipedia.org] It would be a good intro to his other more-scientific works too.

Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything

[mongoose(!no)]

It's really fascinating, and puts some historical context to the ideas they've been learning about. It's also written at a level to be accessible, but not dumbed down.

Microbe Hunters, also Karl Kruszelnicki

[Anonymous Coward]

Microbe Hunters by Paul de Kruif is a classic: http://www.amazon.com/Microbe-Hunters-Paul-Kruif/dp/0156027771. It tells the story of the beginnings of microbiology by telling the stories of the researchers (the "Microbe Hunters") who made the most important discoveries. The text is very accessible, with the scientists' stories dramatized in an exciting way. I think it should be OK for a middle school reader.

Apart from that, when I was that age I enjoyed books by Australian science writer Karl Kruszelnicki.

Re:IMHO

[ShanghaiBill]

Any of Asimov's robot books (most asimov really) make for excellent sci-fi intro books.

These books, and other sci-fi books, would be fine for extra credit in a literature class, but they are inappropriate for extra credit in a science class. Science is about facts, not fiction. But Asimov is appropriate. When I was a teenager I read dozens of his non-fiction books. I remember sitting in the back of my 10th grade biology class reading Asimov's The Wellsprings of Life [amazon.com]. That was the moment that biology "clicked" and I understood the genetic code, how "codons" worked, and it all made sense. I looked up at the teacher droning on, and wondered why they didn't just have everyone read this book.

Open research

[jbeaupre]

My wife teaches advanced middle school science (7th and 8th). She rarely assigns or recommends reading material. She gives them subjects and turns them loose. This week it is to create egg-drop protection devices and create periodic table/fictional character trading cards. Here are some areas that she's seen the kids go crazy doing their own research:

1) Pick a genetic disease. Explain the symptoms, the mechanisms, and how is it genetically inherited. Unspoken is "Try to outdo your classmates."

2) Your town has a billion dollars and wants to build a nuclear power station. You've been asked to recommend what kind. Give a recommendation with evidence to support safety, reliability, fuel cycle handling, economics, probability of success, etc.

3) GMO's, stem cell research, nuclear power, global warming (etc, etc). Pick one of these controversial topics, research it, talk to your family, and come up with an opinion (for or against). Now write a letter to a government official explaining, with scientific rational, why they should make the policy decisions you believe are correct. My wife refuses to discuss her opinions on any of these topics to avoid biasing their opinions.

The last two were particularly powerful. Kids were amazed they were allowed to have an opinion. And she began doing these before teaching advanced science. She rigged classroom assignments to get all the special ed kids because she thinks they are more fun. She often had double the number allowed by state law, but her kids were outscoring other classes. Stats got noticed and advanced science classes were born.

Yes, I'm proud of my wife. And never prouder than the day she had to go to the emergency room for blowing up the lab! Epic!