The Greatest Science Stories Never Told: 100 tales of Invention and Discovery to Astonish, Bewilder, & Stupify
By Rick Beyer
9780061686968
Beyer, R. 2009. The greatest science stories never told: 100 tales of invention and discovery to astonish, bewilder, and stupefy. NY: HarperCollins.
Summary
Brought to us by the network that continually surprises us with history facts comes a book that reveals many facts about science (invention, anatomy, space, electricity, etc.) that are surprising. The book is organized by year, from 265 BC to 2004, with each fact written as a small narrative illustrated by related photographs and drawings.
Quantitative Summary:
Readability Formula Grade
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 5.2
Gunning-Fog Score 8.8
Coleman-Liau Index 11.1
SMOG Index 6.4
Automated Readability Index 4.6
Average Grade Level 7.2
(http://readability-score.com)
Qualitative Summary:
This is one of those books that inspires further research through brief encounters with very interesting non-fictional narratives. It spans the STEM discipline, with stories focusing heavily on inventors and inventing (Motorola music, telephones, vacuums to name a few), naturalists, anatomy, and outer space. It gives just enough information on each fact to inspire interest, but not enough to serve as a definitive reference source. The chronology is straightforward, with years written at the tops of the pages and going forward in time. There is no singular character to this book to follow, and the knowledge requirement is rather
Curriculum Ties
Great jump off points for high school papers on inventors and inventions.
Standards
MD CCSS
State Curriculum
Technology Ed 9-12
Indicator Statement:
Develop an understanding of the role of society in the development and use of technology. (ITEA, STL 6)
7
Objective(s):
Explain that throughout history, new technologies have resulted from the demands, values, and interests of individuals, businesses, and societies. (ITEA, STL 6-D)
Explain that the use of inventions and innovations has led to changes in society and the creation of new needs and wants. (ITEA, STL 6-E)
Explain that social and cultural priorities and values are reflected in technological devices. (ITEA, STL 6-F)
Explain that meeting societal expectations is the driving fore behind the acceptance and use of products and systems. (ITEA, STL 6-G)
Explain that social and cultural priorities and values are reflected in technological devices.
Identify historical examples of human innovation in the areas of food production, clothing, and self-defense.