Weird Science: Mad Marvels from the Way-Out World

Gr 6-8–In attempting to interest students in science, this book offers an unusual look at the quirkier aspects of biology, zoology, physics, and chemistry. The eight haphazardly organized chapters include material on topics such as two-headed dogs and cows, the Moon landing, Einstein’s brain, and Ted Williams’s head. Interesting and informative facts are mixed with conspiracy theories and rumors. The weird and gross factor of every topic is emphasized, and explanation is dumbed down with unnecessary side comments. Some factual errors erode the more valuable information presented: snails are not bugs, but mollusks, contrary to what is stated here. In discussing Premarin, the hormone replacement drug, the authors say that urine is taken from mares expecting “calves.” In discussing crop circles, the text mentions possible forgeries but the illustration accompanying it does not say if those shown are real or fake. Often there is confusion between the text and the photo captions, leading to possible misinformation. The illustrations include historical photographs, charts, and cartoons. Of limited use as an addition to science collections.–Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling,  NY