Albert Einstein and Relativity for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities and Thought Experiments

by Jerome Pohlen

Overview

2012 VOYA Nonfiction Honor List Selection

Best known for his general theory of relativity and the famous equation linking mass and energy, E = mc², Albert Einstein had a lasting impact on the world of science, the extent of which is illuminated—along with his fascinating life and unique personality—in this lively history. In addition to learning all about Einstein’s important contributions to science, from proving the existence and size of atoms and launching the field of quantum mechanics to creating models of the universe that led to the discovery of black holes and the big bang theory, young physicists will participate in activities and thought experiments to bring his theories and ideas to life. Such activities include using dominoes to model a nuclear chain reaction, replicating the expanding universe in a microwave oven, creating blue skies and red sunsets in a soda bottle, and calculating the speed of light using a melted chocolate bar. Suggestions for further study, a time line, and sidebars on the work of other physicists of the day make this an incredibly accessible resource for inquisitive children.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613740286
Publisher:	Chicago Review Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	10/01/2012
Series:	Chicago Review Press For Kids Series , #45
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	632,002
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	1020L (what's this?)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Jerome Pohlen is a former elementary school science teacher, an engineer, an editor, and the author of a dozen award-winning science kits, including Famous Experiments, Microscopic World, and Wild Weather. He lives in Chicago.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Motivated readers will be rewarded with a better understanding of the theories behind the science used today" — School Library Journal

"Pohlen provides clear explanations, filled with readily graspable analogies, and often walks readers, step by step, through Einstein’s own thought experiments... A great resource for curious kids ages 9 and up, who might not otherwise have access to this topic."—Home Education Magazine

"I thoroughly enjoyed the effective melding of anecdotes, life history, and scientific achievements."  —National Science Teachers Association (NSTA.org)

"A great introduction to a man and an equation that are usually considered advanced fare—but are central to everybody's way of life." — GeekDad

"An incredibly accessible resource for inquisitive children," and "a must for Science Teachers." —Science Project Ideas for Kids

"What I love about this book is...everything! It's fascinating, informative and essential, plus curious kids will love and understand it" — Good Reads with Ronna

"You'll find plenty of material in this fascinating book to challenge and pique your imagination." —Bookloons.com

"I wish that something like this was around to help me out back when I was in school!" — Concert Katie

Editorial Reviews

"Motivated readers will be rewarded with a better understanding of the theories behind the science used today."  —School Library Journal


"Pohlen provides clear explanations, filled with readily graspable analogies, and often walks readers, step by step, through Einstein’s own thought experiments . . . A great resource for curious kids ages 9 and up, who might not otherwise have access to this topic."  —Home Education Magazine



"I thoroughly enjoyed the effective melding of anecdotes, life history, and scientific achievements."  —National Science Teachers Association



"A great introduction to a man and an equation that are usually considered advanced fare—but are central to everybody's way of life."  —GeekDad



"An incredibly accessible resource for inquisitive children," and "a must for Science Teachers."  —Science Project Ideas for Kids



"What I love about this book is . . . everything! It's fascinating, informative and essential, plus curious kids will love and understand it."  —Good Reads with Ronna



"You'll find plenty of material in this fascinating book to challenge and pique your imagination."  —BookLoons



"I wish that something like this was around to help me out back when I was in school!"  —Concert Katie

From the Publisher

Gr 5–10—This hands-on biography includes the science, politics, and people that surrounded the most famous scientist of the 20th century. The opening note explains Einstein's strategy of thinking through or imagining the solution to a problem. "Thought exercises" are then woven into the chapters dealing with his achievements, leading readers through the same process he took. Each of his discoveries, including the Theories of Relativity both special and general, is covered in some detail without delving into the mathematics behind it. A brief review of the principles covered in the scientific chapters is provided in "What You've Learned…" insets. Einstein's role in the development of the atomic bomb is included along with an explanation of how nuclear fission works. His humanitarian efforts, including his regret at being the instigator behind the bomb are described along with his marriages, his relationships with his children, his eccentricities, and his scientific shortcomings. A variety of simple hands-on activities is included to demonstrate a principle or emphasize a point of interest. Additional insets include biographies of the physicist's contemporaries as well as background information on significant aspects of Einstein's or other scientists' work. Archival photos are used generously. An opening time line and a final list of relevant websites and museums round out the title. While there is a discrepancy between the sophistication of some of the activities and the book's primary audience, motivated readers will be rewarded with a better understanding of the theories behind the science used today.—Carol S. Surges, Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI

School Library Journal