Ask a Science Teacher: 250 Answers to Questions You've Always Had About How Everyday Stuff Really Works

by Larry Scheckel

Overview

Fun and fascinating Q&As on topics from astronomy to zoology: “A treasure.” —Library Journal

We’ve all grown so used to living in a world filled with wonders that we sometimes forget to wonder about them: What creates the wind? Do fish sleep? Why do we blink? All too often, the explanations remain shrouded in mystery—or behind a haze of technical language. For kids of all ages—or those of us who should have raised our hands in science class but didn’t—Larry Scheckel comes to the rescue. An award-winning science teacher and longtime columnist for his local newspaper, Scheckel is a master explainer with a trove of knowledge. Just ask the students and devoted readers who’ve spent years trying to stump him!

In Ask a Science Teacher, Scheckel collects 250 of his favorite Q&As and provides refreshingly uncomplicated explanations. You’ll learn how planes really fly, why the Earth is round, how microwaves heat food, and much more on topics including: The Human Body * Earth Science * Astronomy * Chemistry * Physics * Technology * Zoology * Music and conundrums that don’t fit into any category

“For any curious minded reader—young or old.” —Publishers Weekly

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781615191796
Publisher:	The Experiment
Publication date:	04/30/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	369
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Larry Scheckel taught high school-level physics and aerospace science for over 38 years. He was named Tomah (Wisconsin) Teacher of the Year three times, and Presidential Awardee at the state level for six years. Scheckel has authored articles for The Science Teacher magazine and The Physics Teacher magazine, and for a number of years has answered science-related questions in the twice-weekly Tomah Times, out of which this book grew.

Scheckel has been a Science Olympiad coach, robotics mentor, organized star gazing sessions, and given orientation flights to students, and he has given presentations to thousands of adults and students in such venues as Children's Museums, Boys and Girls Clubs, Rotary, and conventions.He lives with his wife in Tomah, Wisconsin.

Editorial Reviews

12/02/2013
Award-winning science teacher Scheckel has been answering high schooler's questions for over 38 years. In his first book, he offers explanations to 250 of his favorite of these questions. Scheckel explains for instance why school buses don't have seat belts and how glow-in-the-dark objects work, as well as more science-based questions such as why carbon monoxide doesn't have a smell or why blood is red. The selections may not approach the complexity of a scholarly journal article, but everyday wonderings are ably handled. He steadfastly avoids any controversy by admitting there are certain questions he doesn't have answers to, and telling readers, for example, that vision is "one of God's greatest gifts." Neither does Scheckel confirm or dismiss the idea that there is life on other planets, that we have extrasensory perception, or that people can spontaneously combust. This book will work as a great gift for any curious minded reader—young or old. 21 illus. (Dec.)

Publishers Weekly

Providing exactly what the title promises, this is a treasure . . . it’s great for reading to kids of all ages. . . . [T]his is a steal at any price. Engaging, informative, and brightly written, the book will find a grateful, interested readership.”
—Library Journal

“A great gift for any curious minded reader—young or old.”
—Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher