Ask Uncle Albert
#3 in Uncle Albert Series
on Goodreads (24)
What’s inside...
Ask Uncle Albert: 100 1/2 Tricky Science Questions, written by physicist Russell Stannard, is a book that addresses a wide array of perplexing science questions posed by children in their own words. Topics covered include space travel, planets, black holes, rainbows, volcanoes, and clouds among others. The book includes simple explanations in easy-to-understand language, illustrations, quiz questions, and even a half question that readers must discover by reading the book. Praised for its clarity and child-friendly answers, this book serves as an invaluable resource for any child interested in science and provides relief to parents looking for answers to challenging questions.
Character compass
Uncle Albert
Discussion points
What do you think Uncle Albert would say if he had to explain how a rainbow is formed?
If you could ask Uncle Albert any science question, what would it be and why?
How do you think exploring science helps us understand the world better?
Can you think of any experiment we can do at home similar to what Uncle Albert discusses in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, listen actively to your child's thoughts and questions, showing genuine interest in their curiosity.
Encourage your child to relate the scientific concepts in the book with real-life observations or conduct simple experiments to deepen understanding.
Use the book as a springboard to explore other scientific topics or books, showing that learning is an exciting, ongoing process.
Highlight the fun aspects of science as portrayed by Uncle Albert, making the subject approachable and enjoyable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity leads to discovery
Explanation: In 'Ask Uncle Albert', the protagonist's endless questions about the universe encourage young readers to explore science and physics.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to ask questions about the world around them, enhancing their understanding and fostering a love for learning.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The book presents complex scientific concepts in an accessible way, pushing children to think critically and engage in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to evaluate information, reason logically, and make informed decisions both in academic settings and daily life.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: The ongoing dialogue between the niece and Uncle Albert highlights the value of clear communication and exchange of ideas.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to articulate their thoughts and actively participate in conversations which is vital for their social development.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite the complexity of the topics, the niece’s perseverance in seeking answers exemplifies the importance of persistence in learning.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of resilience and determination in overcoming challenges in their educational journey.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The book encourages children to think imaginatively about the universe, blending scientific facts with creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This fosters creativity, helping children to not only solve problems but also think innovatively and envision broader possibilities in their world.