Suffering Scientists
#3 in Horrible Science (#Special) Series
on Goodreads (320)
What’s inside...
From amazing Aristotle, to dithering Darwin, to incredible Isaac, and courageous Curie - they're all in Suffering Scientists! The Horrible Science guide to the most influential scientists in history. Readers will discover brilliant breakthroughs, explosive experiments - and some feeble failures. They will find out what made Albert Einstein forget where he lived, which female scientist was chopped up into tiny pieces and why Galileo did a torturous stretch on the rack. With fantastic fact files, curious quizzes and Tony De Saulles' crazy cartoon illustrations - science has never been so horrible!
Discussion points
What do you think prompted the scientists in the book to keep experimenting despite facing challenges?
How did the different scientists help each other overcome obstacles in their research?
Which scientist did you find most inspiring and why?
What have you learned about perseverance and creativity from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions about the characters and their actions, validating their thoughts and feelings.
Highlight the significance of perseverance and teamwork demonstrated by the scientists in the book to reinforce these values.
After reading, connect the themes of the book to everyday situations your child might encounter, helping them apply the lessons learned.
Ask your child to imagine being a scientist and discuss what kind of experiments they would like to conduct, nurturing their curiosity and creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence in the face of challenges
Explanation: In 'Suffering Scientists,' various historical figures encounter numerous scientific challenges yet continue to strive for knowledge and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their homework or learning new skills persistently, despite difficulties or initial failures.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the joy of discovery
Explanation: The book showcases scientists whose curiosity led them to discover new concepts and ideas, sparking excitement and wonder.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to ask questions, explore their environment, and learn actively, fostering a lifelong love for knowledge.
Example Lesson: Importance of critical thinking
Explanation: Through the examples of scientists who questioned established norms and theories, children see the value of forming their own informed opinions.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to think critically about the information they receive at school or in the media, cultivating informed individuals.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The book illustrates how even prominent scientists made errors in their work but used these mistakes as learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that mistakes are not failures but opportunities for growth and improvement.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Historical figures in the book often face skepticism and rejection, yet they persist in their scientific endeavors, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be resilient in their personal pursuits, whether in academics, sports, or relationships.