The Science of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials
His Dark Materials Series
What’s inside...
Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy is renowned for its mystery and magic. What's the truth behind it all? Is the golden compass actually based in science? How does the subtle knife cut through anything? Could there be a bomb like the one made with Lyra's hair? How do the Gallivespians' lodestone resonators really work? And, of course, what are the Dark Materials? Drawing on string theory and spacetime, quantum physics and chaos theory, award-winning science writers Mary and John Gribbin reveal the real science behind Philip Pullman's bestselling fantasy trilogy in entertaining and crystal-clear prose.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-15
Length
203 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the concept of Dust in the series affects the characters' decisions?
What similarities and differences can you find between our world and the worlds in the book?
Can you think of any scientific theories that might explain some of the phenomena described in His Dark Materials?
How does the relationship between humans and daemons in the book reflect real-life relationships between people and their pets or loved ones?
If you could have your own daemon, what form do you think it would take and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes to set a comfortable tone for the discussion.
Encourage your child to reflect on the characters’ emotions and decisions, relating them to their own experiences.
Use comparisons between the fictional science in the book and real-world science to spark curiosity and critical thinking.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios within the story, enhancing their creativity and understanding of the narrative structure.
Listen actively and validate their opinions, showing that their thoughts are valued and important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book encourages readers to analyze and question the complexities of the world around them, much like the protagonists do in their adventurous journey.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach problems thoughtfully and explore solutions in various aspects of life, fostering an inquisitive mind.
Example Lesson: The value of courage and resilience
Explanation: Characters in the story often face difficult choices and dangerous situations, showing bravery and persistence against the odds.
Real-World Application: Instills the importance of courage in adversity and the ability to recover from setbacks, encouraging children to face challenges head-on.
Example Lesson: Moral integrity
Explanation: Characters are faced with ethical dilemmas and are tasked with making the right choices, highlighting the importance of moral integrity.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to uphold their values and make ethical decisions despite external pressures and temptations.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and collaboration
Explanation: The protagonists rely on their friends and allies to navigate their challenges, emphasizing the strength of teamwork and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value their peers and work collaboratively in group settings, be it in school or during play.
Example Lesson: Empathy and respect for difference
Explanation: The narrative showcases a diverse array of creatures and cultures, fostering an understanding and respect for differences.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop empathy and an appreciation for diversity in their everyday interactions and global understanding.