Two Truths and a Lie: Forces of Nature
#3 of 3 in Two Truths and a Lie Series
on Goodreads (47)
What’s inside...
Crazy-but-true stories about the natural world make this acclaimed nonfiction series perfect for fans of curiosities and wonders—and anyone looking to explore ways to separate fact from fiction. This nonfiction chapter book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 7 to 9 who are reading independently. Did you know that too many fidget spinners spinning in the same direction could have an adverse effect on Earth’s gravitational field? Or that the remains of a deceased loved one can be turned into a diamond? Or that the loudest known sound in history was made by a volcanic eruption in 1883, with the echoing blast circling the planet more than three times? Welcome to Two Truths and a Forces of Nature! You’ve heard of the game where two statements are true and one is a lie. Every story in this book is strange and astounding, but one out of every three is an outright lie. Picking out the fakes isn’t as easy as you think, however. Some false stories are based on truth, and some of the true stories are just plain unbelievable. Don’t be fooled by the photos that accompany each story—it’s going to take all your smarts and some clever research to ferret out the truth. From a man who gave himself an appendectomy to radio signals from other planets to eagles that have been trained to take out spy drones, the stories in this third installment in the Two Truths and a Lie series will amaze you! Just don’t believe everything you read.
Discussion points
What fact about nature surprised you the most and why?
Can you think of a time when you experienced one of the natural forces discussed in the book? What was it like?
Which 'lie' did you believe at first and what helped you discover the truth?
How do you think understanding these natural forces can help us protect our planet?
If you could ask a scientist any question about nature, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster an enriching discussion, start by sharing your own thoughts or a personal story related to one of the book’s topics. This can make the conversation feel more relatable. Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to guess which facts might be the 'lie' before revealing the truth, and discuss the reasons behind their guesses. Lastly, praise their curiosity and efforts to discern truths, which boosts confidence and promotes a love for learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and discernment
Explanation: In 'Two Truths and a Lie: Forces of Nature,' readers navigate through a mix of factual and fictional statements about the natural world, which encourages them to differentiate between the two.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children question and analyze the information they encounter daily, be it in news, on social media, or from peers, enabling them to make informed decisions.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: The book presents intriguing facts about natural phenomena, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the environment.
Real-World Application: Promoting environmental stewardship from an early age, children will be more inclined to participate in conservation efforts and respect their natural surroundings.
Example Lesson: Research skills
Explanation: By challenging readers to verify which stories are true, the book implicitly teaches research methodologies and the importance of consulting reliable sources.
Real-World Application: These research skills are transferable to academic settings, enhancing their ability to compile and understand diverse educational materials.
Example Lesson: Reading comprehension
Explanation: The interactive format of assessing truths versus lies sharpens readers' attention to detail and enhances their overall reading comprehension.
Real-World Application: Improved reading comprehension aids in all subjects in school, helping children better absorb and interpret information, which is crucial for academic success.
Example Lesson: Importance of fact-checking
Explanation: The book underscores the importance of verifying information before accepting it as true, using the engaging theme of natural forces.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of skepticism and verification, which can protect them from misinformation and foster a habit of informed skepticism.