Dawkins new book “The Magic of Reality” is a science book geared to children of varying ages. I have not read it myself so I can’t evaluate it for this purpose but it may be worth looking into.
I’d recommend a chemistry set but unfortunately many modern chemistry sets contain little more than colored water. (This is only partially hyperbole.)
Potential concern: carrying a book with “Richard Dawkins” written on the front in big letters into a school where most of the teachers are overtly religious is not a recipe for success. Trust me on this.
That said, it’s getting very positive reviews and Dawkins is a pretty good writer in general.
I am personally interested in Dawkins’ book, however my parents are also fairly religious and so I think it is already a stretch for them to foster my sister’s interest in science. I was frankly surprised when they asked me for ideas for good science gifts. I think Dawkins’ book might be pushing the envelope too far with them and would rather pick my battles more wisely.
I’d recommend a chemistry set but unfortunately many modern chemistry sets contain little more than colored water. (This is only partially hyperbole.)
Many do. Some are significantly better. Look for reviews. About the only type of chemistry that’s going to be available in those sets is single substitution (color change) reactions, but it was a fun start for me at that age.
Dawkins new book “The Magic of Reality” is a science book geared to children of varying ages. I have not read it myself so I can’t evaluate it for this purpose but it may be worth looking into.
I’d recommend a chemistry set but unfortunately many modern chemistry sets contain little more than colored water. (This is only partially hyperbole.)
Potential concern: carrying a book with “Richard Dawkins” written on the front in big letters into a school where most of the teachers are overtly religious is not a recipe for success. Trust me on this.
That said, it’s getting very positive reviews and Dawkins is a pretty good writer in general.
I am personally interested in Dawkins’ book, however my parents are also fairly religious and so I think it is already a stretch for them to foster my sister’s interest in science. I was frankly surprised when they asked me for ideas for good science gifts. I think Dawkins’ book might be pushing the envelope too far with them and would rather pick my battles more wisely.
Many do. Some are significantly better. Look for reviews. About the only type of chemistry that’s going to be available in those sets is single substitution (color change) reactions, but it was a fun start for me at that age.