Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions

Abbott’s satirical and fictional masterpiece serves as an introduction to the concept and examination of dimensions of space. The narrator, simply titled “A Square”, describes the two-dimensional world around him, before realising that other dimensions exist, and seeking to have adventures there. It is an extremely original and quirky, and a subtle commentary on Victorian society.

“Flatland: A Romance Of Many Dimensions” is a charming and stimulating novel, and is a surprising one hundred and thirty years old. It entertains while educating.

Format: Book (Paperback)

Abbott, Edwin A.. Flatland: A romance of many dimensions, New York : Dover Publications, c1952

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2855811-the-annotated-flatland

http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/3459028

The Philosophy Of Science

Professor Jeffrey L. Kasser lectures us on the philosophy of science, including what it is that actually makes science science, and why it is practical, and not merely abstract. He incorporates philosophers such as Quine, Kuhn, and Hempel into his argument, and talks about the huge variety of approaches that dominated the field over the 20^th century.

“The Philosophy of Science” is part of the Great Courses: History of Science series. It further solidifies an understanding of what science actually is.

Format: Audiobook

Kasser, Jeffrey L.. The philosophy of science, Virginia : The Teaching Company, 2006.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3210604-philosophy-of-science-science-mathematics

Science Wars: What Scientists Know and How They Know It

Professor Steven L. Goldman narrates this unique lecture as part of the Great Courses: History of Science series. He explores the concept of the “science wars”, which revolves around the idea that science is either an objective measure of reality or a provisional concept that can never be certain or universal. This particular lectures emphasises how scientists come to know what they know, and why their means of testing can be trusted.

“Science Wars: What Scientists Know And How They Know It” is part of a greater series. Whereas methods of scientific testing may be explained in other books, this one seeks to further examine why we use these tests and why they are reliable.

Format: Audiobook

Goldman, Steven L.. Science wars: What scientists know and how they know it, Virginia : The Teaching Company, 2006.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4437876-science-wars

Cosmos: A Personal Voyage

Sagan takes us on an engaging tour of the universe in the “Spaceship of the Imagination”, playing upon our curiousity and sense of wonder. Through sharp footage, eloquent narration, and ground breaking effects from the early 80s, he touches upon a variety of scientific subjects, such as evolution, artificial selection, mutation, the laws of motion, probes, and manned missions to other planets.

“Cosmos: A Personal Voyage” was a hugely significant milestone for scientific documentaries, and still holds up despite being thirty-four years old. It is a thirteen part series that will not only inaugurate scientific understanding, but will turn a curiousity of science into a passion.

Format: DVD

Cosmos: A personal voyage, United States : Public Broadcasting Network, 1980. (6 DVDs)

https://shop.abc.net.au/products/carl-sagans-cosmos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSxHZPoQ4JQ

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey

Tyson presents this adaption of the original Cosmos (A Personal Voyage), once again placing us in the “Spaceship of the Imagination” and relying upon our inner child and spirit of discovery. Old concepts are re-explored (evolution, artificial selection), while new ones, like a more solid exploration of global warming, are brought to life. The quality now firmly associated with the series, including expressive and articulate anecdotes and introductions, returns, aided by fantastic modern-day animation and cinematic, high-definition

“Cosmos: A Space Time Odyssey” was developed to restore the foundation of science to network television, and hopefully it has succeeded. Like its predecessor, it is told in thirteen parts, each as whimsical and charming as the original in inspiring wonder in its audience.

Format: DVD

Cosmos: A space time odyssey, United States : National Geographic Channel, 2014. (4 DVDs)

https://shop.abc.net.au/products/cosmos-spacetime-odyss-s1-4dvd

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFF2ECZ8m1A

DK's "Help Your Kids With Science"

DK presents this unique step-by-step guide to science to parents, so that they may either learn alongside their children, or better explain scientific concepts to them. With a spotlight on chemistry, biology, and physics, it presents both basic and complex concepts with straight-forward text, clear, bright graphics and child-friendly diagrams.

“Help Your Kids With Science” will certainly be as beneficial to adults as it is children. The highlight of the book is that it explains and illustrates ideas and laws well, without dumbing down the content or being inaccessible. The highlight of the book is brilliant glossary of key terms.

Format: Book (Paperback & Hardcover)

Brown, Carron (ed.). Help your kids with science, London ; New York : Dorling Kindersley, c2012.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15740943-help-your-kids-with-science

http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/165734980

Dawkin's "The Magic Of Reality"

Dawkins cuts through the supernatural and superstitious stories of origin and natural phenomena, replacing it with solid facts and truthful explanations using the magic of reality: science. This illustrated guide to the world around us is a treasure trove of information ranging from the beginning of the universe to why there are rainbows in the sky.

“The Magic Of Reality: How We Know What’s Really True” is a scientific compilation for children, but is so wonderfully poignant and well-orchestrated, with beautiful text and diagrams, that it would be a crime to leave it off a resource list for establishing scientific literacy.

Format: Book (Paperback & Hardcover)

Dawkins, Richard. The magic of reality, London : Bantam, 2011.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15732533-the-magic-of-reality

http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/154347969