Thom reviewed Eureka! by Chad Orzel
Review of 'Eureka!' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
A collection of scientific discoveries demonstrating observational science - look to see what is happening, think of a theory that proves and predicts, test that theory with more predictions, then share your theory with others for clarification and critique. Will following this method win you a Nobel? Probably not, but it will help you understand how science led to the knowledge we have today.
Other reviewers seem to think this is about specific scientific discoveries, comparing it to the quick summaries given in high school science texts. Instead, this book is about thinking like a scientist, applying the scientific method, with examples drawn from history AND the current day. Chapters have both humor and extensive footnotes.
The other focus is Look / Think / Test / Tell, a way of describing how all reputable scientists back up observations and discoveries with duplication and publication. For the rest of us, this …
A collection of scientific discoveries demonstrating observational science - look to see what is happening, think of a theory that proves and predicts, test that theory with more predictions, then share your theory with others for clarification and critique. Will following this method win you a Nobel? Probably not, but it will help you understand how science led to the knowledge we have today.
Other reviewers seem to think this is about specific scientific discoveries, comparing it to the quick summaries given in high school science texts. Instead, this book is about thinking like a scientist, applying the scientific method, with examples drawn from history AND the current day. Chapters have both humor and extensive footnotes.
The other focus is Look / Think / Test / Tell, a way of describing how all reputable scientists back up observations and discoveries with duplication and publication. For the rest of us, this can be an easy way to avoid being fooled by Cold Fusion or Alien DNA - if it can't be duplicated and there are very few published papers (if any), then it is probably bunk.
Was it 5 star? No, but definitely way above average. I'd like to see more science education among the peoples of the world, especially in some developed countries that seem to be backsliding at the moment. As some other reviews show, this might not be the best book to reach them.