Reviewed by Susan Behrens
Professor
This book, aimed 9+ readers, is about a man, his physics, and activities—brought together to provide a lot of science fun. It starts with a timeline of Newton’s life, establishing the theme that biography, science, and historical changes are all connected. This is an ideal way to begin to discuss science in the context of society.
The introductory chapter begins with Newton at about the age of the reader, hating to do his farming chores and instead daring to ask questions. Then we get the sentence, “There was a lot to admire about him—and much to despise.” He was “isolated, snobbish, and jealous” with a “bitter attitude.” Thus, science is set in a personal as well as a political, religious, and cultural context.
In Newton's time the Church’s authority was being challenged, and Newton wanted to connect the “up there” with the “down here,” thus establishing himself as a natural philosopher (today's scientist). He wasn't especially likeable; he was secretive and feuded with rivals. However, at age 18 or 19, he did list all his sins in a notebook as a way to cleanse his soul. (We are given the list, with 49 items on it!)
The book intersperses biography, science, and historical facts. We learn the social hierarchy of Cambridge students. (Newton was at the bottom.) We also learn historical facts—that Henry VIII founded Trinity College at Cambridge (and why); a bit about the English spelling system at the time; and, more importantly, about the authority of the Church and those who questioned that authority. To explain why Newton spent two years back home, away from Cambridge, we learn about the Black Plague (and that during that time, he sat under apple trees and watched fruit fall). Thus, not all “asides” in this book are equal.
The author does not shy away from discussing the intersections of science and religion. At Trinity College, most students studied theology; further, all professors were required to eventually become priests in the Church of England. We read about Newton’s views clashing with church dogma, as well as with those of most of his professors. King Charles II actually made an exception for Newton, and his position, The Lucasian Chair, was exempt from the priesthood requirement.
The book has attractive graphics, including sepia-toned sidebars. We see sketches of Cambridge around the time Newton would have been a student, the rulers of the day, and other scientists who influenced Newton. Every so often, in the margin of the book, there is a picture of a statue of Newton or a coin or postage stamp with his image. While the prose itself is somewhat linear, readers used to visual busyness will enjoy these detours, and they add to the attractiveness of the book.
The language hits the right tone for the intended audience, not relying on simple syntax but telling the story at an engaging pace. At times it was easy to forget that the book is “for kids,” but then I’d get to the name Rene Descartes and see (day-KART) as a pronunciation guide, or Euclid with the guide (YEW-klid). The author addresses the inequity of educational opportunities in several early comments about girls, and, in an aside, she makes sure her illustrations include both boys and girls carrying out the activities.
The 21 activities allow readers to identify with a young Newton and see that the everyday that we take for granted is wondrous and can be measured and observed in new ways. The first activity invites readers to make a notebook the way Newton did. Rather than suggest purchasing a notebook, the author has students follow in Newton’s footsteps and create a notebook from “waste paper.” Later, they make their own ink from boiled walnut shells. The activities always allow for the sense of what Newton would have done, using (mostly) materials that were available in the 17th century. Activities include making a prism and waterwheel, creating optical illusions, dabbling in alchemy, and creating one's own “plague mask.” Not all activities are especially science-oriented. One has readers baking an apple “pye” and another translating an alchemist’s poem into 21st century English.
A note of worry, however: While I was reading the “make your own ink” activity, which is prefaced with the small note “adult supervision required,” I pictured some eager 9 year old boiling shells, draining them, and causing a mess. Then I read at the end of the instructions, “BEWARE: This ink will stain your fingers and clothes. Be careful when you use it!” The image in my head got even more alarming. A later activity directing readers how to make a candle, and a water clock involves matches. We still get the supervision notice, but there is no BEWARE, which I think is even more necessary than warning us about stained fingers. (At least the Create Your Own Optical Illusion activity says in no uncertain terms “No one should ever look at the Sun.”) A weakness to this book is its vagueness about where all these activities should take place. Reader seem to be on their own (except for that small supervision advisory). I know that the idea is to replicate Newton’s work conditions, but the safety provisions should be stronger.
The book ends with a helpful list of resources, specifically books and websites. A glossary would have been a worthwhile inclusion, but perhaps readers could create their own glossary as they go along. Whether the book is used by parents or teachers, readers will indeed learn about Newton the man and many clearly explained principles of light, gravity, and motion; and they will engage in experiential learning as well. Finally, they will have their waste paper notebooks to record the journey.
Review posted on 10/13/2009
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