All of these books offer quirky science facts in a light hearted manner. Each is arranged in short, manageable sections, so can be picked up and enjoyed for just a few minutes, however, it is likely that once picked up, these books will be hard to put down.
These are the kind of books which a teenager will read, and will then recount anecdotes from to their friends for months to come.
These books have 'cool factor' and 'geek factor' combined!
Elephants on Acid and Other Bizarre Experiments, Alex Boesse.
This book made me laugh, cringe and ponder in almost equal measures!
The title in itself hints at the peculiarities of the experiments and studies described. The book is split into ten chapters, each of which follows a theme, with an introductory passage followed by details of several experiments or studies relating to that theme, each taking up only a few pages. Covering a range of topics including medicine, psychology, reproduction, bathroom habits and death, this book is not appropriate for younger readers, but does not contain any graphic descriptions which a teenager with prior knowledge of the human life cycle would find disturbing.
Every page is a revelation, with the science behind the sometimes ill-conceived, and sometimes very revealing (if not particularly world-changing) studies well explained.
After more than 30 years of reading about, studying, and teaching science, this book taught me things I didn't know, and inspired me to share a new found enthusiasm with my students.
Ig Nobel Prizes, Marc Abrahams.
The Nobel Prizes are perhaps the most well known, and most revered of scientific awards.
The Ig Nobel prizes are less well known, yet are recognised by genuine Nobel Lauriates, who are invited to present the awards. The sub-title for this book is "Achievements that make you laugh - then make you think". This sums up the ethos of this book, and the awards ceremonies which it documents.
Again, this book is not suitable for younger readers, as some of the content refers to human sexual reproduction (although not in a sensationalised way), however accounts such as the award for literature on the subject of "Farting as a defence against unspeakable dread" are almost certain to capture the teenage imagination.
Marc Abrahams also edits the Annals of Improbable Research, and runs the website www.improbable.com
Does Anything Eat Wasps? and 101 other questions, New Scientist.
This is just one of a series of books based on the questions sent to New Scientist magazine's 'The Last Word' column.
This series of books provides answers to the questions posed by readers of the magazine. The answers are submitted by other readers, and are added to by the editors of the magazine, who offer insights as to the validity of the responses. As is the case with all good scientific journals, no answer is offered as a definitive solution to the question posed. Evidence is presented, and theories are put forward, but other views are welcomed. This is the nature of peer reviewed science in action.
Again, this book is split into themed sections, each with an introduction followed by the interesting questions posed, and their entertaining and informative answers. Within the first section – Our Bodies – questions which are addressed include: why we have eyebrows, how to weigh your own head, and what affects the colour of ear wax.
Each section is as entertaining as the last, and the book is written in an informal, witty and fast-paced way which the majority of teenagers will appreciate and enjoy.
Sources
Pan Macmillan Elephants on Acid
Orion Books Ig Nobel Prizes
Profile Books Does Anything Eat Wasps?
Vicki Dennison - Vicki has a Ph.D, is a qualified Science teacher, and has a passion for inspiring young people.
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