Ask a Science Teacher: 250 Answers to Questions You Always Had About How Everyday Stuff Really Works

Award-winning science teacher Scheckel has been answering high schooler's questions for over 38 years. In his first book, he offers explanations to 250 of his favorite of these questions. Scheckel explains for instance why school buses don't have seat belts and how glow-in-the-dark objects work, as well as more science-based questions such as why carbon monoxide doesn't have a smell or why blood is red. The selections may not approach the complexity of a scholarly journal article, but everyday wonderings are ably handled. He steadfastly avoids any controversy by admitting there are certain questions he doesn't have answers to, and telling readers, for example, that vision is "one of God's greatest gifts." Neither does Scheckel confirm or dismiss the idea that there is life on other planets, that we have extrasensory perception, or that people can spontaneously combust. This book will work as a great gift for any curious minded reader%E2%80%94young or old. 21 illus. (Dec.)