Developing higher-level thinking skills should be commonplace in the curriculum now and this book does provide a way of doing that, it might even lead to students making up their own mysteries for their classmates to solve. I would recommend this book to teachers of years 5, 6 or 7. (The Association for Science Education)
One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! is a wonderful resource for teachers who want to provide real-life math problems for their students. Each story problem is conveyed in a one-page format that asks the reader to draw a conclusion. The stories provide an insightful look into how math can be applied in the real world. Problems include discovering how much it would cost to either replace a book at the library or pay the late fees; the score you would need to win a gymnastics meet; and how to modify a recipe to accommodate a large group of people. Bonus sections include five extra math mysteries and five science mysteries. Most of the problems require higher-order thinking and may be difficult for students to complete independently. My sixth-grade classes worked in small groups with this book, which helped the students work toward a solution. Some of the stories are slightly fanciful, but they are completely math based and do not lend themselves to giving students the answer. I believe that the book would have been more coherent and beneficial for teachers if the stories had been better organized. Rather than arranged by story line, the stories could have been organized by concept (i.e., algebraic reasoning, geometry, probability, and so on). Overall this book can provide intriguing, useful, and challenging problems for a variety of students. (Jennifer G. Martin)
Encouraging critical thinking skills, it teaches children to think quickly and scientifically. One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! is a highly recommended purchase for science teachers who want to introduce a bit of extra fun into the classroom. (Willis B. Buhle, Reviewer Buhle's Bookshelf)
Conundrums, puzzles and enigmas! The scientific approach prevails overall. One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! turns us into sleuth hounds. If only textbooks were such fun! (April Holladay, Author of Globe and Mail's online science column, WonderQuest)
One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! turns kids into scientists! Each of these clever stories sets up a mystery that can be solved using a bit of creative analytical reasoning. Stimulating and great fun for the whole family! (Katrina L. Kelner, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of Life Sciences Science)
Parents and kids alike will be challenged by these stimulating, real-world science mysteries. One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! is a great way to grow a young scientist—or improve an old one! This book belongs in every school and every home. (Julie Edmonds, Co-Director, Carnegie Academy for Science Education)
Everyone loves a mystery! The father-daughter team behind One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! have done a wonderful job writing stories that draw in curious young people... and show them that science can answer many of life’s mysteries! (Patricia Sievert, MS, Physics and Physics Education, Northern Illinois University)
A wonderful novel way to get kids happily engaged in problem-solving. It not only teaches kids about science, but also demonstrates how to use science in everyday life. Relevant, real-life examples make One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! a great read for kids…and adults! (Marina Moses, Dr. PH, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services)
These clever little science-based mysteries will have a myriad of uses. I see them as the perfect solution for stimulating kids on car journeys by really getting them to use their intellect. (Kathleen Karr, Author of Born for Adventure and Agatha Award-winning The 7th Knot)
Like potato chips, one isn’t enough—with One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! you’ll just want to read more: These one-minute science mysteries are fun treats for readers that will sharpen their powers of observation and improve their reasoning abilities. (Brenda Seabrooke, Author of Award-Winning The Haunting of Swain's Fancy)
