In the first part of this series, I'll provide my suggestions for things to:
Read: book suggestions, magazines, articles (on line and in print), etc.
Watch: TV, movies, web-based videos, etc
Visit: Exhibits, landmarks, places, locations, etc
Do: hands-on suggestions
Browse: recommended web-resources
TODAY:
Read: Elephants on Acid by Alex Boese
The author is a masters-level science historian, a writer, and creator of the museum of hoaxes. This book is a collection of bizarre and interesting experiments, presented in an easy-to-follow narrative. The title refers to a real 1962 experiment...but you'll have to read the book to know more!
http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/top/experiments/
Watch: TV: Head Games, on the Science Channel
This Whoopi Goldberg-produced science factoid gameshow is hosted by comedian Greg Proops. Although its just hitting its stride, I found it to be highly intertaining, addictive - and yes, informative. Three contestants (so far, none have been professional scientists) compete in video-led multiple choice rquestions, a recall round in which they need to remember tidbits from the previous videos, and then the top two contestants compete in the final round
http://science.discovery.com/tv/head-games/head-games.html
Visit: The Exploratorium, San Francisco CA
While I am loyal to my local science musuem in Boston, I find the Exploratorium to be the best I've visited in the world. Its unique combination of science and art, its interactive displays, and the agelessness of its content make it a must visit for everyone. Great gift store to boot!
http://www.exploratorium.edu/
Do: Try this experiment at home, or any of the others on Steve Spangler's site:
http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/how-to-make-a-folding-egg
Browse: A great resource for daily science headlines, either visit the site each day, or sign up for the daily email newsletter:
http://news.science360.gov/files/
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Michael Steinberg
doctorwascher
Paul Hinrichs
Mary Elizabeth Williams
Cary Tennis
Dave Cullen
Salon.com
Comments
The book about Elephants being on acid does sound interesting, however.
Oh, and I get al my science info (read: propaganda)from Scientific American, TYVM. I might check out that last site though.
Neat series though, I'm going to check in from time to time.
Hopefully you can do some couch-surfing of some science sites instead? ;)
That and Sagan was just fun to listen to.
Andy; Carl Sagan's books are a great read, too!
I did love his voice and his specials though! Insofar as my science reading goes, I enjoy Micheo Kaku (yes I misspelled that, I know), David Bohm, Steve Hawking and Douglass Adams.