New books & media

Georgia’s Terrific, Colorific Experiment, Zoe Persico, Running Press Kids, 2019, $17.99

In this book aimed at elementary school students, budding scientist Georgia clashes with her family of artists when they urge her to get creative with her experiments. “Science is about proper calculations and not silly imaginative ideas!” she scolds them. But when Georgia hits a roadblock, she looks to a color wheel to inspire her next experiment. The book sends a lovely message about the value of both science and art, and Zoe Persico’s stunning illustrations enhance the appeal. —mb

Science Mom, Jenny Ballif, host, YouTube, 2016–present

Which things conduct electricity and why, how to build a strong math foundation, and what extraordinary properties water has are just a few of the topics tackled by molecular biologist Jenny Ballif on her YouTube channel Science Mom. According to Ballif, her inspiration sprang from the weekly science demonstrations she started doing for her son’s second-grade class. The kids began calling her “Science Mom” and the name stuck, she says. Aimed primarily at the elementary school level, the weekly videos are billed as “engaging science activities for kids of all ages.” —cc

Ologies, Alie Ward, , 2017–present

Humorist and science communicator Alie Ward sits down with a wide range of experts to talk about how they became obsessed with their subjects in this engaging interview podcast. Ward is a funny, high-energy host, and her interviews are detailed and accessible. Recent guests have included cryoseismologist Celeste Labedz, psychologist Joseph Ferrari, and neurobiologist Crystal Dilworth. —mb

Alien Oceans: The Search for Life in the Depths of Space, Kevin Peter Hand, Princeton U. Press, 2020, $27.95

“Perhaps we are the only ones…. Or perhaps we live in a universe teeming with life,” writes NASA planetary scientist Kevin Peter Hand. In his new book Alien Oceans, Hand provides an up-to-date look at the search for extraterrestrial life, based on the data gathered by not only robotic spacecraft and Earth-based telescopes but also the exploration of Earth’s oceans. He discusses how the ingredients previously thought necessary to sustain life have been revised and what the new Goldilocks requirements are. Instead of looking at inner-solar-system bodies like Mars, he says, the best candidates may lie farther from the Sun, such as the outer-solar-system moons Europa, Enceladus, and Titan. —cc

Science Vs, Wendy Zuckerman, host, Gimlet Media, 2016–present

In every episode of the podcast Science Vs, host Wendy Zuckerman talks to experts about the science behind a piece of common wisdom or something in the news. Past episodes include investigations into plastics in our oceans, the health effects of detoxes and cleanses, and whether red wine is really good for us. Recent episodes have focused on the science of detecting and fighting the novel coronavirus. Episodes run about 30 minutes long and are released weekly. —mb

Drilled: A True Crime Podcast about Climate Change, Amy Westervelt, host, Drilled News, 2020 (3rd season)

This fascinating and sobering podcast applies investigative journalism to fossil fuels and climate change. The third season, “The Mad Men of Climate Denial,” focuses on the ways fossil fuel companies have sought to influence media coverage of climate science. A particularly engaging two-part episode told the story of Mobil Oil PR man Herb Schmertz, who fought for First Amendment rights to be extended to corporations. Episodes are a fast-paced 20 minutes long; the third season concluded in March. —mb

Dangerous Earth: What We Wish We Knew about Volcanoes, Hurricanes, Climate Change, Earthquakes, and More, Ellen Prager, U. Chicago Press, 2020, $25.00

Gale-force winds, torrential rainfalls, catastrophic ground shaking, and searing flows of molten rock are just a few examples of natural phenomena that can be devastating for nearby human populations. In Dangerous Earth, marine scientist and author Ellen Prager discusses some of the most destructive natural disasters of recent history, the geologic forces at work, what scientists have learned by studying them, and how much we have yet to understand. —cc

Fantastic Fossils: A Guide to Finding and Identifying Prehistoric Life, Donald R. Prothero, Columbia U. Press, 2020, $35.00

“Fossils are cool. Fossils are amazing,” writes Donald Prothero, geologist, paleontologist, and author of more than 40 books. In his preface to Fantastic Fossils, Prothero says his goal in writing the book is to provide more practical information than a simple field guide to aid “fossil enthusiasts of every age.” He discusses not only how fossils are formed and where to find them, but also best practices for fossil collecting, a brief history of taxonomy, some of the principal phyla, and what fossils can tell us about past climates and geologic time. A handful of color images and more than 350 black-and-white photos, diagrams, and drawings illustrate the text. —cc