Why Don't Things Fall Up?

'A great idea, beautifully executed.' Popular Science

'A book of quiet wonder.' Ian Dunt

'I have learnt (and remembered) so much, and so easily. It's the mango ice cream of science books.' Hilary McKay

'Everything Alom writes is a joy to ponder, his love of science is utterly contagious, the perfect guide through things that might perplex.' Robin Ince

'A joyful exploration of fundamental questions about our world; Shaha proves that science is for everyone!' Roma Agrawal

'Friendly, informative and such fun to read.' Christopher Edge

'Alom Shaha is the science teacher many people will wish they had but didn't.' Philip Ball

'Here is the teacher you'll wish you had at school.' Jim S. Al-Khalili CBE

'A gentle and reassuring journey through school science, perfect for polishing up both long-forgotten knowledge and confidence, and helping everyone to make science a part of their world. Helen Czerski

Has a child - or anyone else - ever asked you why the sky is blue? Could you explain why ice cream melts? Have you forgotten why scientists think the universe started with a Big Bang, and do you understand the difference between respiration and breathing?

Why Don't Things Fall Up? will gently remind you of everything you may have learnt once upon a time, but have somehow forgotten along the way. If you've ever changed the subject when a child has asked for homework help, or if you have the curiosity of a seven year old yourself, or if you know everything but have forgotten the basics or don't want to know anything except the basics - then this is the book for you.

Using questions asked by children as a starting point, Alom Shaha (who has spent over two decades trying to help people of all ages understand this stuff) takes us on a tour of the "big ideas" of science from his unique perspective. His experience as a dad, a teacher and science communicator means he knows exactly what people don't know -and especially the misconceptions and other intellectual hurdles which prevent us from grasping key ideas. Combining his proven skill for explaining science with storytelling and flashbacks to school experiments, Why Don't Things Fall Up? reminds us that science is not just for scientists - it's a human endeavour that enriches all our lives.

A great idea, beautifully executed.

Popular Science
A book of quiet wonder. Ian Dunt
I have learnt (and remembered) so much, and so easily. It's the mango ice cream of science books. Hilary McKay
Everything Alom writes is a joy to ponder, his love of science is utterly contagious, the perfect guide through things that might perplex. Robin Ince
A joyful exploration of fundamental questions about our world; Shaha proves that science is for everyone! Roma Agrawal
Friendly, informative and such fun to read. Christopher Edge
Alom Shaha is the science teacher many people will wish they had but didn't. Philip Ball
Here is the teacher you'll wish you had at school. Jim S. Al-Khalili CBE
A gentle and reassuring journey through school science, perfect for polishing up both long-forgotten knowledge and confidence, and helping everyone to make science a part of their world. Helen Czerski
'Brilliant book. So easy to read, and written in such an engaging and accessible manner without talking down to the reader at all. As a scientist, and a parent, I have enjoyed it thoroughly and would recommend it to everyone who is interested in finding out more about the world around them.' Pragya Agarwal
'I have greatly enjoyed reading Alom's wonderful book. Alom provides a masterclass in clear explanation - he effortlessly breaks down the causes of complex phenomena, an impressive achievement and a great read.' Richard Brock

Alom Shaha was born in Bangladesh but grew up in London. A science teacher, writer, and filmmaker, he has spent most of his professional life sharing his passion for science and education with the public. Alom has produced, directed and appeared in a number of TV programmes for broadcasters such as the BBC, and has received fellowships from the National Endowment for Science, Technology, and the Arts (NESTA) and the Nuffield Foundation. Alom has represented his community as an elected politician, and has volunteered at a range of charitable organisations. He teaches at a comprehensive school in London and writes for a number of print and online publications.

Do you ever look up at a cloud and think, where do those come from again? Do you know your molluscs from your mammals and your rocks from your minerals? Have you forgotten what the non-edible version of the Milky Way is, and did you ever know what a force was? Why Don't Things Fall Up? will gently remind you of everything you definitely learnt once upon a time, but have somehow forgotten along the way. If you've ever changed the subject when your child has asked for homework help, if you have the curiosity of a seven year old yourself, if you know everything but have forgotten the basics or don't want to know anything except the basics - then this is the book for you!

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