Albert Einstein and Relativity For Kids

Gr 5-10–This hands-on biography includes the science, politics, and people that surrounded the most famous scientist of the 20th century. The opening note explains Einstein’s strategy of thinking through or imagining the solution to a problem. “Thought exercises” are then woven into the chapters dealing with his achievements, leading readers through the same process he took. Each of his discoveries, including the Theories of Relativity both special and general, is covered in some detail without delving into the mathematics behind it. A brief review of the principles covered in the scientific chapters is provided in “What You’ve Learned…” insets. Einstein’s role in the development of the atomic bomb is included along with an explanation of how nuclear fission works. His humanitarian efforts, including his regret at being the instigator behind the bomb are described along with his marriages, his relationships with his children, his eccentricities, and his scientific shortcomings. A variety of simple hands-on activities is included to demonstrate a principle or emphasize a point of interest. Additional insets include biographies of the physicist’s contemporaries as well as background information on significant aspects of Einstein’s or other scientists’ work. Archival photos are used generously. An opening time line and a final list of relevant websites and museums round out the title. While there is a discrepancy between the sophistication of some of the activities and the book’s primary audience, motivated readers will be rewarded with a better understanding of the theories behind the science used today.–Carol S. Surges, Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI