Skeptical Resources for Kids and Parents?

jayman

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jayman
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Nov 1, 2008
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I am currently trying to find as many skeptical/science resources as I can for parents and children.


Does anyone have any recommendations as far as science/skeptical blogs, websites, books, articles, and videos go for parents and children?


The age range I am looking for is all ages.
 
Dan Barker's books are great. Maybe Yes, Maybe No and Maybe Right, Maybe Wrong are 2 of my kids' favorites.

There is a book on evolution by Daniel Loxton that has fantastic illustrations, and Richard Dawkins has just come out with a book called The Magic of Reality, which I have ordered but haven't received yet.

When my kids were between 5 and 7 they liked the Magic School Bus books and videos which teach quite a bit of science. The great thing about these is that there are so many, and they kept us occupied for many years. There are even different versions, some suitable for younger kids, and a whole series of chapter books for older kids.

Also Skeptic magazine has a section for kids.
 
Skeptoid and the Here be Dragons movie are both good, easily digested resources (though the production quality of the latter leaves something to be desired). Lately there's also been the InFact "video podcast". I suggest you check them out.
 
ExMinister said:
Dan Barker's books are great. Maybe Yes, Maybe No and Maybe Right, Maybe Wrong are 2 of my kids' favorites.

There is a book on evolution by Daniel Loxton that has fantastic illustrations, and Richard Dawkins has just come out with a book called The Magic of Reality, which I have ordered but haven't received yet.
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agreed on the Dan Barker books. They're an inspiration for me. Also, looking forward to reading the new Dawkins book
 
It's not strictly a 'book on scepticism', but I think Terry Pratchett's Nation is a beautiful ode to thinking and not accepting 'wisdom from authority'.

It's also a really good yarn!
 
Received Dawkins book yesterday. This is a beautiful book. A little larger than a typical hardcover and illustrated throughout with brightly done illustrations that kids love, 267 pages, fairly thick. It says written for all ages, but it's almost too advanced for my kids (8 and 9), though with some help from me they'll be able to read and understand most of it, I think. So probably best for middle schoolers and older. Seems nicely written from a skeptical/scientific view. Chapters include:

What is reality? What is magic?
Who was the first person?
Why are there so many different kinds of animals?
What are things made of?
Why do we have night and day, winter and summer?
What is the sun?
What is a rainbow?
When and how did everything begin?
Are we alone?
What is an earthquake?
Why do bad things happen?
What is a miracle?

Safe-Keeper said:
Skeptoid and the Here be Dragons movie are both good, easily digested resources (though the production quality of the latter leaves something to be desired). Lately there's also been the InFact "video podcast". I suggest you check them out.
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Agree on Here Be Dragons. My kids understood most of it, and we paused and discussed the parts they didn't. Good for grownups too.

Just checked out the InFact podcasts. Hadn't heard of these, so thanks for the info! These are great.
 
Someone what is that Dean guy who has a website and blog. He writes and speaks on parenting freethinking children? Also shares personal stories of his own children.
 
In my opinion, as an elementary school teacher, skeptic, and father of a 3 year old, the only thing that you can do and SHOULD do is focus on critical thinking. From a very early age, my son has become very good at asking questions and deciphering if something is true or pretend. The best 'resource' is the way you treat and talk to kids. Model skeptical behavior and critical thinking, and they will do the same. "What do you think?" "Does that seem right? Why?"
 
Kernel Hapablap said:
In my opinion, as an elementary school teacher, skeptic, and father of a 3 year old, the only thing that you can do and SHOULD do is focus on critical thinking. From a very early age, my son has become very good at asking questions and deciphering if something is true or pretend. The best 'resource' is the way you treat and talk to kids. Model skeptical behavior and critical thinking, and they will do the same. "What do you think?" "Does that seem right? Why?"
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Absolutely. The best thing you can do is model it.

I would also add that I believe you can't educate them enough in the sciences. It gives them a foundation of knowledge and a place to start. For example, one of my sons, at age 7, said, "Mom, how could the Easter bunny evolve to the size of a human? And why would it happen to only one bunny?"

He debunked the Easter bunny all on his own.

And having been raised with a basic understanding of evolution, when they heard the story of creation in Genesis, they said, "Well, that's just silly." Not to mention what they thought of Eve being created from a rib. So I am finding, by trial and error as I go along here, that all that science is not wasted. In a very real sense, it seems to have given them a real intellectual advantage and protects them.

Above all, there's nothing my kids love more than a good debunking. Maybe they like feeling like they've got the inside scoop on something, or it gives them an edge up. I don't know. But they love a good debunking story. They also love debunking things themselves. Good way to teach critical thinking and fun for them at the same time.
 
Josh111485
I would suggest taking a look at the British Humanist Association's educational resources. I think theree is an RE course which is aimed at schools, but you might find something helpful there.

Evolved Wookie said:
It's not strictly a 'book on scepticism', but I think Terry Pratchett's Nation is a beautiful ode to thinking and not accepting 'wisdom from authority'.
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Yes, I do so agree - excellent book.
 
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