But the idea of making science interesting doesn't just apply to children's education. A survey by the Chinese Association for Science and Technology found that only about 3.3 percent of China's total population have a basic knowledge of natural science, compared to figure of over 10 percent who do in developed countries. A key reason for that, according to experts, is the lack of proper scientific learning materials, especially those for adults.
This in turn explains, at least in part, why Chinese engineers have been faring better than Chinese scientists. A certain proportion of the population with a good understanding of natural science should be the basis for a nation to produce large numbers of excellent scientists, which in turn will render firm support to the prosperity of the nation.
Having finished the book on quantum physics, I made a thorough check of my daughter's little bookshelf and divided her books into a few different categories. The topics of the books ranged from dinosaurs to animal tongues, then to everyday wisdom, yet they all had one thing in common: They were interesting.
Dinosaurs
Besides the Baby Loves Quantum Physics book, there were books like How Dinosaurs Lived and Why Dogs Are Your Friends. These cartoon books tell stories just like animations, with the only difference being is that they're printed on paper, not viewed on an LED display.
In one of the books, different kinds of dinosaurs appear in both a logical and engaging order, passing along the infant protagonist to one dinosaur after another. They introduce themselves so that the reader gains a clear understanding about their names and their height, weight, favorite food, etc.
Animal tongues
In another book about the tongues of animals, the author and cartoonist not only drew different kinds of animals and their tongues in various ways, but also fixed certain materials to related parts of the animals so they feel like real ones. For example, when the reader touches the head of the camel, they feel actual camel hair. When they touch the tail of the snub-nosed monkey, they touch a small piece of cloth that's feels like a real tail.
My daughter's favorite is the tongue of the frog, made of plastic with a rough surface.
Zoo sounds
Another series of interactive books my daughter likes contain audio elements. Each of the pages is about 3 to 4 millimeters thick, with electric wires hidden inside, linking a small piece of metal to a tiny speaker and battery. When she taps the metal pad with her finger, animal sounds emanate from the page.
Flexible strips
Another book in the series is Baby Visits the Zoo. Each of the pages has flexible strips that the reader can move with their little fingers; When she finishes sliding them, the strips in their correct positions form a picture of an animal in the zoo.
Thanks to this book, my daughter has learned about the zebra, the lion, the elephant, the tiger, as well as the bonobo.
Chicks and daily behavior
Another series of books called The Polite Chickie stars a newborn chick named Qiuqiu, which means "ball" in Chinese because it resembles a furry ball. In the books, she learns how to talk with others, speak with her mummy, and how to play outside without risking falling out of her chair. She has already taken the chick around with her for company, just like our furry canine friend.
I am now planning to place an order for Baby Loves Programming for my daughter. I was a coding monkey in the lab during my university days and I hope she can have a taste of that. Happy coding!
