New books & media
DOI: 10.1063/PT.3.4169
Physics World Weekly Podcast
Physics World Weekly Podcast, Physics World, 2018–present
If you’ve been looking for a podcast on the latest and most interesting news from the physics community, this offering from the British magazine Physics World is for you. In nicely bite-sized episodes of 40 minutes or less, Physics World journalists talk about stories they’re working on, scientific papers they’re excited about, and predictions for where physics is going. Some of the most interesting episodes feature interviews with physicists like Melanie Windridge, who talks about how physics has changed the climb up Mount Everest, and Lincoln Carr, a professor at the Colorado School of Mines and former actor. New episodes post on Thursdays and are available for download from iTunes. —
Eco Kids Self-Sufficiency Handbook: STEAM Projects to Help Kids Make a Difference
Eco Kids Self-Sufficiency Handbook: STEAM Projects to Help Kids Make a Difference, Alan Bridgewater and Gill Bridgewater, Happy Fox Books, 2019, $14.99 (paper)
Emphasizing science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), this colorfully illustrated guide walks young readers through DIY projects that range from building their own backyard cabin to growing their own food. With a little help from parents or other adults, say authors Alan Bridgewater and Gill Bridgewater, children aged 7 to 14 years can begin to build a self-sufficient “world in miniature.” The goal is for kids to learn how things work, how to use common tools, and how to reduce their carbon footprint by recycling materials and taking advantage of greener forms of energy, like wind and solar. —
Sean Carroll’s Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
Sean Carroll’s Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas, Sean Carroll, 2018—present
Caltech theoretical physicist Sean Carroll hosts and produces this weekly podcast, which features in-depth interviews with scientists, artists, humanists, and other interesting figures. Guests so far have included physicist Roger Penrose, chemist Raychelle Burks, religion scholar Anthony Pinn, and professional poker player Liv Boeree. Carroll is an engaging interviewer and chooses his topics and guests with care; although many episodes are 90 minutes or longer, the discussions are deep enough to sustain that length. New episodes post on Mondays and are available for download from iTunes, Google Play, and other podcast platforms. —
