The Big Book of Useless Science Knowledge
250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable Science Facts You Won't be Taught in School
Published on 15. May 2025
Book
Hardback
208 pages
978-1-83899-340-5 (ISBN)
Description
An encyclopedia of mind-bogglingly random science facts that will lodge in your brain and refuse to leave.
Heard about the poisonous tree in the Amazon rainforest that grows exploding fruit? Did you know that manatees control their buoyancy with farts? Or that the first vending machine was invented in ancient Egypt?
In this compendium of obscure facts readers will be treated to baffling scientific knowledge they would never learn at school. Broken into chapters including engineering, space, and biology, a team of experts has scoured the margins to find the silliest and most pointless science facts that the world has to offer.
Accompanied by hilarious illustrations, kids will meet the ants turned to zombies by a deadly fungus, discover why astronauts left their poo on the Moon, and find out about the rainstorm that lasted a million years (before umbrellas were invented!). They will also learn completely useless information like that all of the hair on your head could hold the weight of two elephants.
(SPOILER: the information in this book isn't really useless. It will inspire, shock, and amuse the reader-and maybe spark an interest that will last a lifetime. It just won't help you with any exams!)
Heard about the poisonous tree in the Amazon rainforest that grows exploding fruit? Did you know that manatees control their buoyancy with farts? Or that the first vending machine was invented in ancient Egypt?
In this compendium of obscure facts readers will be treated to baffling scientific knowledge they would never learn at school. Broken into chapters including engineering, space, and biology, a team of experts has scoured the margins to find the silliest and most pointless science facts that the world has to offer.
Accompanied by hilarious illustrations, kids will meet the ants turned to zombies by a deadly fungus, discover why astronauts left their poo on the Moon, and find out about the rainstorm that lasted a million years (before umbrellas were invented!). They will also learn completely useless information like that all of the hair on your head could hold the weight of two elephants.
(SPOILER: the information in this book isn't really useless. It will inspire, shock, and amuse the reader-and maybe spark an interest that will last a lifetime. It just won't help you with any exams!)
Reviews / Votes
There are lots of scientific fact books for kids, but none are quite like this... This is definitely one that would make a perfect gift for curious minds. 10/10 * Press Association * The chapters cover many topics from all over the world and throughout time... Humorous quips from people, animals, insects, and even aliens keep the tone light and enjoyable... A fun and -engaging reference point for elementary readers interested in science. A good addition to a grade school library. * School Library Journal *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Priddy Books
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 8 to 12 years
Dimensions
Height: 262 mm
Width: 224 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
1060 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83899-340-5 (9781838993405)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Written by experts from around the globe including science teacher/rapper Matt Green, engineer Erin Winick Anthony who worked at NASA, geologist and podcaster Saad Bhatty, and Harvard psychologist Graham Lutz.
Hannah Li is an award-winning Chinese-American illustrator based in New York. With a background in fine arts, Hannah's illustrations often exhibit a unique blend of traditional techniques and digital art.
Kay Wolfersperger is a designer and illustrator based out of Savannah, GA. Her lively, colourful work often explores humour and positivity.
Liz Kay is a British illustrator whose books include The History of Everywhere and My Met Sticker Collection.
Hannah Li is an award-winning Chinese-American illustrator based in New York. With a background in fine arts, Hannah's illustrations often exhibit a unique blend of traditional techniques and digital art.
Kay Wolfersperger is a designer and illustrator based out of Savannah, GA. Her lively, colourful work often explores humour and positivity.
Liz Kay is a British illustrator whose books include The History of Everywhere and My Met Sticker Collection.