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The First Scientists

Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia's First Peoples

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

WINNER OF THE 2023 NSW PREMIER'S LITERARY AWARDS 'PATRICIA WRIGHTSON PRIZE FOR CHILDREN'S LITERATURE'
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 PREMIER'S LITERARY AWARDS 'INDIGENOUS WRITERS' PRIZE'
WINNER OF THE 2022 ABIA 'BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN'
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2022 CBCA 'EVE POWNALL' AWARD
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2022 QUEENSLAND LITERARY AWARDS 'CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD'


The First Scientists is the highly anticipated, illustrated science book from Corey Tutt of DeadlyScience. With kids aged 7 to 12 years in mind, this book will nourish readers' love of science and develop their respect for Indigenous knowledge at the same time.

Have you ever wondered what the stars can tell us? Did you know the seasons can be predicted just by looking at subtle changes in nature? Maybe you have wondered about the origins of glue or if forensic science is possible without a crime scene investigation. Australia's First peoples have the longest continuing culture on Earth and their innovation will amaze you as you leaf through the pages of this book, learning fascinating facts and discovering the answers to life's questions.

In consultation with communities, Corey tells us of many deadly feats – from bush medicine to bush trackers – that are today considered 'science', and introduces us to many amazing scientists, both past and present. The breadth of 'sciences' is incredible with six main chapters covering astronomy, engineering, forensic science, chemistry, land management and ecology. The first scientists passed on the lessons of the land, sea and sky to the future scientists of today through stories, song and dance, and many of these lessons are now shared in this book.

Vibrant illustrations by Blak Douglas bring the subjects to life, so you'll never think about science as just people in lab coats ever again!

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    Kindle restrictions
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  • Reviews

    • Books+Publishing

      August 18, 2021
      In The First Scientists, Corey Tutt, founder of the Deadly Science charity and NSW Young Person of the Year 2020, brings us an extremely engaging, informative and at times funny account of the much-overlooked contribution of early First Nations people to various scientific fields. The text is presented in loosely chronological segments including First Astronomers, First Engineers, First Forensic Scientists and First Chemists. Within the sections each double-page spread is devoted to a concept or object, ranging from boomerangs and bush medicine to bushfire control and cane toads. Each brightly coloured spread includes a map illustrating the community or communities referenced in the text passage. This cleverly and succinctly demonstrates that disparate First Nations communities concurrently employed similar practices. The final sections explore the work of present day First Nations scientists and encourage young readers to become involved in STEM. Tutt’s experience writing for children (he writes for K-Zone magazine) is evident. The text is lively and engaging while still managing to convey a significant amount of information. Although Tutt has edited two books under the Deadly Science brand for Australian Geographic, this is his first—but hopefully not last—solo effort. Perfect for budding scientists aged 8–12, the text concludes with a rousing call to arms: ‘So what are you waiting for? Get out there and do some deadly science. Be inspired, be wowed, be amazed, but most importantly be deadly!’ Hannah Gardiner has been a bookseller since 2005 and currently works as a children’s buyer. She speaks to Tutt here.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
Kindle restrictions

Languages

  • English

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