You know that this book is dated when it discusses the magnetism behind VCR tapes. Still, certain things are evergreen. Never quite knew that tiny pieces of magnetite (natural magnets) can be found in bees and butterflies. Also underwent a rekindling of my O level and A level Physics days when I read about how an alternating current flows in the vacuum cleaner. Somehow I never quite internalized that the change in polarity of the electromagnets embedded inside the motors is the cause behind this alternating current. I guess this is why my job is to ensure that my elementary kids get a solid grasp of the properties of magnets so that they can see the links between scientific concepts.

I also enjoyed the explanation behind the demagnetization of electromagnets. Somehow we never quite learnt that heating them up or dropping them repeatedly will “jumble their domains”. I wonder if this phrase would be accepted for PSLE Science. Doesn’t sound scientifically rigorous. Then again, I think it’s not tested in the syllabus, so I don’t have to ponder too much haha.

Looking forward to passing this book to my remedial Science students and getting them to read it. Sensei loves integrating English and Science into his teaching.