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November 3, 2015 8:19 PM Subscribe
Good sources for science trivia?
I run a trivia quiz segment for my friends' science podcast. I really like the idea of writing my own questions, or at least preparing and curating them rather than just using a deck of Trivial Pursuit cards.
My top priority is that the questions have one definitive answer. I started out writing my own questions based on a combination of r/science on reddit, wikipedia rabbit holes, stuff in the news, etc. but the people taking the quiz will rules-lawyer any answer that is even slightly ambiguous. So long-settled stuff that isn't likely to change (or be ultra-simplified for young children) is best.
I'm also having trouble with too hard/too easy, especially because I'm more of a wonk than the participants or our audience tend to be. But the main priority is well-sourced and definitive answers.
Any area of science is fine, as well as notable scientists, science history, technology, engineering, etc.
I run a trivia quiz segment for my friends' science podcast. I really like the idea of writing my own questions, or at least preparing and curating them rather than just using a deck of Trivial Pursuit cards.
My top priority is that the questions have one definitive answer. I started out writing my own questions based on a combination of r/science on reddit, wikipedia rabbit holes, stuff in the news, etc. but the people taking the quiz will rules-lawyer any answer that is even slightly ambiguous. So long-settled stuff that isn't likely to change (or be ultra-simplified for young children) is best.
I'm also having trouble with too hard/too easy, especially because I'm more of a wonk than the participants or our audience tend to be. But the main priority is well-sourced and definitive answers.
Any area of science is fine, as well as notable scientists, science history, technology, engineering, etc.
Best answer: Jeopardy clue archive? Requires a little scraping or browsing
posted by supercres at 8:51 PM on November 3, 2015
posted by supercres at 8:51 PM on November 3, 2015
Response by poster: Recommendations for specifically good or specifically science-oriented trivia books would be absolutely OK.
posted by Sara C. at 8:58 PM on November 3, 2015
posted by Sara C. at 8:58 PM on November 3, 2015
Best answer: The NYPL Science Desk Reference is great, though you'll have to decide which facts are trivial enough to count as trivia
posted by Mchelly at 4:02 AM on November 4, 2015
posted by Mchelly at 4:02 AM on November 4, 2015
Best answer: I've been waiting and waiting for any reason to link to this awesome page at the Library of Congress: Science Tracer Bullets, research guides that help you locate information on science and technology subjects. With brief introductions to the topics, lists of resources and strategies for finding more, they help you to stay "on target."
It's less of a resource itself and more of a long-term, in-depth resource of resources that can point you towards more specific primary sources.
posted by carsonb at 11:01 AM on November 4, 2015 [1 favorite]
It's less of a resource itself and more of a long-term, in-depth resource of resources that can point you towards more specific primary sources.
posted by carsonb at 11:01 AM on November 4, 2015 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by jadepearl at 8:47 PM on November 3, 2015