What books or online courses will best help me learn science and engineering? I'm especially interested in physics, astronomy, general electronics, and computer science. [more inside]
posted on Mar 24, 2008 - 8 answers

My cousin's four year old son is obsessed with things like quarks and infinity. He insists to his mother that infinity is the last number. She isn't so sure, and wants to know more about things like strangeness. I don't want to determine this kid's future, but it seems fun to feed his curiosity. And since my wife's babysitter was Murray Gell-Mann, the responsibility has fallen partially on my shoulders to help answer his questions. What kinds of information can you recommend that I give to his mother so that she, an attorney and not a mathematician, and her son can learn more about this information. In particular, what kinds of books, games, and projects would introduce him to other neat ideas in mathematics and physics?
posted on Feb 16, 2008 - 27 answers

I want to start teaching myself physics, but how? [more inside]
posted on Sep 11, 2007 - 12 answers

I've read a few really good works on quantum physics and other cutting-edge sciences, and I'd like to know more. However, I'm coming at this topic from a decidedly non-scientific education. Can someone suggest a few titles?
posted on Dec 28, 2006 - 15 answers

I'm on the hunt for sites and/or blogs about big ideas... Who wants to join me? [more inside]
posted on Jul 9, 2006 - 17 answers

I'm interested in learning about quantum physics especially in relation to the change in thinking it may bring about in terms of the nature of reality and in new approaches to spirituality. I am relatively intelligent but haven't cracked a textbook in years and never really "got" any of the hard sciences. I took "Physics for Poets" at Umass 25 years ago.... So who and what might be the best read? I've been debating between Brian Greene and Brian Swimme...but really haven't a clue! Thanks for all recommendations!
posted on Nov 7, 2005 - 54 answers