Session #1 Book Group

Discussion Questions - Session #1 Tuesday

1. George’s family lives without a lot of modern inventions and appliances (p. 4). Why do they choose to live this way? How does George feel about this way of life? What inventions or appliances do you most rely on? What could you live without?

2. George’s mother tells him he asks too many questions (p. 10). What are you curious about? Could you find the answers through research, through scientific experimentation, or another way? Write down three questions you’ve always wondered about. Then write down what you think would be the best way to find the answers.

3. Who is Annie and how is she different from George (p.18)?

4. How does Eric introduce George to science (p. 26)? Do you agree with Eric’s definition of science? Why or why not?

5. Why isn’t Eric upset at the damage the pig has caused (p. 31)? What does his reaction suggest about what scientists can learn from unexpected events? What would happen if every science experiment worked as planned?

6. Who is Cosmos (p. 37)? Describe Cosmos’s “personality.” Would you like to have a computer like Cosmos? Why or why not?

7. What is matter (pp. 50–51)? What is the structure of atoms?