Whimsy In Science

by Rolando Garcia

Science can be funny! No, really, I’m not kidding. There is a lot of whimsy in science ̶ you only have to find it. But the good news is that you don’t have to do it yourself, because I have already done it for you in this book! All you have to do is read it.

This book contains more than 230 of the funniest and wittiest science jokes and puns the world has ever seen, along with stories, anecdotes, and essays about the funny side of science and scientists. And not only that, I also explain most of the jokes, and I provide background information and more than 250 links that will make your experience both amusing and informative.

Among the many questions that will be answered when you read this book are the What do you get if you pour root beer into a square glass? Which pharmaceutical company has the record for the most embarrassing marketing campaign? Why was a gene called the Ken and Barbie gene? Which animals have published scientific articles? What is the paper airplane paradox? Can you turn six into nine by subtraction? What is “the dreams stuff is made of”? What is an Ig Nobel Prize? How do you determine the sex of a chromosome? What is the hidden meaning of Dinohyus hollandi? What do you get if you divide the circumference of a bovine by its diameter?

To find out, read the book and laugh and learn with Whimsy In Science!

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2025

About the author

R. Garcia is a scientist with a Ph.D. who has performed research in the area of biochemistry in academia, industry, and the government. He writes a blog, Ratio Scientiae (RatioScientiae.com), where he explains the how and why of science and defends science and reason against conspiracy theories, antiscience, and pseudoscience. He has published three books about science based on his blog: “Science Can Be Right Because It Can Be Wrong”, "The Gift of Science", and "Random Science: Featuring Science Cat". He has also published two books of fictional short stories entitled “The Sun Zebra” and “Spirit Women”. When not defending science and reason or writing short stories, Rolando enjoys visiting Atlas Obscura sites, dining out, hanging out with his family, and doing nerd stuff.

To learn more visit my website (https://www.ratioscientiae.com/), and follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/RatioScientiae), BookBub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/r-garcia), LibraryThing (https://www.librarything.com/author/g...), or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RatioScientiae/),

Reviews

[Rodrigo J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning while having fun

This book really caught my attention, and I think it is truly one of a kind. It does something that is not very common and that I personally never imagined, making you laugh while you learn. I was surprised to see how jokes can be used to explain scientific ideas that might normally seem difficult or boring. The author has a very light and fun way of sharing interesting facts, many of which I had never heard before. What I liked the most was how the puns and wordplay are cleverly written. Some of them even made me stop and think before I got the joke. I really enjoyed reading this book because it mixes science, culture, and humor in a way that is easy to follow and never dull. It is perfect to read in small parts, without rushing, and it always leaves you with a smile. This book helped me understand that science does not have to be serious all the time, it can also be funny, creative, and enjoyable.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questions are the most useful tool children have to learn about the world. Adults, on the other hand, tend to have fewer concerns. Popular science books for children aim precisely to answer these doubts and raise new questions. They seek to make scientific knowledge accessible to everyone, but they understand science not as a solemn list of absolute truths, but as an exercise in curiosity, and this is precisely what author Garcia intends with this book.
With great wit and knowledge of science, this author compiles phrases, jokes, and questions about science for children and adults to participate in. I really liked this proposal, as I believe this author used an ingenious and creative way to bring science, which we often think is boring, closer to all readers. I definitely recommend this book to the whole family.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a highly curious person who likes learning new things, and this book was a pleasant surprise! It made me see that science can be both informative and entertaining! It is filled with interesting facts, scientific jokes, strange stories, and topics I would never have thought of. I learnt things I never expected, and the greatest part is that everything was explained properly, with no twists or turns. I laughed a lot, and at the same time, I came away with my head full of new information. It's one of those books you can read little by little or in one sitting, but either way, it'll leave you with a smile and wanting to tell someone what you just read. Ideal for those who, like me, enjoy learning while having fun.

[Almiria · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you think science is dry and boring, then this book may just change your mind completely! Whimsy In Science by Rolando Garcia is a humorous volume packed with the most ridiculous science jokes around – and simple explanations for those of us who don’t get it. This book makes an excellent gift for kids and teens, as well as for any scientist who loves corny dad jokes. I liked the fact that the book contains hyperlinks to informative articles. This makes it a good starting point for young people and encourages them to learn more about science in a playful way. I am giving this book four out of five stars.

[S Tyty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect book if one is looking to further understand or get some insights into the matter. Whether it looks like a difficult one, it is not, thanks to the way the author explains it using a simple narrative style.
After finishing these pages, my knowledge of science was expanded. Entirely educational and funny, yes, funny, the book appeals to all types of readers, whether they are into it or just want to widen their knowledge of the world while having fun.
I believe this book is a good one for schools to incorporate and, thus, teach the subject in a more entertaining way. Loved this book way too much!