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The Science of Everyday Life: Why Teapots Dribble, Toast Burns and Light Bulbs Shine
Have you ever wondered why ice floats, how the GPS on your mobile phone works (and what it has to do with Einstein), or why wool sweaters shrink in the wash? In this fascinating scientific tour of household objects, The One Show 's resident scientist Marty Jopson explains the answers to all of these, and many more, baffling questions about the chemistry and physics of the stuff we use every day. Always entertaining and with no special prior scientific knowledge required, this is the perfect book for anyone curious about the science that surrounds us.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
232 people are currently reading
1348 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 29, 2018
This was the audio book.
Fantastic narration, none of that dramatic reading like all the US narrators, just pure science.
Some lovely trinkets in here of every day science, a nice listen.
Fantastic narration, none of that dramatic reading like all the US narrators, just pure science.
Some lovely trinkets in here of every day science, a nice listen.
July 3, 2022
Geeky cool with a little snark but lots of interesting information. Nice job explaining everyday things like GPS, what happens at a transformer station and why, what it is about Jaffa cakes, and amazing stuff about the catalytic converter.
May 20, 2020
I love a science book that can make science interesting. And even better, it relates to the everyday stuff we encounter on a daily basis! Something that everyone can relate to making science accessible to everyone and it definitely stirred an interest in me. I’ve always loved science anyway but it didn’t stop this book from being intriguing and enthralling and had me wanting to read more and more as my mind was blown by things I’ve scarcely even thought about as the science of my everyday life.
I’ve always had respect for science communicators, who disseminate science to all and hopefully make a fun encounter in the process! The writer did just that, with his funny and witty way of explaining things shining through. It made it a very effortless and interesting read and I’m glad I came across it and decided to read it. I now know an abundance of useless but incredibly interesting snippets as well as some important scientific principles to broaden my scientific knowledge and make me see some encounters with my usual everyday living in a new light.
I also know if a Jaffa cake is actually a cake or a biscuit ... so if you want to know this mind blowing revelation and answer to what has been a controversial argument since the dawn of time, you’ll just have to read it! ;)
I’ve always had respect for science communicators, who disseminate science to all and hopefully make a fun encounter in the process! The writer did just that, with his funny and witty way of explaining things shining through. It made it a very effortless and interesting read and I’m glad I came across it and decided to read it. I now know an abundance of useless but incredibly interesting snippets as well as some important scientific principles to broaden my scientific knowledge and make me see some encounters with my usual everyday living in a new light.
I also know if a Jaffa cake is actually a cake or a biscuit ... so if you want to know this mind blowing revelation and answer to what has been a controversial argument since the dawn of time, you’ll just have to read it! ;)
November 14, 2016
I love books like this that bring science to the masses without oversimplifying or being patronising but instead making science real and relevant. As a science geek I did know some of this, particularly the natural science bits (although the science behind composting was new and, now that I have gardens of my own, very useful) but there were plenty of moments of ‘ooooo really’ and ‘well, I didn’t know that!’. I was particularly enamoured with the science behind a drippy teapot and how to fix it as this is a permanent issue in my life as an avid and prolific tea hound. I also really liked the easy, friendly style that Jopson used as it felt like a couple of old mates had a gotten together to play around and experiment with day to day things, which is the best part of science-ness, rather than professor to student lectures. This and his occasional quips and commentary makes this a real pleasure to read, science geek or not.
September 9, 2021
The Science of Everyday Life was a somewhat interesting offering, but not without some flaws...
Author Marty Jopson studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge University before going on to achieve a PhD in Cell Biology. He is the resident science reporter on BBC One’s The One Show. Marty has been working in television for twenty years, on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, The Discovery Channel and National Geographic. He is a prop builder and has been performing stage science around the UK for many years.
Marty Jopson:
I came across this one by chance and decided to give it a go. It's a bit lighter than some of the books I typically read, and I was looking forward to seeing where the author would take this material. Although I found the book somewhat interesting, I felt that it seriously lacked cohesion. The subjects covered here by Jopson are a somewhat rag-tag assortment of seemingly random and non-connnected topics, tossed together without regard for continuity and flow. Jopson abruptly jumps from one topic to the next, switching gears without ever coming up for air.
Also, unfortunately, the short amount of time he spends on each subject results in him just scratching the surface, before abruptly moving on to the next topic, which will be handled in a similar shallow and cursory fashion. Rinse and repeat...
Also, despite being a book that seems to be aimed at the layperson, Jopson takes a deep dive into chemistry, astronomy, and biology here; assuming a level of scientific literacy that is not likely to be there in many readers of this book... Points deducted for this lack of effective communication, which is fairly common in many of the science books I've read.
On the positive side, the audiobook version is read by the author, which is always a nice touch. The subject matter covered here was also interesting.
****************************
The Science of Everyday Life was a fun, short read, despite the lack of cohesion and overly technical nature of some of the subject matter presented.
3.5 stars.
Author Marty Jopson studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge University before going on to achieve a PhD in Cell Biology. He is the resident science reporter on BBC One’s The One Show. Marty has been working in television for twenty years, on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, The Discovery Channel and National Geographic. He is a prop builder and has been performing stage science around the UK for many years.
Marty Jopson:
I came across this one by chance and decided to give it a go. It's a bit lighter than some of the books I typically read, and I was looking forward to seeing where the author would take this material. Although I found the book somewhat interesting, I felt that it seriously lacked cohesion. The subjects covered here by Jopson are a somewhat rag-tag assortment of seemingly random and non-connnected topics, tossed together without regard for continuity and flow. Jopson abruptly jumps from one topic to the next, switching gears without ever coming up for air.
Also, unfortunately, the short amount of time he spends on each subject results in him just scratching the surface, before abruptly moving on to the next topic, which will be handled in a similar shallow and cursory fashion. Rinse and repeat...
Also, despite being a book that seems to be aimed at the layperson, Jopson takes a deep dive into chemistry, astronomy, and biology here; assuming a level of scientific literacy that is not likely to be there in many readers of this book... Points deducted for this lack of effective communication, which is fairly common in many of the science books I've read.
On the positive side, the audiobook version is read by the author, which is always a nice touch. The subject matter covered here was also interesting.
****************************
The Science of Everyday Life was a fun, short read, despite the lack of cohesion and overly technical nature of some of the subject matter presented.
3.5 stars.
February 10, 2023
3,00
Ciò che racconta è interessante solo a tratti e tendono ad essere spiegazioni abbastanza superficiali.
Ciò che racconta è interessante solo a tratti e tendono ad essere spiegazioni abbastanza superficiali.
March 27, 2022
Very nice book. Each section only 2-4 pages, explaining mostly chemistry or physics related topics of everyday life.
August 22, 2021
I shouldn’t have listened to this as an audiobook. Like 50% of it flew over my head while I was busy thinking how come I have so much laundry and dishes to do.
Good stuff though, if I find this in any of my local bookstores I’ll definitely buy it to give it a proper read.
Good stuff though, if I find this in any of my local bookstores I’ll definitely buy it to give it a proper read.
September 12, 2018
A useful book when you have kids asking you questions about rainbows, spiders and why boomerangs return to you. Some of the explanations were already known to me, still it is a fun book that is easy to read.
August 7, 2020
This is a fun easy to read book. It's great for anyone who is curious about the world around them. The explanations were fairly easy to follow.
February 27, 2025
I read this book multiple times because I found it fascinating. It's like an encyclopedia, but with a more cohesive, story-like approach, focusing on a few items instead of hundreds of facts.
July 16, 2018
Great fun, and pitched at the perfect level for a relative newcomer. Listened to the audiobook; will have to go through the text to get a bit more detail.
January 18, 2021
Porque é que a clara do ovo fica branca quando cozinhamos mas a gema não muda de cor? Porque é que os biscoitos amolecem e os bolos endurecem? Como é que acendemos uma vela sem tocar com o fósforo no pavio? Qual o melhor tecido para não encolher com lavagens? Deixar as janelas abertas é mais prejudicial ou benéfico para a saúde (e porquê)? Temos mais de cinco sentidos? Como é que um shampoo 2 em 1 funciona?
Uma das minhas maiores desilusões escolares foi sentir que os meus professores — pelo menos, os meus — não fizeram uma boa associação entre as bases teóricas (e fundamentais de aprender) da ciência (física, química, biologia) e os fenómenos do nosso quotidiano. Terminei o meu secundário com a sensação de que, embora compreendamos que a ciência é real, no quotidiano não a percecionamos como um fenómeno diário e que dá respostas a perguntas que nunca questionámos — mas que são interessantes de pensar!
The Science of Everyday Life é escrito por um cientista que aproxima fenómenos do quotidiano e ciência de uma forma muito acessível, bem humorada mas sem paternalismos ou conceitos demasiado simplificados. Algumas das questões — e outras — que partilhei acima já sabia, mas acho sempre interessante conhecer novas formas de explicar conceitos que, à partida, nunca nos ocorreram e que quando formulamos a pergunta pensamos ‘realmente... nunca tinha pensado nisso!’. A ciência está em todo o lado e é muito interessante — e didático — pensar nisso e olhar para o dia-a-dia com um olhar mais clínico.
É um livro curto e simples, dividido em várias categorias de perguntas e que surpreende nalgumas respostas e consolida outros conceitos que, provavelmente, já conhecem. Se têm uma mente tão curiosa quanto a minha, acho que é um livro que vos vai entreter bastante — e tornar-vos nas pessoas preferidas dos miúdos na idade dos ‘porquês’!
Uma das minhas maiores desilusões escolares foi sentir que os meus professores — pelo menos, os meus — não fizeram uma boa associação entre as bases teóricas (e fundamentais de aprender) da ciência (física, química, biologia) e os fenómenos do nosso quotidiano. Terminei o meu secundário com a sensação de que, embora compreendamos que a ciência é real, no quotidiano não a percecionamos como um fenómeno diário e que dá respostas a perguntas que nunca questionámos — mas que são interessantes de pensar!
The Science of Everyday Life é escrito por um cientista que aproxima fenómenos do quotidiano e ciência de uma forma muito acessível, bem humorada mas sem paternalismos ou conceitos demasiado simplificados. Algumas das questões — e outras — que partilhei acima já sabia, mas acho sempre interessante conhecer novas formas de explicar conceitos que, à partida, nunca nos ocorreram e que quando formulamos a pergunta pensamos ‘realmente... nunca tinha pensado nisso!’. A ciência está em todo o lado e é muito interessante — e didático — pensar nisso e olhar para o dia-a-dia com um olhar mais clínico.
É um livro curto e simples, dividido em várias categorias de perguntas e que surpreende nalgumas respostas e consolida outros conceitos que, provavelmente, já conhecem. Se têm uma mente tão curiosa quanto a minha, acho que é um livro que vos vai entreter bastante — e tornar-vos nas pessoas preferidas dos miúdos na idade dos ‘porquês’!
October 20, 2017
A clear and concise look at the science behind the things that surround us every day, this was a really interesting and well executed book. Taking in aspects of physics, chemistry and biology with real world applications familiar to every reader, and written in an easy to understand, almost conversational style , this is a science book for everyone, even those with little or no background knowledge. The array of topics is diverse, ranging from kitchen devices to the colour change of leaves in Autumn, and the book is broken down in to easy to digest chunks of information, making it perfect to dip into whenever the reader has a few minutes to spare.
May 19, 2019
While I initially thought the book was slightly dry, it did end up growing on me once I got into topics that I personally found interesting. Physics, chemistry and botany abound within simple, concise explanations. While it's about everyday science, Jopson doesn't oversimplify the concepts, which is a common mistake such books make.
There were enough moments of "why did I never think of thinking about that" and "oh, of course!" and "wow, that's interesting" to make this an interesting enough grab for the amateur science geek.
There were enough moments of "why did I never think of thinking about that" and "oh, of course!" and "wow, that's interesting" to make this an interesting enough grab for the amateur science geek.
March 28, 2021
Interesting facts but I wish he'd covered fewer in more depth. Every time I got into one the book abruptly moved to the next one.
January 17, 2022
This book is extremely interesting and easy to follow. I would definitely recommend if you have an interest in science!
August 8, 2023
The Science of Everyday Life is one of those books that makes science and that facts of everyday things that we take for granted easy to understand and, in my opinion, very accessible. Marty Writes in a way that feels more like he's having a conversation with you rather than laying heavy scientific facts. Because of this, the book never feels dry and genuinely topped out as one of those where I was enjoying it so much that I didn't want it to end.
But, Sadly, end it did.
Marty is apparently a presenter/has something to do with 'The One Show'. My not being in any way much of a television watcher, I had zero clue who he was or how he went about his work, so I can honestly say that you don't have to be a fan of the show he appears on, or even have the faintest idea who he is to get the full enjoyment out of this book.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone that has the slightest inkling in science but has a bit of a worry about diving into a science book. As I said before, Marty does a wonderful job of making the science accessible to all.
TLDR:
Interesting, informative and enjoyable. Would highly recommend.
But, Sadly, end it did.
Marty is apparently a presenter/has something to do with 'The One Show'. My not being in any way much of a television watcher, I had zero clue who he was or how he went about his work, so I can honestly say that you don't have to be a fan of the show he appears on, or even have the faintest idea who he is to get the full enjoyment out of this book.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone that has the slightest inkling in science but has a bit of a worry about diving into a science book. As I said before, Marty does a wonderful job of making the science accessible to all.
TLDR:
Interesting, informative and enjoyable. Would highly recommend.
March 20, 2021
This isn’t the sort of book I’d normally pick up in audio format, as it’s so short (at four hours). Even in paperback it would be a slim thing coming in at only 224 pages. It does make it quick to get through though.
As it was available on an offer though, I took the chance.
This style of book if fairly common — bitesize science — where the author simple rattles through a bunch of facts at breakneck speed. They’re deeply unsatisfying.
This started off that way and I was all ready to give it a negative score. But bear with it and Jopson does recover and start to delve into each subject in more detail.
And, while there were some annecdotes I had heard before, and some facts have changed since this was released (which I was aware of, see The Half-Life of Facts), there were plenty that was knew to me, some that had never even occured to me.
The author reads this book too, and does a pretty good, bringing plenty of enthusiasm.
So if you’re looking for a short, light read about science, this could fit the bill.
August 19, 2019
This book was fantastic. Everything you can think of is explained in a detail which is not too extensive but sufficient enough that you can look into it further or explain it to your kids. For example, the final part is about how rainbows are formed. I have read about this is previous books to a point where it just becomes boring, however in this one it is succinct enough that you get all you need to know.
The only reason that i didn't give it 5 stars is that i became a bit bored with the kitchen side of life. Not that there was anything wrong with it but i think it was slightly too much for me.
Overall though it is a fantastic read and well worth it if you are interested in how and why things work.
The only reason that i didn't give it 5 stars is that i became a bit bored with the kitchen side of life. Not that there was anything wrong with it but i think it was slightly too much for me.
Overall though it is a fantastic read and well worth it if you are interested in how and why things work.
August 15, 2023
This was a science-y kindle read, a good change from fiction and I got to learn a few random interesting things.
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The cool thing about this book is that you could start from any chapter and you don’t have to follow a certain order. And it’s also divided into categories for example: “the sustaining science of food and drink” and “the peculiar human and the science of us”, you get to pick what interests you the most to read first.
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I also enjoyed the explanatory imagery and hoped there were more to every fact explained, it makes it easier for me to digest the scientific information.
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Overall, if you think this would be a heavy-handed text, well, it’s not. The author breaks down the information in a very simple way, especially for non-science people to understand.
🧬
The cool thing about this book is that you could start from any chapter and you don’t have to follow a certain order. And it’s also divided into categories for example: “the sustaining science of food and drink” and “the peculiar human and the science of us”, you get to pick what interests you the most to read first.
🧬
I also enjoyed the explanatory imagery and hoped there were more to every fact explained, it makes it easier for me to digest the scientific information.
🧬
Overall, if you think this would be a heavy-handed text, well, it’s not. The author breaks down the information in a very simple way, especially for non-science people to understand.
July 8, 2021
From the title I expected it to be just another "popular science" book trying to explain physics or chemistry with everyday life examples. Instead the approach chosen by the author goes the opposite way: it explains everyday life facts using as few scientific concepts as possible. This makes it more a survival guide to everyday life than a science book.
The book is divided in short and enjoiable anecdotal paragraph of just a few pages, which make it ideal to fill free time pauses, and teaches you quite a few interesting facts for the next time you'll have a conversation with a hardcore nerd.
The book is divided in short and enjoiable anecdotal paragraph of just a few pages, which make it ideal to fill free time pauses, and teaches you quite a few interesting facts for the next time you'll have a conversation with a hardcore nerd.
November 7, 2024
Who knew that reading about the difference between cakes and biscuits or about wines oxidizing could be so entertaining? The questions the book answers are questions that you probably have never thought about, but once you read the answers you have an 'Aha' moment and you feel a bit smarter and maybe even a bit more prepared to tackle life's great challenges such as knowing how to best keep your bread to maintain its properties. I confess I liked the parts about what goes on in the kitchen more than the others, but all of the sections contained science explained in a very down-to-earth manner easily accessible to even those who, like myself, hated physics and chemistry in high school.
June 7, 2022
So many interesting facts about everyday life are explained in this book!
I'd say this was one of the best audiobooks I've listened to so far.
If you are a curious mind, this book is definitely a MUST READ. It explains in easy and simple to understand ways and language how things work in the world, providing scientific explanations to things you'd never think about yourself.
A pleasant read/listen that will keep you informed and give you a lot of conversation starter if you fancy sharing what you learn from it with family and friends.
I'd say this was one of the best audiobooks I've listened to so far.
If you are a curious mind, this book is definitely a MUST READ. It explains in easy and simple to understand ways and language how things work in the world, providing scientific explanations to things you'd never think about yourself.
A pleasant read/listen that will keep you informed and give you a lot of conversation starter if you fancy sharing what you learn from it with family and friends.
April 13, 2024
A fun way of looking at maple trees, or rainbows, while eating an apple, only to find it mealy!
The book looks at why things are the way they are, who invented the appliance that keeps your food fresh, and how, or how there are more than six tastes, and how your tongue reacts to each. Or why you feel pain. Or why it might be swifter to demist your windshield by turning on the air-conditioning in the car instead of the heater. Lovely factoids, presented easily and with a sense of deprecatory humour.
The book looks at why things are the way they are, who invented the appliance that keeps your food fresh, and how, or how there are more than six tastes, and how your tongue reacts to each. Or why you feel pain. Or why it might be swifter to demist your windshield by turning on the air-conditioning in the car instead of the heater. Lovely factoids, presented easily and with a sense of deprecatory humour.
August 4, 2025
I loved it. The author has a great sense of humor and explains things very clearly. I gave it four stars because I'm pretty sure one of the explanations was incorrect. He said that the reason we see reflections in windows at night but not during the day has to do with our pupil dilation, but if you're in a brightly lit room your pupils will still be rather small; you can see the reflection in the window because there is no bright light coming in from the window to mask the fainter reflection. But all of his other explanations were so interesting!
January 29, 2020
I absolutely love books that explain everyday phenomena, it imparts you with a sense of appreciation for the people behind the discoveries and the very aspect of nature that brings it forth. It’s also worth acknowledging the layman terminology used to better cater to all audiences , including science students. I’ve learned a lot of new things that will possibly make for good conversation (if my memory will allow it ha-ha)
October 8, 2020
Purchase The Science of Everyday Life here for just $10!
This is a great book. Providing an amazing insight into many of the scientific processes that allow us and nature to function every day. Very interesting and easy to understand.
Alicia, The Book Grocer
This is a great book. Providing an amazing insight into many of the scientific processes that allow us and nature to function every day. Very interesting and easy to understand.
Alicia, The Book Grocer
December 19, 2020
I thought this book was greatly interesting. Every question was answered in a way that my dumb brain could understand well. I was kinda confused as to why so many of the questions were related to food even outside of the food category. Even then, this book was wholesome and interesting. If u have a curious mind and wld like to finally start acting all ravenclawish, u shld pick this book up. Thank you dear author, u have fulfilled my many curiosities.
July 16, 2021
Really enjoying, interesting read, covering a wide range of relatable topics. I suspect there's a lot more to be said on any one of them, but for anyone with a passing interest in knowing a bit more about how things work and why certain things happen, this book is ideal. It's very clear to understand and doesn't get too bogged down with facts and figures or incomprehensible detail, so you don't need a lot of scientific knowledge to follow the explanations. Well written and informative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews