Institution news
The What on Earth? Wallbook of Science & Engineering is a fascinating and accessible guide to the history of discovery and invention, created in partnership with the Science Museum and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Christopher Lloyd, CEO of What on Earth Publishing and a former journalist at The Sunday Times, explains why he developed a particular format to tell the stories of natural history, sport and now science and engineering. His folded Wallbooks open out to reveal an incredible 2.3 metre-long colourful and detailed timeline.
“The question I asked myself was: how can you engage young people’s minds in a giant story, without them having to read a giant book?”
Chris thought of the ways in which stories were told in the past, from cave paintings and friezes to the Bayeux Tapestry and even stained-glass windows.
“These traditional narrative methods are a really accessible way of organising information. Adopting this format for the Wallbook also provides enough detail for parents and grandparents to find their level of interaction too. It’s a ‘learning together’ experience, using colourful art and captions. It is presented in a way which opens young people’s minds to momentous events in time, and allows them to see those events in relation to each other.”
The latest Wallbook is the product of Chris’s research; stylish illustrations by Andy Forshaw; and the input of a curator from the Science Museum. Stephen Tetlow, CEO of the Institution, was also consulted and explained to the team how engineering has been involved in every aspect of scientific discovery, generating stories of inextricably-linked science and engineering achievements. So was born The What on Earth? Wallbook of Science & Engineering.
The versatile large-canvas format, which uses timelines, visualisation, captions and an engaging news-reporting style, can go on the floor, or on the wall, for individual use, or to encourage discussion.
“The idea is to engage young minds with this open, big-picture, inter-connected view,” Chris says. “Working on it has felt like putting a giant jigsaw together, which has taken a year to complete!
“Readers can look from one area of discovery to another and even into the future, to view our almost-overwhelming series of achievements, and to be drawn in where they find their interest.”
As Chris concludes: “It’s a work of art as well as a work of science and engineering: the ultimate cross-curricular challenge. That is its strength: accessible for those who enjoy the illustrations and for those whose imaginations are captured by news reporting, as well drawing in people who are keen to extend their existing knowledge of these subjects in history, whether at home or at school.”
The launch of The What on Earth? Wallbook of Science & Engineering takes place at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, One Birdcage Walk, London, on 2nd September.
What on earth do members of the Institution know about science and engineering?
Take the crossword challenge! Complete the puzzle and send your entry to the Editor at agenda@imeche.org by midnight, 31 August 2013. The first five fully correct entries drawn out will each win a copy of The What on Earth? Wallbook of Science & Engineering.
Members can also claim an exclusive £5.00 discount off the online price, for a limited period, by going to www.whatonearthbooks.com/imeche and entering the code IMECHE at the checkout.