Very Short Introductions for Curious Young Minds: The Expanding World of Data

This book is informative but it is slightly text heavy. It is very colourful and there are a number of illustrations to convey the message and explain the idea. Good for beginners and young people to understand the importance of data and how it is used in the real world. Also includes scientists and people who have contributed to the world of data.

I ordered this for my 10 year-old daughter who now has a phone and I wanted her to be aware of how important is to protect our data and how to use the phone sensibly.Whilst it has a lot of very useful information, my daughter found it quite simple and nothing new that she didn't know before. I showed it to my 8 year-old daughter and she found it too complex to read/fully understand.I had a quick read through and it's OK with the information it provides but perhaps it's better aimed at parents to talk to their children about these topics.

A fun read introducing an important topic in an age appropriate way that sparks a lot of curiosity and makes them want to lean more. A fab resource for any classroom.

Pros:* Easy read* Quality pages* Interesting data facts

You've got to love the OUP's adult Very Short Introductions series, and now they're adding VSIs for Curious Minds aimed at Yr 5-8, that's 9-12 years old.96 pages long, the books in this series are absolutely full of information, presented in full colour, with plenty of diagrams, drawings, photos, cartoons to illustrate the facts. ‘Speak like a scientist’ text boxes give definitions of key terms, and ‘Hero’ boxes give brief outlines of famous people working in the area. Reading this as an adult, auditioning it for our school science library shelf, I still learned loads.I liked that the book on data contained a history of it – beginning with the word itself, before moving to counting methods from pre-history through to the internet. Much time is spent on helping the reader to understand how to use and present data – from drawing a graph to calculating probabilities. I had no idea that ‘Zero’ was invented by an Indian mathematician called Brahmagupta in the 7th Century, and I enjoyed the explanation of where ‘Black Swans’ – unlikely surprises that turn out to be real – came from… Australia of course!

Really useful book. My daughter is really into computers and coding at the minute and this is a great start for her. She has learnt loads from this book. It is good value for money and very informative for younger children.

"Very Short Introductions for Curious Young Minds: The Expanding World of Data" is a compelling dive into the intricate and ever-evolving realm of data. This isn't just another educational book; it's a concise guide tailored for young minds, aiming to demystify the complex world of data and its profound impact on our daily lives.One of the standout features of this book is its ability to simplify intricate concepts. It breaks down the vast world of data into digestible chunks, ensuring that young readers can grasp and understand the foundational principles without feeling overwhelmed. From explaining what data is to how it's collected, processed, and utilized, the book offers a comprehensive overview in a manner that's accessible to its target audience.The book's interactive approach is another highlight. It's peppered with engaging activities, thought-provoking questions, and real-world examples that make the learning process dynamic and relatable. Young readers are not just passive consumers of information; they're actively encouraged to think, question, and explore the world of data further.The design and layout of "The Expanding World of Data" are both visually appealing and informative. Vibrant illustrations, clear diagrams, and concise text ensure that the content is both engaging and easy to understand. The book strikes a balance between being informative and visually stimulating, ensuring that young readers remain captivated.In the age of digital transformation, understanding the world of data is crucial. This book ensures that young minds are not only introduced to this world but are also equipped with the knowledge and curiosity to navigate it confidently.

This is a great little book, which is very informative and can raise quite a few 'clever' discussions with your child. I don't see this book as necessarily certain age appropriate - you can start as early as you like, this book can be very versatile as it has pictures and introduces ideas on so many levels. The size is great for traveling.