Need to add for each item where applicable:
These works are all part of the LOEL Educational Resource Map. While the Resource Map aims at being comprehensive, this page is intended to present a selection of resources of especially high quality and strategic impact which is small enough to invite complete exploration.
Sir Roger Penrose is one of the greatest living physicists. He also has written a number of books which are extraordinary resources for anyone who would like to learn modern science and mathematics.
In order to present his controversial idea that human consciousness is partially based on quantum phenomena he first needs to bring the reader up to speed in mathematics, physics and the theory of computation. The journey and the learning are extraordinary.
This is a more challenging book which, however, will richly reward any reader with a strong interest in physics.
This is the first of two fairly short books designed to teach a scientifically literate layperson “What you need to know to start doing physics”. It is based on Susskind’s lecture series of the same name.
These books have significant pre-requisites or require greater commitment of the reader. In many cases they should be used in conjunction with a course of study with support from Partners.
Science and Technology are driving change at an accelerating rate. The consequence of this is that the future we are heading towards will not resemble the past. Some of the coming changes are likely to resemble extrapolations from existing trends, the evolution of recent developments and known theoretical possibilities. Others will doubtless take us by surprise.
One of the best ways to learn Geometry is by interacting with computerized geometry systems. One of the best ways to learn computing is by writing programs which construct and manipulate geometrical objects!
Some computer systems are designed to support learning Euclidean geometry:
Geometric Algebra is a more powerful, expressive, concise and arguably “natural” mathematical language for much of Physics, Computer Science and other disciplines than traditional vector, matrix and tensor approaches.
Everyone familiar with Harry Potter who is also interested in Rationality has a great treat in store:
There is excellent practical material on Logic and Rationality at
LessWrongGood fiction allows the reader to use their natural ability to learn through immersion in a well-crafted world. Learning in this way is a powerful complement to the (usually more distanced “studying”) relationship of reading non-fiction.
Extraordinary Learners will find nearly all of Corey Doctorow’s work highly rewarding.
Just read everything Neil Stephenson writes, OK?
Heinlein wrote a series of books for young readers that are still the model for making hard science and important values accessible to young readers in the form of exciting and engaging stories.
Sheffield’s books for young readers were inspired by Heinlein’s examples yet they are in a class of their own!
These books and videos present an excellent and practical model for being more effective in our relationship to relating to young people and partners.
The videos provide a quick introduction to material which the books go into much more deeply and thoroughly yet the books are short easy reads.