Blog Archives
The Brain and Time
Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time? follows three friends discussing with the school nurse how the same period of time can feel like it’s going by fast or slow, depending on what you are doing. What gave you the idea of writing about this topic for children?
I love history and physics. Albert Einstein was obsessed with light which is what helped give him the drive to discover the Theory of Relativity. When I learned about the parts of the brain the help process time, I wanted to help people understand that our reality of time is also constructed by how our brain processes things. Some diseases can affect the brain which may also affect the way the brain processes time. I think that is really interesting.
In your book, you discuss the concept of time and how the brain processes it. You also introduce readers to topics like Parkinson’s disease and the methods scientists use to study the brain. How do you strike a balance between providing technical information and keeping your readers engaged without overwhelming them?
I don’t know. I believe I have a gift of synthesizing complex info and bringing it down to the level of a child. We should use our gifts to benefit the world and avoid concealing our gifts.
What’s the most surprising thing you learned while writing your books?
I am surprised that it is not discussed more and not openly known that time processing for people with Parkinson’s Disease can be different from the rest of us. Knowing this can affect our understanding of our world. Our world is complex, and we should embrace the complexity.
What do you hope to teach or inspire in children reading your book?
I hope many children will consider careers in the health sciences.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Sometimes it seems only a nurse can bring technical information down to an understanding that an ordinary person can grasp. The Nurse Florence® book series provides high quality medical information that even a child can grasp. By introducing young kids to correct terminology and science concepts at an early age, we can help increase our children’s health literacy level as well as help to prepare them for courses and jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We need more scientists so I hope that many children will enjoy this book series and consider a job involving science. Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book A Movement of Global Health Promotion and Literacy
Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time?
Michael Dow’s Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time? is an enlightening educational book tailored for elementary school-aged children. It masterfully intertwines scientific knowledge and human anatomy to demystify how our brains perceive time. Through the engaging narrative, Nurse Florence explains the complexities of time perception to her young friends Jean, Condi, and Sonia, delving into why it seems to pass differently under varying circumstances.
Lindsay Roberts’ eye-catching illustrations significantly enhance the book’s educational value. These visuals are aesthetically pleasing and serve an educational purpose by featuring anatomical diagrams. This blend of imagery and text ensures that young readers remain captivated while absorbing intricate concepts. Dow’s writing style is both challenging and accessible, striking a balance between advanced vocabulary and understandable content. This approach fosters a learning environment where curious young minds can engage with real-world scientific terminology in a meaningful way. The comprehensive descriptions and contexts provided make complex ideas approachable for the target audience. In a creative twist, Dow draws inspiration from a historical nursing figure to craft the character of Nurse Florence, blending fact with fiction to create an immersive educational experience. This book stands out as a valuable resource for children interested in science, fueling their curiosity and enhancing their literacy skills.
Nurse Florence®, How Do We Understand Time? is an outstanding and commendable addition to the world of children’s literature. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the concept of time, making it a valuable resource for young readers with a keen interest in science. The writing style is engaging, and the content is presented in a way that is both informative and captivating. Whether you are a young reader or an adult, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of time.
Pages: 66 | ISBN : 9781304865694
Michael Dow Author Interview
Nurse Florence®, What is Atrial Fibrillation? follows a group of students who learn what A-fib is, the causes, and ways to prevent it. With this being such a complex topic, how do you decide what information to include?
Every disease book in the Nurse Florence series addresses the pathophysiology of the disease, signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, how it is diagnosed, treatment options and prevention strategies to avoid getting the disease when possible.
The Nurse Florence series is an inspiring collection for young readers to get them excited about STEM. Do you see this branching into other areas aside from books?
Yes, I envision a TV series as well as a live action movie franchise. We are planning a line of merchandise for next year.
What were some of your inspirations as a writer?
Jim Morrison of The Doors inspired my first writing attempts in poetry. The demands of my professors in my three Master’s programs to be concise and quick with accurate information from research helped me in my writing efficiency.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Nurse Florence® What is Atrial Fibrillation?
That they can approach a complex topic and learn the basic facts of a disease to feel empowered by their new knowledge to live a healthier life.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
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