The Time trilogy also hooked me on science, though I was much younger than the 8th grade when I read them. Perhaps the reading level isn't high enough for your students (and they may already have read the series before coming to you), but the books do discuss interesting aspects of science and cast scientists in a favorable light.
In middle school and high school, I read some of Lewis Carroll's (Charles Dodgeson's) works, including Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. I was struck by how similar some of Carroll's ideas were to theories of physics -- such as the rabbit hole leading to Wonderland, and its similarity to wormholes. Because he was a mathematician, and in contact with notable mathematicians of the time, it is possible that he was inspired by their conjectures and worked them into his stories. As a student already interested in science, I found the similarities intriguing.
Michio Kaku discusses the Alice stories in his book, Hyperspace. Another book, Alice in Quantumland by Robert Gilmore, borrows Alice and sends her on a more obvious journey through physics. Both are interesting reads that might help you generate ideas for integrating literature and science for your students.
I share your concern about children's lack of interest in math and science, and I am grateful for your efforts to create a multidisciplinary classroom. Best of luck!
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The Time trilogy also hooked me on science, though I was much younger than the 8th grade when I read them. Perhaps the reading level isn't high enough for your students (and they may already have read the series before coming to you), but the books do discuss interesting aspects of science and cast scientists in a favorable light.
I have also read Mr. Tomkins. It is delightfully imaginitive, and explains physics phenomena at a reasonable level. Great suggestion!
In middle school and high school, I read some of Lewis Carroll's (Charles Dodgeson's) works, including Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. I was struck by how similar some of Carroll's ideas were to theories of physics -- such as the rabbit hole leading to Wonderland, and its similarity to wormholes. Because he was a mathematician, and in contact with notable mathematicians of the time, it is possible that he was inspired by their conjectures and worked them into his stories. As a student already interested in science, I found the similarities intriguing. Michio Kaku discusses the Alice stories in his book, Hyperspace. Another book, Alice in Quantumland by Robert Gilmore, borrows Alice and sends her on a more obvious journey through physics. Both are interesting reads that might help you generate ideas for integrating literature and science for your students. I share your concern about children's lack of interest in math and science, and I am grateful for your efforts to create a multidisciplinary classroom. Best of luck!