This book explores Science from an occupational perspective. How do individuals from 12 professionals use Science in their jobs? I expected my son to give this book a read because it includes a description of zookeepers - which is something that resonates with him.

Subsequently, as I delved into it, it evolved into an inspiration spring-bed in which I gathered ideas for future setting of exam papers. Some questions that came to my mind are what material should hoses be made of, what organ do we blow air into via CPR, energy conversion when using an electric blender, a question about the dispersal method of coconuts and then following up with why ships can float, how yeast releases carbon dioxide during fermentation, the function of a peak flow meter, among others.

Apparently, a 2026 PSLE question was inspired by the everyday work of florists. Why do we cut the stems at a 45 degree angle. This comes across as a left-field question, but for students who have experience in flower arrangement, maybe the answer is as obvious to them as snapping the fingers.

Not sure how much the son learnt from the book. But he did offer an absurd idea. Using fishing rods to dangle prey in front of bats so that they can determine the speed of moving cars via echolocation. I’m not sure how traffic police officers can manifest his wild idea into reality but I was heartened that he knew how to link sound waves with bats.

Another takeaway I gleaned is that I should expose the son to as many professions as possible so that he can gain first-hand insights of how scientific principles are applied in everyday life. That what will appear as obscure questions to children hothoused on a diet of past year papers and assessment books will be a walk in the park for him.