

ODYSSEY Magazine
Spring 2015 MagazinesWhat Odyssey does best is create in-depth, everyday-science content that not only will inspire youngsters (grades 5-9) who are already sold on science and technology, but also intrigue those who aren't.
That's a hard educational abyss to straddle for this age group. Odyssey does it largely by linking what's fascinating in the world of science, including cutting-edge research and oh-wow discoveries, to what matters in daily life. Issues are thematically focused, though each covers a diversity of scientific topics. The most recent issue is all about "waste" and includes compelling topics such as where our trash goes once it leaves our homes; the relationship between food waste and hunger; how much energy recycling actually saves; what to do with radioactive waste; and even, yes, because it's so age appropriate, "What to Do With Poo…."
Other recent issues offered well-written pieces on "satellite gazing" in your own backyard, drones that are helping to protect orangutans in Sumatra and Borneo; and the Yellowstone super volcano. Odyssey's departments include the newsier topical Science Scoops, a useful Staying Healthy, the so-current Your Tech, and the interactive You've Got Mail. The magazine features slick production values and an entertaining page-by-page design that is kid-friendly, eye-catching and even artsy-hip at times.
Odyssey actually respects the evolving intellect of its young audience without underestimating it. Not only will your kids get that, so will you as you're paging through each issue.