Study of Science

Even students who aren't inclined toward the sciences will find this book a great read. It is as much about the history of humanity and our curiosity regarding the world around us as it is an informative survey of our scientific breakthroughs. Included are early achievements-such as the discovery of fire and written language-and modern triumphs of ingenuity such as space exploration, genetics, information technology, and the so-called God Particle. A history of the sciences that is also a history of human creativity, knowledge, experimentation, and invention, this book inspires a love and respect for curiosity, learning, and understanding that is more important than ever.

Without chemistry, bread would not rise, cleaners would not clean, and life itself would not exist. Chemistry is the study of matter and the chemical changes that matter undergoes. The discovery of the atom and how atoms interact with one another has transformed the world. In this illuminating volume, readers learn about the history of chemistry and the concepts they might encounter in an introductory chemistry course, including chemical and volumetric analysis, atomic theory, gravitation, elements and the periodic table, chemical reactions and formulas, and organic and inorganic compounds and bonds. Sidebars highlight key chemists and scientific principles.

The study of living matter is an important part of biology. Being able to recognize living matter and differentiate it from nonliving matter is a key component of the science curriculum. This volume is a straightforward, comprehensive guide to the study of living matter: what it is composed of, how it reproduces, how it reacts to the environment around it, and how it evolves. Readers will enjoy the bright photos and engaging information while learning an important part of the study of biology.

Astronomy is one of the oldest natural sciences. From ancient times, people have recorded methodical observations of objects in the night sky and attempted to understand the mysteries of the universe. This title provides an engaging and up-to-date presentation of fundamental astronomy facts and principles. The text clearly explains the nature of celestial bodies such as the planets, dwarf planets, stars, moons, asteroids, and comets. It also examines the tools and techniques used by today's astronomers, including high-tech telescopes, spectroscopy, and computer modeling. Enhanced with illuminating images, this title is an ideal introduction to astronomy for a range of readers.

The science of archaeology--the study of the remains of the human past--pairs the thrill of the treasure hunt with the mystery of detective work. Readers will learn all about the different types of archaeology, as well as how archaeologists collect, analyze, and synthesize data. In this insightful volume, readers discover archaeologists' goals as they dig up discoveries and the training needed to get a foothold in the field. This book lays out the rich stages of archeological history, and readers learn why this field remains so important to this day.

Bridging astronomy and physics, cosmology seeks to examine the nature of the universe as a whole. Scientific investigation of cosmology began in ancient times and progressed rapidly after the Scientific Revolution, which produced the discovery of gravity and the heliocentric model of Copernicus. This volume examines the historical developments in the field of cosmology, the evidence supporting the Big Bang theory, and the future implications of dark matter and an expanding universe. Readers will also be introduced to the various thinkers who helped advance study of this endlessly fascinating field.

Without physics, modern life would not exist. Instead of electric light, we would read by the light of candles. We couldn't build skyscrapers. We could not possibly bridge rivers, much less build a jet or interplanetary craft. Computers and smartphones would be unimaginable. Physics is concerned with the most fundamental aspects of matter and energy and how they interact to make the physical universe work. In accessible language and with explanatory graphics and visual aids, this book introduces readers to the science that is at the very center of all other sciences and essential to our very existence.