Physics: An Illustrated History of the Foundations of Science (100 Ponderables)

by Tom Jackson

Overview

The fourth addition to the Ponderables series, Physics: An Illustrated History of the Foundations of Science follows famous scientists and other experts through the ages as they unravel the fabric of the universe to reveal the array of fundamental forces, intangible articles, and indestructible energy that make up one of our core scientific studies. Filled with glorious color photos, imagery and diagrams, this authoritative volume even includes a simple physics guide and timeline that add new context to fresh mysteries such as Higgs Boson, supersymmetry, and dark energy. Biographies of the great physicists plus 100 chronological articles on the history of physics build on the popular Who did what when? Ponderables trademark.

In a world where technology and science have become familiar and exciting subjects, Physics finally lays wide open one of science's more mystifying facets, the knowledge without which

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780985323066
Publisher:	Shelter Harbor Press
Publication date:	10/28/2013
Series:	100 Ponderables
Edition description:	Illustrated,Hardcover w/ 24-page, removable fold-out timeline/chart
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	9.50(w) x 10.90(h) x 1.20(d)
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

Tom Jackson is a science writer based in the United Kingdom. Tom specializes in recasting science and technology into lively historical narratives. After almost 20 years of writing, Tom has uncovered a wealth of stories that help create new ways to enjoy learning about science. He studied at the University of Bristol and still lives in the city with his wife and three children.

Editorial Reviews

They explain how the world works! It doesn't get any better than that.

MassMoms.com

Mesmerizing stories, intriguing facts, and lavish illustrations…make these books not only useful but keepsakes for future generations…Great additions to any home library for kids of all ages!

MoviesMusicAndMoreBySharon.blogspot.com

They're all beautiful. They'd make an awesome bar mitzvah gift.

Tablet Magazine

Readers are immediately drawn to the colorful, detailed photographs, artworks, and diagrams.

BookPleasures.com

A good overview of the subject for beginners…These fun science titles encourage understanding and exploration…a great pick for middle- and high-school students.

Booklist

"Information is accessible and interesting, while an appealing layout features illustrations and photographs on every page...well suited to the casual reader with an interest in the topic."—Booklist


"This broad overview for the general reader—and for YA and high school students—can serve as a springboard to deeper study for those whose interest it piques. Recommended."—School Library Journal


"This is exactly the kind of engaging book I loved to have in my classroom library."—TeachForever.com

From the Publisher

02/01/2014
Aimed at those who may find the history of science compelling but have not themselves studied it, this series installment summarizes thousands of years of human understanding of the physics of how the world works—in an attractive, coffee-table style volume. Each of the 100 entries names a concept; gives an extremely broad, sometimes multicentury explanation of its origins; and describes the idea in half a page to a spread. UK author Jackson concludes with a look ahead, a summary of what we know, and some major questions we still need to answer. While the overall progression of entries is chronological, each one can treat decades, especially in the early sections (e.g., "Understanding Magnets" covers the topic from the fourth century BCE to 1600 CE). The arrangement of entries—within the broad categories "The Dawn of Science," "The Scientific Revolution," "From Classical to Modern Physics," "The Subatomic Age," and "Modern Physics"—can thus in fact be unintuitive. Copious illustrations and a foldout time line make for a visually appealing layout and add helpful background information. VERDICT This broad overview for the general reader—and for YA and high school students—can serve as a springboard to deeper study for those whose interest it piques. Recommended.—Marcia R. Franklin, St. Paul

Library Journal

04/01/2014
Gr 5 Up—The newest addition to this science series that includes Mathematics, The Elements, The Universe (all Shelter Harbor, 2012) tackles physics in an easy-to-read and understand format, breaking down the discoveries made over centuries to explain the universe—from force and motion to quantum theory. The questions pondered and the scientists who sought answers and made discoveries are presented. Short summaries are paired with colorful illustrations and photographs that guide readers to appreciate how each discovery led to a greater understanding of the universe. Brief biographies of each scientist in the book are included for easy reference with birthdate, birthplace, and date of death along with the importance of their discovery. An extensive 12-page, foldable time line is tucked in the back cover, with 1000 milestone facts from 600 BCE to present day in color-coded categories that include culture, world events, science and invention, and physics. Avid scientists might find the explanations of theories simplistic, but typical readers will find the information fascinating and gain a greater understanding of how discoveries are made and how they lead to others.—Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

School Library Journal