Knowledge of the basic ideas and principles of science is fundamental to cultural literacy. But most books on science are often too obscure or too ...
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Apr 21, 2011
Jihad
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If we can send this book several hundred years back in time, we'd be so scientifically advanced as a species, that we probably would be colonizing a couple more planets of the solar system and voyaging in interstellar space.
The premise of the book is that US voters get to vote on policies that need some scientific background that they don't usually have (issues like stem cell research, climate change, evolution...etc). The book's goal is to help the reader become scientifically liter More...
The premise of the book is that US voters get to vote on policies that need some scientific background that they don't usually have (issues like stem cell research, climate change, evolution...etc). The book's goal is to help the reader become scientifically liter More...
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Feb 26, 2010
Nick
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If you're looking to familiarize yourself with popular science topics in the news and media or just looking to learn a little more about the natural world, this book's the perfect solution. It doesn't get so far into the nitty-gritty details as to boar the casual reader but explores each subject thoroughly and in-depth enough.
For those who already know a subject to some fair extent, such as myself with physics, those sections may seem a little basic. This is, of course, the point of More...
For those who already know a subject to some fair extent, such as myself with physics, those sections may seem a little basic. This is, of course, the point of More...
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Jan 19, 2009
Melinda
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Picked this book up while visiting the McDonald Observatory in far West Texas. Very very good overview of many aspects of science. As one interested in science myself, the daughter of a scientist and medical man fascinated with all facets of science, I agree with the premise of the authors. It is important for lay people to develop a basic scientific literacy. Too many people leave the hard sciences alone, and thus miss out on some of the most fascinating adventures being lived out right now
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Feb 07, 2010
Moonsail
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It explains in layman's terms scientific concepts everyone should know about. The edition I read was the first edition, since I got my copy from a pile of old free books, and, accordingly, some of the gaps in knowledge where the authors said "we don't know yet" have since been answered, such as the shape of the universe and more about the nature of black holes.
All in all, a worthwhile read.
All in all, a worthwhile read.
May 16, 2010
I purchased this book as part of a study set for a CLEP test. If I had known then what I know now... I would have just read this one to begin with. This book is packed with the most useful information and explains concepts in a fascinating and comprehensible way. While I may not feel completely scientifically literate, I do not feel like a scientific idiot.
Dec 09, 2010
Dan
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Great introduction to all the major branches of science and the fundamental concepts of each one. The explanations are well done and understandable. The information contained in this book should be read and understood by everyone, especially those who affect national policy.
Sep 12, 2011
Andrew
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A very good book which gives detailed overviews of different scientific disciplines. Not having a solid scientific background, I found the book challenging. More visuals of the scientific principles would have been beneficial to me. Overall, the book is very informative, detailed, and the authors make good analogies to describe scientific principles. I do feel more scientifically literate than before.
Sep 21, 2010
This books is a primer for every field of science. To be achieve scientific literacy is to be informed as we make decisions. I am learning a great deal and look forward to completing the book.
May 03, 2010
Carol
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A book to read, rather than listen to (as I did), so you can skip the parts of science you are familiar with and reread the parts you want to sink in. The author did a good job of painting the big picture of science and not getting you bogged down in minute details. Three and a half stars.
Jun 03, 2010
Cheska
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Easy refresher for those more familiar with scientific ideas, and works well as a general introduction for the curious individual who wants to gain a better understanding. As a science teacher, I like the case laid out by the authors on science literacy. I also like how the focus was on holistic concept-based instruction, teaching the core concepts of science, rather than spoon-feeding trivia. The chapters were broken down into select principles of science everyone should be familiar with. The
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Oct 29, 2010
Brent
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I read this a few years ago just to get more foundational knowledge in science. It reads quickly and was informative.
Jul 13, 2010
Faizal
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literasi sains untuk orang awam..mudah dan senang dihadam, meliputi pelbagai topik, dari atom hinggalah mekanik kuantum
Sep 08, 2011
Gary
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Suffers from being slightly out of date. Covers science literacy very nicely.
Aug 14, 2011
Glenda
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Feb 03, 2012
Ben
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I was aimed at a younger audience, but as such it's good. It's well paced, spending enough time on each concept to be clear without boring, and it does a great job of explaining things in order of how they are connected in the real world, as opposed to how they might be ordered in high school curriculum.
Read it if you feel like you never got or need a review of middle and high school science, otherwise you'll just skim.
Read it if you feel like you never got or need a review of middle and high school science, otherwise you'll just skim.
Dec 23, 2011
Lucas
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Took me about three months to get through this one. While the info is solid, important and skillfully explained, it reads very much like a textbook. A well-written textbook but a textbook. It's kind of like a "How Things Work" book for adults so I think it would be a great desk reference and I don't regret reading/listening to it in its entirety but I had to take in in rather small doses.
Mar 18, 2008
Kim
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This is the stuff you might have learned in school, but forgot, made interesting, clear and relevant to everyday life. It's the science background everyone should have.
Feb 11, 2011
Judy
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My 11-year grandson is doing better than Harvard graduates on everyday science! He knows why it is warmer in summer and the difference between atoms and molecules.
Nov 07, 2009
Andrew
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This book was a nice refresher on basic science. Took me forever to get through, kind of glad I'm done.
Mar 19, 2008
I feel so dumb when it comes to science. Maybe this will help? Thanks for the recommendation, Kim!
Apr 06, 2008
Tomherndon
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I hope to see a freshman science course built around this kind of text.
Feb 07, 2012
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