Fantastic Voyages [Paperback]

Leroy W. Dubeck (Author), Suzanne E. Moshier (Author), Judith E. Boss (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1563961954 | ISBN-13: 978-1563961953 | Publication Date: August 22, 1995

In this work the author uses scenes from science fiction films to illustrate fundamental concepts of physics, astronomy and biology. These scenes - from some of the finest films in the science-fiction genre - range from such '50s classics as "The Thing" to more recent hits like "Star Wars" and "Total Recall". This book reveals the facts behind the fiction and, in doing so, establishes a novel approach to learning science. End-of-chapter exercises and examples, along with many original illustrations and more than 20 movie stills are provided. This work is intended for science-fiction enthusiasts, film buffs and those generally interested in science and literature about science.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: "If you find science fiction films thought-provoking, this could be the book for you ... The scope of the book is wide, with a good grounding in basic physics and biology, and a lot of other information besides." New Scientist "The idea of using science fiction films to convey science in an interesting way is sound, and anyone preparing a course using the genre should at least consult this book." Nature From the reviews of the second edition: "Dubeck (Temple Univ.) and Moshier and Boss (both, Univ. of Nebraska at Omaha) in their new edition … try to provide basic physics and biology instruction using numerous science fiction films as examples. … With 116 pages treating films and literary commentary, excellent diagrams and pictures, and very good writing, this work accomplishes what it sets out to do as well as any small book can. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers; lower-and upper-division undergraduates." (P. R. Douville, CHOICE, June, 2004) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

What principle of mechanics is illustrated in the science fiction thriller Terminator 2: Judgment Day? How is nuclear fission important to the plot of Aliens? Is the time travel portrayed in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home a real possibility? Discover the surprising answers to these and a host of other intriguing questions in Fantastic Voyages. This book provides basic physics and biology instruction using scenes from popular science fiction films as examples of the concepts discussed. Scenes are discussed from such sci-fi classics as The Day the Earth Stood Still, Planet of the Apes and The Andromeda Strain. The latter includes study questions on biological terrorism. More recent hit films discussed include Contact, Jurassic Park and Independence Day. The book is divided into three sections: basic physics and astronomy for non-science majors selected topics in biology detailed plot descriptions of 42 films The new edition also contains material about the greenhouse effect, nuclear power and nuclear terrorism, and the effects of an impact from a comet or asteroid.   Acclaim for the previous edition: "If you find science fiction films thought-provoking, this could be the book for you...The scope of the book is wide, with a good grounding in basic physics and biology, and a lot of other information besides." –New Scientist "The idea of using science fiction films to convey science in an interesting way is sound, and anyone preparing a course using the genre should at least consult this book." –Nature ABOUT THE AUTHORS Leroy W. Dubeck is Professor of Physics at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Suzanne E. Moshier is Professor of Biology at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. Judith E. Boss is Professor of English at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 342 pages
• Publisher: Amer Inst of Physics (August 22, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563961954
• ISBN-13: 978-1563961953
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,759,930 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Great, June 20, 2008

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This review is from: Fantastic Voyages: Learning Science Through Science Fiction Films (Paperback)

Recieved item on time, right when we were told it would arrive. Book in very good condition.