Science in a Nanosecond: Illustrated Answers to 100 Basic Science Questions [Paperback]

James A. Haught (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Journalist James Haught grew up in an Appalachian farm town in the 1930's and clearly remembers the use of outdoor plumbing, kerosene lamps, handle pumps, and horses and wagons. He now does his work at a video terminal, with a roof dish that fills the screen with news from a satellite 22,000 miles above the equator. As he points out in the introduction to Science in a Nanosecond, there have been greater scientific advances in his lifetime than in all previous human history; and now, more than ever before, science awareness is necessary to grasp the amazing technological revolutions that are changing our lives. How do we communicate the wonders of science to children and young adults? This book was Haught's attempt to do just that for his four children as they were growing up. He presents 100 common science questions and provides simple answers with clear illustrations. Why is the sky blue? Why are there seasons?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A useful science reading supplement for youngsters." -- Science Books & Films "... for the young scientist or otherwise alert and curious child." -- American Rationalist

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 110 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (January 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879756373
• ISBN-13: 978-0879756376
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,367,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring. Mental appetite-whetting. I would have loved this when a young person, January 3, 2008

By 

G. Stelzenmuller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Science in a Nanosecond: Illustrated Answers to 100 Basic Science Questions (Paperback)

James Haught does an excellent job of appetite-whetting for the younger reader. If you are a parent who wishes to get something for your science-minded youngster, then make "Science in a Nanosecond" on top of your list. It is interesting, clear to follow, and quite short. In fact, if your youngster is NOT inclined to science kind of reading, then get this anyway.

The illustrations in this book - they come along with every one of the 100 "basic science questions" - are simple and to the point being discussed. In short, the pictures make the book even easier to understand. It is probably fair to say that if you, as a parent, are a scientist or engineer yourself, you will likely find at least one thing discussed in "Nanosecond" that you did not know or understand thoroughly. You don't have to admit it to the kids, either!

Mercifully, you will find that this author makes only a few nonscience (i.e., political) remarks through the book, and even those few are easy to see and either absorb or pass by. Since you will obviously read the book before giving to your children, see if you can spot them. Honest, it won't spoil the book.