Dr. Art's Guide to Science: Connecting Atoms, Galaxies, and Everything in Between (Hardcover)

~ Art Sussman Ph.D. (Author) "At one time in your life, you probably drove everyone around you crazy because you kept asking "Why..." (more)
Key Phrases: rock molecule, external tail, matter cycles, Milky Way, Two Plus Two Equals Hip-Hop, Anniversary Ball (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up–Sussman uses a personable writing style to make a case for the importance of science. With humorous references to pop culture and questions designed to encourage critical thinking, he makes scientific fundamentals accessible. A systems approach for understanding science is used throughout. However, to move from atoms to energy, the beginning of the universe, life, evolution, and global environmental issues means a brief overview at best–readers who are seriously curious will require further exploration. Most chapters end with a Stop & Think page that describes strategies for better comprehension and retention. Sometimes, questions and activities that encourage reflection are included. Profuse color visuals help to summarize and clarify concepts. Experiments are provided on a Web site. The one experiment in the book deals with the relationship between magnets and electromagnetism and requires materials that are available in a science lab. This attractive volume has several layout mistakes and typographical errors, but they don't mar its overall appeal. A Glindex replaces a glossary and an index. Unfortunately, it lacks enough access points to specific information. Neither a textbook nor a reference source, this title will work best as a browsing item.–Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI
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Review

"I recommend that all kids read this book full of amazing, incredible facts.  Teachers will find it a great resource.  The excellent pictures in this book will be of great interest."—Annie Liu, Kidsday Reporter (Newsday, July 9, 2006)

"This delightful volume reflects the true nature of science in a way that is truly ... 'joyful'." (National Science Teachers Association, April 2006)

"I recommend that all kids read this book full of amazing, incredible facts. Teachers will find it a great resource. The excellent pictures in this book will be of great interest." (Newsday, July 2006)

"In Dr. Art's Guide to Science, Art Sussman has written a very attractive, easy-to-read, and engaging science book that will help students better understand science taught at the middle school level." (Science Books and Films, July/August 2006)

"Art Sussman has written a very attractive, easy-to-read, and engaging science book that will help students better understand science taught at the middle school level." (Science Books and Films, July/August 2006)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass (March 3, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787983268
• ISBN-13: 978-0787983260
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #30,588 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun and Educational Book, April 23, 2006

A Kid's Review

I'm a middle school student. I like science, but don't get enough of it in school. I really like Dr. Art's Guide to Science because it is fun. He uses dancers at a party to explain the differences between solids, liquids, and gases. When the professional wrestlers come in, it shows the differences between physical changes and chemical changes.

Dr. Art even puts a few Just Kidding things in each chapter, like Galileo finding out about the telescope by reading about it on the Internet. This makes you think about what you are reading. It's a creative and different book, and I think even people who have not liked science will like it a lot.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Science that makes connections, May 5, 2006

By	A. Weissman (southern california) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Science books have a history of being droll, filled with amorphous and incomprehensible graphs, facts and statistics. At long last, here is a book both parents and kids can learn from and enjoy studying, perusing, or just laughing with page by page. If school districts would adopt this book, they would see student comprehension and involvement jump off the page. Or perhaps this should be de rigeur summer reading for middle schoolers. Though I am well past that stage, I learned a lot about science and systems and wish I had a book like this when I was 13 or 14. Maybe science and math educators could take a gander at this book and rethink ways to reach students better. This book is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise polluted science learning atmosphere.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Critical thinking with science, December 7, 2006

By	Miguel F. Aznar (Santa Cruz, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This beautifully illustrated, richly colorful book spans the breadth of science, giving the reader context so he or she can dive into areas of personal interest. This is a fun read with playful, provocative writing that reveals the science underlying our choices in life:

"Science can help you answer those questions about your personal decisions. We also think that science can help you make the best decisions for your local community, your country, and for the planet."

This is the thesis that grabbed me. Although I find science intrinsically fascinating, I am deeply concerned that our civilization is ignorantly wielding its immense powers of science and technology. This book invites us to think critically.

Those versed in science will probably learn something out of their area of expertise. They will surely learn how to more engagingly explain that with which they are already familiar. Those fresh to science could ask for no more pleasant or exciting a guide.

I am the Director of Education for the Foresight Nanotech Institute and the author of Technology Challenged: Understanding Our Creations & Choosing Our Future