From School Library Journal
Gr 5-8–Beginning with a two-page time line spanning prehistory to 2009, this chronological survey of astronomy covers early observations and discoveries, concentrating on modern findings. Beautiful color photographs of space engage readers from the first page. Drawings and diagrams expand upon theories, and illustrations of Galileo, Newton, and William and Caroline Herschel put faces on these prominent scientists. Activities relevant to each chapter, are sprinkled throughout the book, such as making an astrolabe from string; creating a three-dimensional starscape to demonstrate the distances between the stars in a constellation; inflating a balloon covered with stickers representing stars to measure the changing distances in an expanding universe, and more. The three-page glossary provides short definitions of terms (e.g., “eclipse,” “dark matter,” etc.), and many of these terms are listed in the five-page index and take readers to specifics. For example, the observations and photographs of the 1919 total eclipse of the sun revealed the bending of light around the dark sun, thus validating Einstein's theory of relativity. The resources section lists astronomy websites, sky watching and star-chart sites, and books for further reading. This inviting and informative comprehensive survey will be useful for homework assignments and may send young scientists to further studies of astronomy.–Frances E. Millhouser, formerly with Fairfax County Public Library, VAα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
*Starred Review* With a vast subject and a lengthy time line, this book takes readers on a fast-paced but worthwhile tour of the history of astronomy, beginning with ancient stargazers and ending with the James Webb space telescope, scheduled for launch in 2018. Rather than skimming through centuries of discoveries, the discussion slows at times to consider certain pivotal ones in some detail. At these points, Carson shows unusual finesse in communicating the methods and significance of scientific breakthroughs. Whether describing how Galileo’s observations of Venus through a telescope proved the heliocentric model of the solar system or how Eddington’s photos of a star during a solar eclipse substantiated Einstein’s theory of relativity, the explanations are remarkably clear, vivid, and concise. The discussion gives full weight to women in the field, including Caroline Herschel, Annie Jump Cannon, and Jocelyn Bell Burnell. The many illustrations (most in color) include portraits and photos of astronomers and their equipment as well as images of stars and other space objects. Line drawings illustrate the 21 activities, which offer students opportunities to explore concepts in concrete ways. Notable for its unusually cogent explanations of complex topics, this volume is a worthy companion to Carson’s excellent Exploring the Solar System (2006). Grades 5-8. --Carolyn Phelan
Review
"A highly readable text . . . teachers may find these 21 activities especially helpful, but handy readers can follow these clear directions on their own. This is a useful path for budding space scientists." —Kirkus Reviews
"A fast-paced, but worthwhile, tour of the history of astronomy. Carson shows unusual finesse in communicating the methods and significance of scientific breakthroughs . . . Notable for its unusually clear explanations of complex topics, this volume is a worthy companion to Exploring the Solar System." —Booklist
“A comprehensive combination of astronomical history and science, with activities that should encourage curiosity and involvement.” —Publishers Weekly
"This volume is a great reference tool for astronomy lovers. The combination of history with hands–on activities is a novel approach that would certainly entertain and engage middle school students and beyond. The photos on the glossy pages are eye-catching and the diagrams come with great explanations . . . this volume would make a great resource for a school library or the library of a budding astronomer." —National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Recommends
"This inviting and informative comprehensive survey will be useful for homework assignments and may send young scientists to further studies of astronomy." —School Library Journal
"The activities are perfect 'boredom busters' for cold winter days." —Washington Post
"The book stands out from other introductions to the field because of the activities, all of which use simple and easy-to-find materials." —Science Magazine
"I would recommend this book to all children who have a passion for learning, not just about the night sky, but all aspects of our scientific history. The many illustrations and activities only enhance the reader's understanding of the subject matter and enable him or her to be challenged to learn more, and hopefully one day to join the ranks of the great people documented in the book." —National Space Society
"Scientific terms and concepts are clearly explained in context, and Carson’s lucid writing makes difficult-to-grasp ideas manageable. The pages are packed with colorful reproductions, crisp photos, charts and diagrams, and dazzling NASA images." —School Library Journal
About the Author
Mary Kay Carson has written more than 30 nonfiction books for children, including The Bat Scientists, Exploring the Solar System, and The Wright Brothers for Kids.
