Michael Shaw

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About Michael Shaw

Michael Shaw has written several books to assist teachers and their young scientists in preparing winning science fair projects. He has also written photo-essay books with poems, winning an award for his inspirational poetry. His latest book takes you on a photo tour of Ireland.

His degree in Fine Art from The New York Institute of Technology inspired him to combine art with science. His reproductions of ancient Egyptian Art have been sold at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and at The Field Museum in Chicago. Mr. Shaw's life-size reproduction of the north wall of King Tutankhamen's tomb was purchased by the Philadelphia Museum at the University of Pennsylvania for permanent display. His commercial art has sold in department stores nationwide, and his art and photography has been published in books, magazines, and featured on television.

Mr. Shaw is best known for popularizing microscopic creatures called tardigrades. Called "The Space Bear Hunter," his viral internet video popularized the tardigrade as the "first animal to survive in space." Mr. Shaw has starred in the PBS video on YouTube, "Songs For Unusual Creatures," and has appeared on television in Brazil. Having popularized this unusual creature, resulting in an exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History, he was recently featured in a science article in the New York Times.

Continuing to write, he is currently working on a novel, a collection of short stories, and several other non-science types of books.

Virginia B. Silverstein

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Books By Michael Shaw

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Kids & Teachers TARDIGRADE Science Project Book: How to Find Tardigrades and Observe Them through a Microscope Sep 17, 2012

by Michael Shaw

( 52 )

$3.99

This book has been a Number One Bestseller on Amazon. For students and teachers wishing to do a science fair project on tardigrades, this book is essential.

With 100 pictures and detailed explanations, this book is written in a style intended to assist students and teachers in a variety of possible science projects with tardigrades.

There are many science hobbyists at all levels who need an additional resource on this topic. Besides information specific to tardigrades, the book provides a basic primer on collecting and viewing specimens of many types under the microscope.

Beginning with some basic information about tardigrades, the book explains the where’s and how’s of finding these fascinating creatures. Covered are the essential techniques of sample collection, specimen and slide preparation, and the basics of microorganism viewing under a microscope.

How to build science fair models of tardigrade eggs and tardigrades is explained in detail with over 100 step by step color pictures (in Kindle version). The photos in the paperback version are in black & white, so if you buy the paperback, you get the color version in Kindle for $1.99 under the Kindle MatchBook program.

Also included are bonus sections showing how to build a microscope camera adapter, and how to build a plant press for preserving leaves and flowers.

For anyone wishing to embark on a new voyage of scientific discovery, this book will help point the way.
>>> REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
"This is a fascinating book for anyone, not just teachers & kids. I've been curious about tardigrades ever since I saw a picture of one. They are pretty amazing animals that are as close as you can get to indestructible, withstanding temperatures that would kill most other creatures." - Maureen A. Carr - 5 Star Amazon Review

"The discussion on microscopy is particularly good -- especially the section about depth of field, and the comparison of stereo microscopes with compound microscopes. Indeed, even my college students and teachers in professional development classes sometimes have a difficult time grasping these concepts (higher mag is not always "better") Indeed, this book would be very useful for anyone interested in basic microscopy." - Karen Kalumuck - College Professor

"A wonderful guide. Clearly written as well as charming. My granddaughter used the book for an independent research project (2nd grade) and is now using it in her science fair project. Inspiring to budding young scientists." - Rona Ostrow - 5 Star Amazon Review

Other Formats: Paperback

YOUR MICROSCOPE HOBBY: HOW TO MAKE MULTI-COLORED FILTERS: RHEINBERG, POLARIZING, DARKFIELD AND OBLIQUE Jan 13, 2014

by Michael Shaw

( 44 )

$6.99

There are scant resources on the web and in books about making microscope filters, especially Rheinberg, Darkfield, and Oblique filters. How do they work? How do you make them? The author saves the reader the trouble of doing all the research by providing a step by step manual on microscope filter making.

For over a decade, the author has made microscope filters for universities around the world, for the Mayo Clinic, for professors, industrial scientists, hospital researchers, doctors and veterinarians on every continent, and for amateurs as well. In addition to the main topic of Rheinberg filters, covered are polarization and oblique filter making, which adds to the repertoire of microscope contrast techniques. The book also lists many resources for products and related references about microscopy.

Loaded with over 144 photos and illustrations, included are bonus chapters showing the reader how to make a microscope camera adapter, a nice wooden filter case, and instructions for making a plant press.

Having created sets of Rheinberg filters for various makes and models of microscopes, new, old, and antique, the author shares all of his techniques. Besides being a course on microscope filter making, the book provides the key elements to setting up a home based business via the internet, with a complete marketing plan that can be applied to other hobbies and interests as well.
REVIEWS>>>
“This book is just under 200 pages and evolved from a paperback Michael Shaw had written. As would be expected, much of the material from the paperback version had been carried over to the electronic version. However, the book has been revised and additional material added. For example, there is now a chapter on how to attach a digital camera to a microscope. As noted by the previous reviewers this is a how to book: it is a practical guide for making Rheinberg filters as well as providing some guidelines on making oblique illumination stops and using polarizing filters. So it would be incomplete to say that this book JUST covers making Rheinberg filter. It is more general and should provide a working guideline on how to increase contrast when viewing transparent specimens in a light microscope. The materials and methods are inexpensive and simple and will be of value to the hobbyist who enjoys viewing the micro world.

The book is not a theoretical analysis on microscope illumination strategies. Rather it is a guide book that encourages the microscopist to play with his microscope, enabling him to generate colorful images from specimens that are normally colorless. The book has color illustrations.

A quick note on reading the book. You do not need a Kindle. All you need is a smart phone or a computer or a tablet that can run the Kindle Reading Apps (the two I downloaded for my iPhone and Mac computer were free). So don't be put off from buying this book if you don't own a Kindle.

I recommend this book. It is an easy and fast read and provides numerous helpful suggestions and insights on working with a microscope.”
-Brian Matsumoto

“This book is unique in presenting a discussion on Rheinberg illumination with particular emphasis on how to MAKE a system for your microscope. It is well written and easy to read. The instructions are not only detailed and easy to follow but informative as well. It is everything you need to get into Rheinberg illumination for YOUR microscope (IMPORTANT: It is not microscope specific so will work with any system you have). Simply outstanding. He has summarized bits of information from many years of experimentation and research into how this method works.”
-Alex Cummins

Other Formats: Paperback

Kids & Teachers Tardigrade Quiz and Fact Book: 20 Questions About Tardigrades Apr 3, 2014

by Michael Shaw

( 15 )

$3.99

If you’ve already started searching for tardigrades, or you simply have an interest in these fascinating creatures, you now have an easy way to get all the facts. If you are a teacher, you will be able inform and measure results at the same time by giving an amusing quiz.

What are tardigrades? Where do they live? What temperatures can they withstand? Did they really survive the vacuum of space? You no longer have to do a time consuming web search to find the answers.

Get the facts about tardigrades all in one place – the Tardigrade Quiz and Fact Book. What’s nice about this style of Kindle book is that learning is fun because a quiz helps your memory retain information. And the pictures help you remember the answers.

Imagine talking to a judge at a science fair with confidence because you know all about tardigrades. Your conversations with friends and family will not just leave them impressed, but they’ll want to hear more. The questions will not be about tardigrades but about you. How did YOU get interested in tardigrades? Did you ever see one? Do you have any right now as pets? Can they come over to your house and see a tardigrade?

As a teacher, don’t be surprised if colleagues ask you to give talks in their classrooms, or if they invite you to get-togethers and parties because you are suddenly so interesting. Can you imagine a parent’s pride when their kid comes home using words like “Fahrenheit,” “spore,” and “ultraviolet radiation?”

FACT: “Students are more likely to remember information that is learned with a visual aid.”
Beeland, W. “Student Engagement, Visual Learning, and Technology: Can Interactive Whiteboards Help?” (2001).
FACT: “Words are abstract and rather difficult for the brain to retain, whereas visuals are concrete and, as such, more easily remembered.”
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/get-psyched/201207/learning-through-visuals
FACT: Quizzes help students remember more easily: “…it requires students to retrieve information effortfully from memory, and such effortful retrieval turns out to be a wonderfully powerful mnemonic device in many circumstances.”

“I love the idea of building a quiz into a science book like this. The reader is asked a question, if they get it right they get a detailed explanation of why they are right. If they should happen to get it wrong, the author will either throw in a funny joke or offer additional information to help the reader reconsider their answer. I think this is a great way for kids and adults to learn new content.”
J McCullen

“I gave this a five star rating because of the information presented. I had no idea Tardigrades were so resilient. Just as suggested by the author, the answers can be very funny yet remain informative. The facts are presented in an entertaining way. Don’t be surprised if your kids laugh out loud. If you read any books this year this one must be among them.”
Dan Holloway

“What a nice little book on Tardigrades, I just bought it and my Granddaughter (7) is already going through it and asking questions. Definitely a little book for Teachers and Kids. Thank you Mr. Shaw.”
Reynald Carra

Uncover the secrets about tardigrades in this book.
Here are just a few of the things you will learn:
– Whether tardigrades have a respiratory system and a nervous system
– How tardigrade survive in extreme conditions like minus 200 Centigrade
– The anatomy of a tardigrade
– The very strange shapes of tardigrade eggs
– And much more valuable know-how for now an

Other Formats: Paperback

Archery Answers: Learn All the Basics Now Apr 28, 2016

by Michael Shaw

( 3 )

$4.95

Where Can You Find Archery Answers?

Before you plunk down big bucks for a bow, don’t you want to know about the different types of bows, and how many pounds of pull you need? And what about the arrows? Whether you buy arrows from a sporting goods store, archery store, or online, the sales people will all ask you which type of arrow shafts you want, what kinds of points and fletches, and what is your draw length?
And, by the way, how do you carry your arrows? In what style of quiver? Have you sorted out the pros and cons of a back quiver, a side quiver and a bow quiver? You’ll also need to figure out armguards, finger tab vs. a shooting glove, bow strings & stringers…decisions, decisions.

BEFORE you start talking to sales people and shopping online for the best deals in archery equipment, you’ll want all those bases covered in your head.

Archery Answers is a book in clear, no-nonsense language to teach you stuff you need to know, the stuff you can apply immediately. You don’t want more confusing information, you only need the right information, the facts that really matter.
Okay, fast forward a couple of months. You are an archer, yes, a beginner, and you have confidence. Think of the conversations with your family and friends. You’ll be gushing to share your love of archery, and they will want to hear about you and how you are progressing.

People who know you will see you in a new light as capable and knowledgeable…because you will be, and you’ll feel more confident in all aspects of your life. (And by the way, the archery range is a great place to make new friends as well. Like-minded people will be glad to help you and give archery advice.)

Do you want to save even more money by making your own accessories? Yes, you can really make your own finger tab, bow stringer, armguard! Archery Answers shows you how, step-by-step, with pictures and templates. After a day of shooting, maybe some arrows will be damaged. How do you repair an arrow if you lose the metal point in a log or when a fletch falls off? Archery Answers teaches you all of these critical bits of know-how.

And included are many more techniques, explanations, and instructions, all geared to the beginner. Archery Answers is loaded with over two hundred pictures, and is structured in a question and answer format to help you learn in a quick and easy manner. You will find that learning is fun because of this conversational writing approach. Did you know that when you read new material in a question and answer format it helps you retain information?

Here is a 200 page book that you are going to refer to again and again, whether you are setting up your bow for the first time, adding a nock to your bowstring, fixing arrows, or maybe wanting to make another finger-tab out of a scrap piece of leather.
Thanks for reading this. Please preview the book for free and you will see that you have the way to get all the Archery Answers you have been looking for. Now get out there and shoot some arrows!

Other Formats: Paperback

Ireland's Beautiful Places: With Traditional Sayings Dec 26, 2015

by Michael Shaw

$2.99

WHEN YOU VISIT IRELAND, you’ll discover not only many things about the place and its people, but you will feel transported to a different state of being. There is some magic in a visit to Ireland, and at times you even lose a sense of what century you are in.

Ireland’s Beautiful Places is not your average travel book. This is an inspiring photo essay designed to motivate you to book your travel, pack, and head to Ireland.

Each section has a theme, expressed in a brief travel narrative followed by a series photos captioned with Irish sayings. This unique presentation opens you up to the pleasure of contemplating a trip to Ireland. The 50+ pictures will resonate in a special place in your heart. The Irish proverbs beneath each photo will deeply connect you to the people.

This is a quick and inspiring read with a great deal of spirit.

Other Formats: Paperback

Word Nerd: Things Way Up High Riddle Game Book Aug 6, 2013

by Michael Shaw

( 5 )

$2.99

As a teaching tool, riddles entice young readers to expand vocabulary and learn new variations in grammar and expression. With dozens of stunning photos, electronic in form, it’s perfect family fun during a power outage. Pass around the electronic tablet or smart phone, and take turns holding up the answer for all to view.

Also a great ice-breaker during a party. Shy teens may tend to busy themselves with their smart phone. This game book provides a more social alternative which opens the door to interaction with peers. Whether it is a picnic with other families, a family function or barbeque, or a youth group Friday night, this game book invites conversations and group interaction.

Quickly engaging the reader to solve riddles, this can be called an interactive book for all ages. A riddle is posed on one page, and by clicking a link, a picture reveals the answer.

The level of language will satisfy readers from middle school to graduate school. The riddles are skillfully posed in rhyme, requiring a bit more thought than the average riddle, hearkening back to a time of simpler diversions. Each of the picture solutions gives the reader and friends an “ah-ha!” moment and a smile.

This is the Kindle Game Book version. Also published in paperback as "Way Up High," a book of poetry riddles and photos.

>>>> REVIEWS
"This book is ideal for those who are interested in learning more about the various wonders of the world that are often above us. It's really amazing how many different things there are! " - Steven J. 5 Star Amazon Review

"The book is packed with riddles that give you an interesting science fact when you reveal the answers. The riddles are perfect for kids that want to learn more about how the world around them works. They cover such a wide range of topics that you begin to realize how much science is literally everywhere. Perfect for kids and young adults." - Bob R. - Amazon Reviewer

"There is a lot of basic, and even some advanced science education here for the layperson. Perhaps some things you'd forgotten since your days in science class - or just for some fun-facts with the kids or grandkids. Mike has a great way of explaining things in an easy-to-understand vernacular." - D. Agnone 5 Star Amazon Review

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