Knowledge of the basic ideas and principles of science is fundamental to cultural literacy. But most books on science are often too obscure or too specialized to do the general reader much good. Science Matters is a rare exception-a science book for the general reader that is informative enough to be a popular textbook for introductory courses in high school and college, and yet well-written enough to appeal to general readers uncomfortable with scientific jargon and complicated mathematics. And now, revised and expanded for the first time in nearly two decades, it is up-to-date, so that readers can enjoy Hazen and Trefil's refreshingly accessible explanations of the most recent developments in science, from particle physics to biotechnology.
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"This is a nice summary book for a layperson to read that includes a brief chapter on many important areas in science ranging from chemistry to physics to biology. Each chapter has a nice "frontiers" section that discusses what is the near future for studies/discoveries in each particular area."
— Leanna (5 out of 5 stars)
" Great integrated understanding of the various disciplines of science. I really enjoyed filling in the gaps left by my less than enthusiastic attempts to absorb the sciences way back in college. "
— Sheri, 1/17/2014" A great overview of a lot of fields. Extremely enjoyable and on my re-read list. I did this one as an audiobook and it made my commutes to and from work very enjoyable. "
— Frank, 11/28/2013" Read this cover-to-cover twice and pass the AP General Sciences exam. It's provides a good, basic knowledge of the sciences. "
— Florence, 11/19/2013" This is the stuff you might have learned in school, but forgot, made interesting, clear and relevant to everyday life. It's the science background everyone should have. "
— Kim, 10/21/2013" literasi sains untuk orang awam..mudah dan senang dihadam, meliputi pelbagai topik, dari atom hinggalah mekanik kuantum "
— Faizal, 8/12/2013" Great introduction to all the major branches of science and the fundamental concepts of each one. The explanations are well done and understandable. The information contained in this book should be read and understood by everyone, especially those who affect national policy. "
— Dan, 7/17/2013" I can already tell I'll be recommending this one wildly... "
— Heather, 7/3/2013" Very readable but not over-simplified overview of the sciences. "
— Reuel, 8/29/2012" Absolutely fantastic review and a little more! "
— Eric, 9/12/2011" I hope to see a freshman science course built around this kind of text. "
— Tomherndon, 8/25/2011" Best science book I've ever read - so far. "
— Hohum, 5/8/2011" My 11-year grandson is doing better than Harvard graduates on everyday science! He knows why it is warmer in summer and the difference between atoms and molecules. "
— Judy, 4/18/2011" Great introduction to all the major branches of science and the fundamental concepts of each one. The explanations are well done and understandable. The information contained in this book should be read and understood by everyone, especially those who affect national policy. "
— Dan, 12/9/2010" My 11-year grandson is doing better than Harvard graduates on everyday science! He knows why it is warmer in summer and the difference between atoms and molecules. "
— Judy, 11/7/2010" literasi sains untuk orang awam..mudah dan senang dihadam, meliputi pelbagai topik, dari atom hinggalah mekanik kuantum "
— Faizal, 7/13/2010" Very readable but not over-simplified overview of the sciences. "
— Reuel, 3/9/2010" This book was a nice refresher on basic science. Took me forever to get through, kind of glad I'm done. "
— Andrew, 6/20/2009" I hope to see a freshman science course built around this kind of text. "
— Tomherndon, 4/6/2008" This is the stuff you might have learned in school, but forgot, made interesting, clear and relevant to everyday life. It's the science background everyone should have. "
— Kim, 3/9/2008Robert M. Hazen is the author of more than 350 articles and 20 books on earth science, materials science, origins of life, history and music. A Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, he received the Mineralogical Society of America Award, the Ipatief Prize, the ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award, and other awards for his research and writing. Hazen is a researcher at the Carnegie Institution for Science and is Robinson Professor of Earth Sciences at George Mason University. His recent books include Genesis: The Scientific Quest for Life's Origins and The Sciences: An Integrated Approach (with James Trefil).
Jim Meskimen is a stage, film, and television actor who has appeared in many well-known movies and television shows. He acted in Apollo 13 and Frost/Nixon for director Ron Howard, both of which were nominated for Best Picture Oscars. His television appearances include The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Friends, Lie to Me, Criminal Minds, and Parks and Recreation. He is also a painter, award-winning audiobook narrator, and audiobook director for Galaxy Audio.
Fred Sanders, an actor and Earphones Award–winning narrator, has received critics’ praise for his audio narrations that range from nonfiction, memoir, and fiction to mystery and suspense. He been seen on Broadway in The Buddy Holly Story, in national tours for Driving Miss Daisy and Big River, and on such television shows as Seinfeld, The West Wing, Will and Grace, Numb3rs,Titus, and Malcolm in the Middle. His films include Sea of Love, The Shadow, and the Oscar-nominated short Culture. He is a native New Yorker and Yale graduate.