The Five Biggest Ideas in Science

by Charles M. Wynn, Arthur W. Wiggins

Overview

In a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of The Five Biggest Ideas in Science, authors Charles Wynn and Arthur Wiggins provide a panoramic view of the questions scientists seek to answer about the natural world:
* Do basic building blocks of matter exist, and if so, what do they look like?
* BIG IDEA #1: Physics' Model of the Atom
* What relationships, if any, exist among different kinds of atoms?
* BIG IDEA #2: Chemistry's Periodic Law
* Where did the atoms of the universe come from,and what is their destiny?
* BIG IDEA #3: Astronomy's Big Bang Theory
* How is the matter of the universe arranged in planet Earth?
* BIG IDEA #4: Geology's Plate Tectonics Model
* How did life on planet Earth originate and develop?
* BIG IDEA #5: Biology's Theory of Evolution


Get set for a lively and informative discussion, as you also learn how to evaluate potential applications of these and other scientific ideas.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470342176
Publisher:	Trade Paper Press
Publication date:	05/02/2008
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	7 MB
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

CHARLES M. WYNN, Professor of Chemistry at Eastern Connecticut State University

ARTHUR W. WIGGINS, Professor of Physics at Oakland Community College in Michigan, are the authors of science textbooks and numerous journal articles. Each has been the recipient of "Best Teacher" awards.

SIDNEY HARRIS is "America's premier science cartoonist" (Isaac Asimov).

Table of Contents

The Road to Discovery: The Method of Science.

BIG IDEA #1 Physics' Model of the Atom: Seeing the Unseeable.

BIG IDEA #2 Chemistry's Periodic Law: Sorting the Elements.

BIG IDEA #3 Astronomy's Big Bang Theory: Tracing the Elements' Roots.

BIG IDEA #4 Geology's Plate Tectonics Model: Down to Earth.

BIG IDEA #5 Biology's Theory of Evolution: Life Begins and Branches Out.

The Method of Science: Further Insights.

Benefit/Risk Analysis: Potential Applications of Scientific Knowledge.

Epilogue.

Idea Folders.

Additional Reading.

Index.

Editorial Reviews

Wynn (chemistry, Eastern Connecticut State Coll.) and Wiggins (physics, Oakland Community Coll.) here aim to use five fundamental ideas-physics' model of the atom, chemistry's periodic law, astronomy's Big Bang theory, geology's plate tectonics model, and biology's theory of evolution-to help lay readers "comprehend, appreciate, and evaluate the world of science." Each "Big Idea" is thoroughly described, with many simple illustrations and cartoons by Sydney Harris, whose works appear regularly in many scientific journals as well as The New Yorker. In explaining the thinking that led to each "Big Idea," the authors clearly outline the scientific method and demystify the process. It soon becomes evident that the "Big Ideas" are subject to constant rethinking, one of the most important lessons of this book. This slim volume should be required reading and belongs in every library above the primary level.-Wilfred Drew, SUNY at Morrisville Coll. Lib.

Library Journal