Remarkable Reads: Fun with Physics
RSSBy Dodie Ownes
Ever wonder why you feel weightless at the top of the roller coaster? Or what would happen if the Earth became superheated and all the icebergs melted? These are issues best tackled with a working knowledge of physics, the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. Make exploring physics fun with this collection of titles, and point your teens to the American Physical Society website, Physics Central, which is loaded with interesting facts, experiments and cool physics news. JAMES, C. Renée. Seven Wonders of the Universe That You Probably Took for Granted. illus. by Lee Jamison. Johns Hopkins Press. 2010. Tr $70. ISBN 978-0-8018-9797-9; pap. $25. ISBN 978-0-8018-9798-6. Gr 8 Up—It is all here—everything from the 'Jeopardy' explanation of scientific facts to the really techy stuff required to make it through the ACTs. For teens taking AP science classes, this could be their lifeline. Minimal illustration, but frankly, once the concept is explained and understood—What are electrostatics? What is buoyant force? What are force carriers?—that point is moot. Back matter includes symbol index, glossary, resource list, and full index to content. Consider purchasing the ebook edition of this. Remarkable Reads is produced by the editors at NoveList, the leader in readers' advisory electronic resources. For more information, visit NoveList. This article originally appeared in the newsletter Extra Helping. Go here to subscribe.
Gr 10 Up—Each chapter takes on one of the seven wonders in charming and informative text accompanied by detailed cartoonish pencil and ink illustrations. In the chapter on light, readers will learn about radiation, rainbows, and infrared light; in the one about time, black holes and the origin of the seven day week are among the topics tackled. Great for browsing as well as for those just wishing to bone up on the big concepts. Resources and index included.NICKELL, Duane S. Guidebook for the Scientific Traveler: Visiting Physics and Chemistry Sites Across America. Rutgers Univ. Press. 2008. pap. $19.95. ISBN 978-0-8135-4730-5.
Gr 8 Up—Too bad this summer is almost over-this book is the answer to every science geek's road trip planning dream! Nickell, a high school and college science teacher, has assembled a top-notch list of places "not to be missed" in this round-up of labs, planetariums, observatories, craters and more, all in the United States. Black and white photographs accompany many of the site descriptions. A state-by-state list of sites and index are included.NITTA, Hideo. The Manga Guide to Physics. illus.by Keita Takatsu. No Starch. 2009. pap. $19.95. ISBN 978-1-59327-196-1.
Gr 7 Up—This is a perfect introduction to four key physics concepts—law of action and reaction, force and motion, momentum, and energy—especially for fans of anime and manga. Written in story fashion, readers follow teenager Megumi Ninomiya through her day, being tutored all along the way by Ryota, a physics geek who uses real world examples to help her learn the basics. An index is included. And fyi—Manga Guides are also available for statistics, calculus, molecular biology, databases and electricity.ROGERS, Tom. Insultingly Stupid Movie Physics. Sourcebooks. 2007. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4022-1033-4; PLB $23.95. ISBN 978-1-4487-3573-0; ebook $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4022-4936-5.
Gr 9 Up—This book's subtitle clearly states what's inside—"Hollywood's Best Mistakes, Goofs and Flat-out Destructions of the Basic Laws of the Universe." Each of the 20 chapters is devoted to a law of physics, such as inertia, acceleration or gravity, and fleshed out with examples from movies. Those looking for a new way to look at complex physics problems will also find themselves analyzing high-velocity car scenes and bomb craters next time they're at the movie theater. Includes notes and an index.ZITZEWITZ, Paul W. The Handy Physics Answer Book. Visible Ink. 2011. pap. $21.95. ISBN 978-1-57859-305-7; ebook $18.95. ISBN 978-1-57859-355-2.
