Dr. Art's Guide to Science: Connecting Atoms, Galaxies, and Everything in Between

I purchased this book as a review of general science knowledge for taking the Praxis 2 middle school science test. I am strong in science and just needed a quick dusting of my memory. This book did just that in an easy to read and understand manner. It provides illustrations and examples that explain the point in a way in which "common Joes" can understand. It however, does not go into detail, such as give formulations used in general chemistry. I believe this would be excellent reading for a young student who might not understand basic principles or if clarification with real world examples are needed. I also liked how common questions that arise from seemingly contradictions in science are addressed. It is colorful and fun to read.

Every elementary schoolscience teacher should read and keep a copy of this little book! Enjoyable to read!

This beautifully illustrated, richly colorful book spans the breadth of science, giving the reader context so he or she can dive into areas of personal interest. This is a fun read with playful, provocative writing that reveals the science underlying our choices in life: "Science can help you answer those questions about your personal decisions. We also think that science can help you make the best decisions for your local community, your country, and for the planet." This is the thesis that grabbed me. Although I find science intrinsically fascinating, I am deeply concerned that our civilization is ignorantly wielding its immense powers of science and technology. This book invites us to think critically. Those versed in science will probably learn something out of their area of expertise. They will surely learn how to more engagingly explain that with which they are already familiar. Those fresh to science could ask for no more pleasant or exciting a guide. I am the Director of Education for the Foresight Nanotech Institute and the author of Technology Challenged: Understanding Our Creations & Choosing Our Future

Science books have a history of being droll, filled with amorphous and incomprehensible graphs, facts and statistics. At long last, here is a book both parents and kids can learn from and enjoy studying, perusing, or just laughing with page by page. If school districts would adopt this book, they would see student comprehension and involvement jump off the page. Or perhaps this should be de rigeur summer reading for middle schoolers. Though I am well past that stage, I learned a lot about science and systems and wish I had a book like this when I was 13 or 14. Maybe science and math educators could take a gander at this book and rethink ways to reach students better. This book is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise polluted science learning atmosphere.

I'm a middle school student. I like science, but don't get enough of it in school. I really like Dr. Art's Guide to Science because it is fun. He uses dancers at a party to explain the differences between solids, liquids, and gases. When the professional wrestlers come in, it shows the differences between physical changes and chemical changes. Dr. Art even puts a few Just Kidding things in each chapter, like Galileo finding out about the telescope by reading about it on the Internet. This makes you think about what you are reading. It's a creative and different book, and I think even people who have not liked science will like it a lot.