Field Notes

National Geographic Society Logo

Author’s Comment:  Hello all.  Below is the review I wrote for National Geographic on a new publication called The Science Book. The opportunity to write this review is because of my friend Jeff Medkeff, “The Blue Collar Scientist.“  After Jeff passed away his wife asked if I would consider writing the review on this and a couple other books.  It is my honor and privilege.  Thank you Karen for this wonderful opportunity.

The Science Book:
Everything you need to know about the world and how it works
ISBN:  978-1-4262-0337-4
By National Geographic Society
$35.00 Hard Copy
Reviewed by Mark DeVito

There are countless science references available today.  With the Internet readily accessible and most people looking to “digital” sources for information, it is a difficult feat to produce a useful, up to date, and engaging science reference book.  The National Geographic Society however has continued its wonderful tradition of producing books unlike any others.  The Science Book is no exception.  This masterwork presents current theories, understandings and historical perspectives of multiple science disciplines authored by experts in each field.

In a passionate forward by Professor Marshall Brain, the founder of the website “How Stuff Works,” Mr. Brain expresses his love of science and how it touches each and every one of us in our daily lives.  As someone who is absolutely passionate about science, I found Mr. Brain’s comments to be fun and motivating.  In the 21st century science is all around us, in everything we touch and is deeply embedded in our culture, as evidenced by the number of people inseparably attached to their iPods, cell phones, GPS navigators, and laptops.  Where did all this technology come from?  What are the origins of the world we live in and universe we inhabit?  What is on the horizon of science?  If you have ever wondered about any of these questions, The Science Book is the perfect solution.

As an amateur astronomer, I am most intrigued and impressed with the section of the book devoted to the “Universe;” however, the authors do not neglect the other disciplines in the sections titled, “The Earth,” “Biology,” “Chemistry,” “Physics and Technology,” and “Mathematics.”  Within each of these amazingly illustrated sections, the authors present complex topics in clear and easy language, relatively speaking.  Each section subsequently breaks down into sub-sections covering many areas of science.  The individual topics often include historical information, such as the contributions of Galileo to astronomy, Nicholas Steno the “father of fossils” to biology, and Marie Curie to physics.  Not only do the individual topics present facts but also tell, as Fraser Cain, one of the moderators of my favorite podcast Astronomy Cast says,“What we know and how we know what we know.”

Of particular note is the exceptional organization of the information.  Immediately into the book the reader is presented with a “how to use this book” guide.  The individual sections are color coded for quick identification.  The layouts of the pages are reminiscent of a web page with colored tabs, title bars, page introductions, and informational boxes.  These boxes included milestone boxes outlining personalities and scientists related to the topic; basic boxes list key topic facts; in focus boxes provide more in depth facts about themes and subjects that enhance the main topic; issues to solve boxes identify issues and problems related to the topic that challenge science and society; and practice boxes give practical application examples.  All of this information is beautifully illustrated and emphasized with amazing photos and graphics for which National Geographic is famous.

This book is a wonderful addition to the shelves of a personal library, school classroom or library, and particularly the hands of any child with an interest in science.  To quote Mr. Brain’s forward, “Science is incredibly, unbelievably, immeasurably cool, and I hope you enjoy it.”  I couldn’t have said it better myself.