$29.95
Bill Bryson describes himself as a reluctant traveller: but even when he stays safely in his own study at home, he can't contain his curiosity about the world around him. A Short History of Nearly Everything is his quest to find out everything that has happened from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization - how we got from there, being nothing at all, to here, being us. Bill Bryson's challenge is to take subjects that normally bore the pants off most of us, like geology, chemistry and particle physics, and see if there isn't some way to render them comprehensible to people who have never thought they could be interested in science. It's not so much about what we know, as about how we know what we know. How do we know what is in the centre of the Earth, or what a black hole is, or where the continents were 600 million years ago? How did anyone ever figure these things out? On his travels through time and space, he encounters a splendid collection of astonishingly eccentric, competitive, obsessive and foolish scientists, like the painfully shy Henry Cavendish who worked out many conundrums like how much the Earth weighed, but never bothered to tell anybody about many of his findings. In the company of such extraordinary people, Bill Bryson takes us with him on the ultimate eye-opening journey, and reveals the world in a way most of us have never seen it before.
$14.95
How do astronomers study planets, stars and galaxies? What are rovers and where have they landed? How do different telescopes work? What is a nebula? Beginner readers can find out the answers in this book, along with lots more fascinating facts. Amazing photographs and illustrations are combined with simple, easy-to-read text and a glossary explaining all the specialist terms used. Find out more about astronomy and stargazing online via Usborne Quicklinks, where you can find out what to see and when, as well as see the latest images captured by telescopes and rovers.$39.95
Here is the essential guide to biology, an authoritative reference book and fold out timeline that examines how we have uncovered the secrets of lifethe most complex process in the Universe.
From the workings of molecules to the way entire oceans or continents of lifeforms interact, biology seeks to understand how it is that something can be alive, how it fends off death and how it leaves more life in its wake.
We follow the journey through the history of life science to find out why the dolphin got its name (it is the womb fish), how a seven-foot strand of DNA is able to build your body, and what gives a lobster its blue blood. The great names, such as Darwin and Linnaeus, are joined by lesser known discoverers, such as Karl von Frisch who discovered that bees dance and Jan Baptist van Helmont who found a plant uses air and water to grow. Biology today is still very much a live science, finding a purpose in robot design and helping us to understand non-living complex systems like the Internet. Biology has changed the way we understand ourselves. What will it tell us next?
$39.95
Bill Yidumduma Harney is Senior Aboriginal Elder of the Wardaman community west of Katherine N.T. He is well-known through his 1996 book Born Under the Paperbark Tree, and the 2002 SBS film of his family and land, the Menngen White Cockatoo Country. The rock art of this area is famous for striped figures of the Lightning Brothers and other Spiritual Ancestors; and his tourist ventures give large numbers of people the chance to see these Dreaming of his people.
Stockman, land rights pioneer, story-teller par excellence and original painter, this custodian of sites as well as stories has always talked of the moon and stars On Top. In 1998 he asked Dr Hugh Cairns if he would write a book with him on his astronomy... Dark Sparklers is the result, and above all is an intriguing insight into a rather amazing modern Aboriginal Elder who has a cosmic view of life within his earthy realism.
$14.95
Add a touch of personality to this Parkes Radio Telescope A5, 80 page spiral-bound notebook ready for use at home, school or the office.
$24.95
Perfect for car rides, playdates, long wait in lines, travels and more!
$29.95
Astronomers have long known that the Universe is expanding, but everything they could see indicated that gravity should be slowing this spread. Instead, it appears that the Universe is accelerating its expansion and that something stronger than gravity --dark energy -- is at work. In Einstein's Telescope Evalyn Gates, a University of Chicago astrophysicist, transports us to the edge of contemporary science to explore the revolutionary tool that unlocks the secrets of these little-understood cosmic constituents. Based on Einstein's theory of general relativity, gravitational lensing, or "Einstein's Telescope," is enabling new discoveries that are taking us toward the next revolution in scientific thinking -- one that may change forever our notions of where the Universe came from and where it is going.$59.95
The first full-scale biography of the most renowned name in science to be written since those who closely guarded his privacy have died. Based on 20 years of research and interviews with intimate friends and associates willing to discuss Einstein as never before, this riveting book details his childhood and youth. Contains extensive material on his adult life never published before to reveal the crux of Einstein's personality and private life in a way few others have. Includes rare photographs.$54.95
The common language of genius: Eureka! While the roads that lead to breakthrough scientific discovery can be as varied and complex as the human mind, the moment of insight for all scientists is remarkably similar. The word "eureka!", attributed to the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes, has come to express that universal moment of joy, wonder-and even shock-at discovering something entirely new. In this collection of twelve scientific stories, Leslie Alan Horvitz describes the drama of sudden insight as experienced by a dozen distinct personalities, detailing discoveries both well known and obscure. From Darwin, Einstein, and the team of Watson and Crick to such lesser known luminaries as fractal creator Mandelbrot and periodic table mastermind Dmitri Medellev, Eureka! perfectly illustrates Louis Pasteur's quip that chance favors the prepared mind. The book also describes how amateur scientist Joseph Priestley stumbled onto the existence of oxygen in the eighteenth century and how television pioneer Philo Farnsworth developed his idea for a TV screen while plowing his family's Idaho farm.$24.95
George never expected to be swept up in a intergalactic adventure. But that's exactly what happens when he and his best friend, Annie, meet a talking super-computer called Cosmos who can send them into space!
But the mysteries of the universe are bigger than they could have guessed. And as well as becoming overnight astronauts and navigating black holes, they must make sure the most powerful computer in the world doesn't find its ways into enemy hands...
$29.95
Buckle up! How to be a Space Explorer is a practical manual for all aspiring astronauts, packed with jaw-dropping stories from real-life space exploration. Learn how to navigate black holes, slingshot around Jupiter and survive the freezing depths of space. This book will blast you into the stratosphere, so strap yourself in and enjoy the ride.$49.95
By (author) Peter Robertson
Hardback
$14.95
Venture to the far reaches of the galaxy with this collection of picture, word and number puzzles. Entertaining activities include cracking an alien code, finding routes through galaxy mazes, spot the difference and lots more. All the answers are at the back of the book.$29.95
Have you ever wondered...
Well, you're about to find out!
Welcome on board an incredible scientific journey from the very, very, BIG to the very, very SMALL.
Travel through the galaxies and stars, onto our very own planet Earth and across its fabulous features, into our wonderful bodies and all their cells, and on down to the very elements and atoms that make up all things, learning how they work along the way. Discover how Australia has made huge contributions to science and do a few experiments yourself as you learn to think like a scientists.
Fasten your seatbelt. This could be a trip that will change your life!
$24.95
Take a look at this Bookn' Puzzle Pack. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Book in this pack, along with a 16 big piece puzzle.
Puzzle Size: 30 x 25cm
Piece Size: 75mm x 62mm
$44.95
Under the Stars: Astrophysics for Bedtime transports curious kids and inquisitive adults on an incredible journey through the night sky. Explore our solar system from the comfort of your cosy bedroom. Find out why the sky is blue. Fly around a black hole and peer inside! Learn why Jupiter has stripes
When astrophysicists Lisa Harvey-Smith isn't looking skyward, she is answering the smart questions of school kids. Her engaging storytelling in this colourfully illustrated book brings the night sky to life, giving amazing new perspectives to young explorers who are always asking, 'Why?'
$29.95
Why is the Milky Way blue? Why isn't a black hole dark? How many stars can you see with your naked eye?
Humans are the only known astronomers in the universe. When we look up at the night sky, we are linked to our ancestors. Away from city lights, we can see what generations of people before us have wondered at and weaved stories around.
But all that will change. The Andromeda Galaxy is rushing towards us at 400,000 kilometres an hour.
When Galaxies Collide will guide you to look at the night sky afresh. It peers 5.86 billion years into the future to consider the fate of Earth and its inhabitants. Will the solution be to live in space without a planet to call home? Will one of the other 100 billion planets spawn life?
Learn how to watch this space.