$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.
$39.95
"Bad Astronomy is just plain good! Philip Plait clears up every misconception on astronomy and space you never knew you suffered from." --Stephen Maran, Author of Astronomy for Dummies and editor of The Astronomy and Astrophysics Encyclopedia. "Thank the cosmos for the bundle of star stuff named Philip Plait, who is the world's leading consumer advocate for quality science in space and on Earth. This important contribution to science will rest firmly on my reference library shelf, ready for easy access the next time an astrologer calls." --Dr. Michael Shermer, Publisher of Skeptic magazine, monthly columnist for Scientific American, and author of The Borderlands of Science.$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.$64.95
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.$29.95
The Eruptions and Explosions kit is perfect for any budding scientist that loves to get hands on and watch experiments bubble and fizz.
Complete 5 experiments, including launching a rocket, making a volcano, and inflating a balloon without blowing – all using the reaction of bicarbonate and vinegar.
After you’ve done each experiment, you can learn about how volcanoes, rockets and natural forces work with an educational booklet inside. This is the perfect fun STEM learning tool for both girls and boys.
The kit comes with a model volcano, rocket, chemicals, and equipment including protective goggles and gloves.
$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.$19.95
If you peep into the night sky and see the Moon and twinkling stars, you're peeping right out into space! Find out what else is out there in this little book.$14.95
Spent all your pocket money again? There are heaps of great things you can make with stuff that's lying round the house - and they won't cost you a cent! Ages 7-12. Check out all the toys and gizmos you can make with simple household stuff! From Mexican jumping beans to a diving octopus and a popcorn lava lamp, you'll be whizzing and spinning like crazy. Watch out you don't get dizzy! Ages 7-12.$14.95
Think you′ve got all the answers? ABC TV′s Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman, is back and this time he′s challenging the inner workings of your brain with 40 science and logic puzzles. How many will you solve? And how many will leave you stumped? Can you share this cake between eight friends with only three straight cuts? Can you connect the dots by drawing four straight lines without lifting your pencil? How can these four cars continue on their way at the same time without colliding? Can you fit a 50c coin through a 10c sized hole without tearing the paper? With loads of photos and fascinating facts, plus hints and solutions, you′ll stretch and test your mind with these fun and challenging puzzles. So what are you waiting for? Get into it! Ages 7+$14.95
The more you learn about the human body, the more you realize that we all possess super powers. This book is jam-packed with forty experiments to try with your own body and discover your inner superhero. Apart from yourself, everything you'll need can be found lying around the house. Along the way, you'll: - Discover the electromagnetic radiation detectors in your head - Learn what it takes to be invisible - Freak your own brain out with bizarre illusions. 40 SUPER HUMAN BODY TRICKS is packed with tricks and experiments that involve the five senses, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and physical challenges, gadgets (like a reaction timer) to make, plus optical illusions.$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?'
$24.95
A highly entertaining and informative introduction to our planet and the universe we live in. Have you ever wondered what dark matter is or why galaxies collide? Or why the Moon is gradually drifting away from Earth? Space is really, really big, as Douglas Adams once pointed out, and there is no better guide to it than Fred Watson, astronomer to the stars. Fred Watson has taken the many, many questions that have been asked by listeners of his popular, long-running radio shows, and answered them in Why Is Uranus Upside Down? * How can you identify the constellations? * Does the Earth wobble? * Could you dump nuclear waste into the Sun? * What makes planets round? * Where's the nearest black hole? * Are there other universes? * Can we ever know everything? This highly entertaining and informative introduction to our planet and the Universe we live in is a must-read for enquiring minds of all ages.