Wormholes Explained (The Mysteries of Space)

Gaughan, Richard

ISBN 10: 0766099652 ISBN 13: 9780766099654

Publisher: Enslow Pub Inc, 2018

Synopsis

A wormhole is a tube-like distortion of time and space connecting distant places in the universe. Wormholes have been featured in many movies, but can they really exist? Wormholes are a prediction of scientific theories, and the precision of mathematics allows them to be described, even before they have ever been seen. Untangling complex physics theories with accessible language and captivating imagery, this book explores the development and evaluation of scientific theories behind wormholes. Supporting the Next Generation Science Standards' emphasis on scientific collection and analysis of data and evidence-based theories, this book will help students grasp the importance of mathematical models of reality, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the nature of science.

About this title

From the Author

Wormholes excite the imagination because of the theoretical possibilities they offer: the ability to launch from one spot in this universe to another spot in this universe, or even another.  Wormholes may or may not exist, but the possibility is supported by scientific theories that are well supported.I used the excitement of wormholes to launch into a discussion of how scientific theories are formed and tested.  That discussion led naturally into an explanation of the importance of mathematics as a tool for describing the physical world.  The goal was to describe an exciting topic and use it to illustrate the real excitement: that the tools of observation and analysis can unlock the door -- or perhaps open the wormhole -- into a future of even more amazing possibilities for the young reader.

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-Space is fascinating, and this series discusses phenomena such as black holes, cosmic inflation, and the Higgs Mechanism. The explanation for each topic includes a history of its study by ancient Greeks, through the time of Newton, and on to modern scientists, such as Hawking and Sagan. One drawback is the lack of women experts mentioned; Vera Rubin, Emmy Noether, and Marie Curie are the only ones named. Plentiful diagrams illustrate concepts, such as event horizons and the inverse square law, while images include sights such as a solar eclipse and a molecular cloud. Chapter notes supply links to information sources. VERDICT This set provides excellent technical information for high school or advanced middle school students.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About this edition

• Publisher: Enslow Pub Inc
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 0766099652
• ISBN 13: 9780766099654
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 80