Science Quest: Atomic Universe: The Quest to Discover Radioactivity - Hardcover

Jerome, Kate Boehm

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0792255437 ISBN 13: 9780792255437

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books, 2006

Synopsis

Today radioactivity is widely used to treat cancer, to study fossils, and to power submarines, but until the late 1800s man's understanding of this scientific field was practically non-existent. Indeed, the discovery of spontaneous radioactivity was largely accidental—the by-product of research by the French scientist Henri Becquerel.

Atomic Universe traces the path to the discovery of radioactivity and places this major scientific breakthrough in the context of history. This intriguing book profiles the key scientific players and features inspirational accounts of their childhoods and their development as scientists.

Young readers learn about the lives and work of groundbreaking scientists such as Marie and Pierre Curie and trace the beginnings of the atomic age. Readers embark on a dramatic quest of discovery and peer ahead to see what the future holds for the science of radioactivity in the nuclear age.

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About this title

About the Author

Kate Boehm Jerome is a veteran science writer of more than 25 children's books. A former high school biology teacher, Kate lives in Charleston, South Carolina.

Reviews

Grade 5–8—Each of these series titles provides an informative overview of a particular scientific concept. A colorful and open layout features photographs on almost every spread. In addition, a time line of corresponding events runs across the top of each page. Supplemental information is highlighted in "Science Booster" boxes and in profiles of important individuals. The texts offer key concepts in a pleasing and readable format that would appeal to reluctant readers. Atomic Universe presents the history of radioactivity from Dmitry Mendeleyev's creation of the Periodic Table of the Elements to the use of nuclear reactors today. Digital Revolution looks at the history of transistor technology over time. Double Helix traces the history of the structure of DNA from Mendel's pea experiments to the current field of genetic engineering. Useful additions to science collections.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA
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Edition details

• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0792255437
• ISBN 13: 9780792255437
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 64