Curie and the Science of Radioactivity (The Explosion Zone)

This dramatic story tells of a studious Polish girl, Marya Sklodovska, who moved to Paris to study science. She soon changed her name to Marie and married fellow scientist Pierre Curie. Together they discovered the scientific principles that underlie radioactivity. In the process of their work, they discovered the then unknown element, radium. In 1903, Marie and Pierre Curie won the Nobel Prize for physics.

The Explosion Zone books combine vivid color illustrations and lively text to tell the stories of important scientists and inventors. Narratives are supplemented with easy-to-understand explanations of the scientific principles that underlie each phase of the invention or discovery being discussed. Imaginatively illustrated two-page spreads include sidebars called Here's the Science, explaining the principles of physics or chemistry that relate to the story. A glossary at the back of each book presents short definitions of scientific and technological terms.

(back cover)
The Explosion Zone

Curie
and the Science of
Radioactivity

What the scientists say:

Don't polish your nails with radium. They may look nice, but it's very bad for your health!

You need a very large amount of the material pitchblende to produce just one gram of radium!

Try wearing lead underwear to stop scientists from seeing through your clothes with X-rays!

Although radiation can be dangerous, small doses can be used to cure cancer.