Rocket Science for the Rest of Us

Rocket Science for the Rest of US
Written by Ben Gilliland
Published at DK

About the book

Want to understand black holes, antimatter, physics, and space exploration? Looking for a common sense guide to quantum physics that you can actually understand? Rocket Science for the Rest of Us is the book you're looking for! Get a grip on even the most mysterious and complex sciences with Ben Gilliland's guide to dark matter, exo-planets, Planck time, earth sciences, and more.

You'll hear yourself saying, "I get it now!" again and again as you explore the fun graphics and clear explanations in Rocket Science for the Rest of Us. Whether you want to impress your friends with your knowledge of quantum physics, finally know what a black hole actually is, or just learn more about the universe that's all around us, Rocket Science for the Rest of Us breaks it all down so science and physics are easy to understand. You're not a rocket scientist? So what! That doesn't mean you can't understand it!

My Thoughts

This book is packed with information about space and more.   It contains fabulous pictures and information that will keep your kids interested in learning more about space.   This book is divided into four main sections:

• Mysterious Universe: Bottom line you will learn more about the universe, how it expands, and discover more about our solar system.
• To Boldly Go: Space exploration is covered here.
• The Appliance of Science: learn more about science like dark matter, gravity, stars, and more.
• Teeny Tiny, Supersmall Stuff: atoms, neutrons, and all the small science things you can learn about.

Essentially it is a media reportage on the latest scientific discoveries and breakthroughs concerning space.   But the explanations are easy to understand and your kids will have a grasp about everything concerning space in no time with this book.  It is an excellent resource to have at home when you decide to expand your knowledge about space. 

Rocket Science for the Rest of Us is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for allowing me to promote these books. I was not monetarily compensated for this post . Please note that the post was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Summer Boutique at DK Canada

Summer is just around the corner and with it DK Canada has cooked up numerous titles that might interest you in their Summer Living Boutique.  There are numerous titles for everyone in this boutique whether you want to try something new or simply learn more on a specific subject.

The first book from the Summer Living Boutique that I requested to review is the Practical Astronomer – Explore the Wonders of the Night Sky.   I always wanted to have a book to help me discover in more details the sky at night.

This book is essentially a complete introduction to observing and understanding the night sky.  It will take you from the basics of stargazing to the skills you need to become an accomplished amateur astronomer.   The guide explains and demystifies the night sky, teaching you to recognize and identify the constellations and comets.  You will find that there are numerous illustrated step-by-step instructions that explain how to set up and use binoculars and telescopes as well as how to take your own pictures of the night sky.  Also included in this book you will find a detailed atlas that shows the night sky month by month as it appears around the world. 

The table of contents is divided into seven sections:

1. Understanding the universe – universe, naked-eye sky, planets, what is a star?, observing stars, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, dividing light.
2. Looking up – motion of the skies, sky as a sphere, navigating the night sky, and observing conditions.
3. Observing and Recording – preparing to observe, using binoculars, telescope optics, telescopes and mounts, buying and setting up, go-to telescopes, astroimaging.
4. Pathfinders – the constellations, mapping the constellations, sky maps,
5. Solar System – our view of the solar system, observing the planets, Mercury and Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, dwarf planets and asteroids, sun, moon, comets and meteors, atmospheric phenomena, other lights in the sky.
6. Star Charts – using the star charts, monthly star charts.
7. Reference and glossary

The pathfinders and star charts are very explicit and will help you as you explore the sky.    I wish that they would have put some of these in fluorescent so that you can easily use them when looking at the sky in the dark.   I guess you can always pack a flashlight too!

I find this book to be interesting for homeschoolers because you can use it to develop a new skill during the summer.   It is packed with information on how to start and how to identify the stars, planets and constellations.    It is definitively a must have for anyone who desire to because an amateur astronomer.

The second book I received to review from this is Grilled Pizzas & Piadinas which attracted my eye because they are cooked on the BBQ.   Chef Craig Priebe's culinary creativity comes to life through his innovative Italian dishes. Focusing on his award-winning pizzas and piadinas, he uses a variety of ingredient combinations to deliver delectable meals right into the home cook's kitchen.

In this book you will discover mouth-watering recipes for grilled pizza with meat, chicken, seafood, and vegetables comprise the first part of this book, followed by chapters on crispy grilled piadinas, fresh salads, and grilled desserts. A typical recipe of Priebe's calls for smoky, thin, and crispy crusts and vibrant combinations of toppings such as grilled figs, Gorgonzola, and proscuitto.   Doesn’t it sound delicious to you?     The book contains quick and easy instructions for 75 recipes, full-color photographs, step-by-step techniques, and party menus.  Whether you are a  beginner cook or a seasoned chef I think you will be inspired to fire up the grill and cook up some fabulous meal to your family and friends.

The Summer Boutique contains books for adults and children.  In the Adults section you will find book about beeds, smoking meat, photography, cooking, gardening and more.  In the Children section you will see books about bird watching, bugs, food, and much more.   There is something for everyone in the family, so click on the image below to head over to the DK Canada Summer Living Boutique.

Both books are available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for allowing me to promote these books. I was not monetarily compensated for this post . Please note that the post was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Smithsonian Universe

Smithsonian Universe = The Definitive Visual Guide
Published at DK Canada

About the book

From the fiery mass of the Sun's core to the black hole at the center of the Milky Way, Universe takes you on the ultimate guided tour of the cosmos. Full of stunning out-of-this world images reflecting recent advances in space imagery, you'll go on a journey from our solar system all the way to the farthest limits of space.

With information on the nature of the universe, the study of cosmology, Earth's motion, modern telescopes, astrophotography, and even a comprehensive star atlas, this groundbreaking encyclopedia takes a dazzling and expansive look at the Universe and is a must-have for both students and astronomy enthusiasts.

Includes a comprehensive star atlas that covers all the constellations and planetary charts showing their positions right up to 2019, with entries on each of the 88 constellations and notable celestial objects that lie within them, and a monthly sky guide showing the night sky as it appears throughout the year.

My Thoughts

Father’s is just around the corner and DK Canada has a special boutique from which you can select books for your father or the father of your children.     I selected one title from the Dads Rock Boutique to review – The Smithsonian Universe.  Okay I will admit that this book will be mostly for our homeschool as it present the universe and would be perfect to complement our exploration of the solar system and the rest of the universe.   But if the man in your life loves to learn more about the universe and be transported through it via stunning images and interesting facts, this book is definitively for him.   After all with over 528 pages in a book put together by none other than the Smithsonian, you can expect a fabulous visual guide to space. 

The book contains detailed profiles and amazing visuals which also includes the most recent images from space probes and telescopes, it will guide you in determine the equipment necessary for amateur observation and offer numerous maps that will allow you to explore the night sky as it is seen from all parts of the world and at all times of the year.

I will admit that this book is definitively not creation based but still I think it contains breath taking photos, information that can allow you to discover the planets in the solar system and could be a great addition in your personal library.  I believe strongly that homeschool kids should be presented the evolution information as well as the creation point of view in order to defend their faith when they attend higher schooling institution.   We constantly talk about this when we watch videos and discuss information in our books during our teaching time.   Even when we drive long distance, we discuss various situations with them as they grow up.    Having said that, let’s explore the table of contents together, shall we?

The book has three main sections in it:

Introduction: In the introduction section, you will find three chapters.  In What Is the Universe? you will find information about the scale of the universe, the celestial objects, matter, radiation, gravity, motion, orbits, space and time as well as the expanding space.    Then you will learn more about the beginning and end of the universe.  That’s where you will find information about the Big Bang,  life in the universe, and the fate of the universe.   Finally, the section closes with a chapter on the view from earth and learn more about how earth moves through space and how to become an amateur astronomer.

Guide to the universe: This section will allow you to explore from the comfort of your home the solar system, the milky way, and beyond the milky way i.e. other galaxies.    Each planets of the solar system are individually presented in the solar system chapter.  I am a bit disappointed in the fact that Pluto has been relegated to the pages on the Kuiper belt and Oort cloud.   It does mention that it was classified as a planet for a period of time.  I think it would have been interested that Pluto had its own section where you could read more about the process of declassifying it as a planet.   Maybe in another update in the future.  In the meantime, you could read more about this on the Wiki page of Pluto.

The night sky: I consider this section specifically incorporated for amateur astronomy observers.   Essentially, it will present you the various constellations you can find in the night sky and then provide monthly sky guides that will allow you to find the constellations at any time of the year.

See some of the pages from the book Smithsonian Universe.

The book is definitively packed with interested information and stunning images from cover to cover.  I think everyone could learn quite a bit about space with this book – even if you don’t believe in evolution.   If you are a Christian and believe in creation, this book will permit you to discover part of the universe that the Creator has put in place for us to discover his works.     Seeing the images taken by the telescopes and the space probes allow me to ponder on Him and realize how creative He was. 

Your dad doesn’t like to learn things of the universe?  No problem.    DK Canada has numerous titles on sale at 30% off in the Dads Rock Boutique.    You would be able to find title about aircraft, motorcycle, car, birds, sailing,  photography, giutar, woodwork, do it yourself, wine, beer, food, history, bike, exercises,  or television shows or movies.   There are even titles on comic books characters and Lego!    If you purchase directly from DK Canada, their delivery is rapid.

The Smithsonian Universe is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book for review purposes from DK Canada. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Pocket Genius Space

Pocket Genius Space
Published at DK Canada

About the book

The prefect sized books for backpacks, DK's Pocket Genius series is bright, inviting, concise, and punchy — the ideal source for reference. Featuring essential information, full-color images, glossary, and top ten lists, these books are a brand-new type of encyclopedia for young readers.

From marvelous galleries of The Big Dipper, Little Dipper and other constellations, to in-depth looks at Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, to the Moons of Jupiter, comets and galaxies — not to mention entries on rockets and spacecraft — this visual encyclopedia opens up the vast and mysterious expanse of space.

My Thoughts

Space.  The final frontier. 

Okay I couldn’t resist.   We are big fans of Star Trek, Star Wars and any kind of science fiction television show that are worthy of watching.   Astronomy is something I would like to do more in the future but in the meantime I find it important to teach my kids about our solar system and the planets you can find in it.

I will note that this book is not creation based and does mention the Big Band and evolution thinking with the millions/billions of years.   However, if you want your kids to be prepared for college/university and be able to understand both side of the coins, I find it extremely important that Christian homeschoolers use both theories to teach their kids.  Besides, you can also find a ton of interesting information about space in this book.

The book starts with information about how big the space is, the Big Bang theory, as well as how the night sky look like when you are at different places on the planet.   Then you get five sections which will highlights information on specific subjects.

• Studying space – in this section you will learn more about telescopes
• The Solar System – Our solar system is a wonder in itself.   Explore the different planets and its star in this section.
• Stars and Nebulae – Learn more about starts and nebulae in this section.
• Galaxies – Discover galaxies throughout the universe.
• Exploring Space – Learn more about spacecrafts, rockets, missions and the space station.

At the end of the book, you will also get a timeline of space exploration which can be handy when studying the history of space exploration as well as fun facts about space.   A glossary and an index complete the book.

As I explored this book, I have learned that the ISS (International Space Station) makes 16 trips around the Earth in 24 hours, which means that astronauts on the station see 16 sunrises.  I have seen stunning pictures of galaxies far away and of fabulous Nebulae.   I have also learned that the Hubble Space Telescope is so sensitive that if two candles were places 6 1/2 ft (2 m)apart at 7,000 miles (11,265 km) away, it would see them both separately.   I wonder how they made these calculations….  

This fun little book is easy to carry when you go to an appointment in order to entertain your kids.   Let them explore by themselves the space as they turn the pages of this book!

The Pocket Genius series has eight titles at this point in time: Rocks and Minerals, Animals, Sharks, Dinosaurs, Space, Earth, Bugs, and Ancient Egypt. Other titles comings in 2013 will be Mammals, Horses, Human Body, and Science.

Pocket Genius Space is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

    

It is also available on the Kindle.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

The Stargazer’s Guide to the Night Sky

The Stargazer’s Guide to the Night Sky
By Dr. Jason Lisle
Published at MasterBooks

About the Book

Explore the night sky, identify stars, constellations, and even planets. Stargaze with a telescope, binoculars, or even your naked eye. Allow Dr. Jason Lisle, a research scientist with a masters and PhD in astrophysics, to guide you in examining the beauty of God’s Creation.

Lisle designed Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky for everyone from young students to amateur astronomers. In it you will:

• Learn the best ways and optimal times to observe planets and stars
• Discover how to choose the best telescope for you
• Find 150 stunning, full-color star-charts and other easy to use illustrations for success

“How do phases of the moon work? When will the next solar eclipse take place? What is that bright star setting in the west? How do I find Saturn? What sorts of objects can be seen with binoculars?” These questions and many more are easily answered with the helpful tips and basic understanding of astronomy presented in this book.

Create or expand the hobby of stargazing; an outdoor, educational hobby to enjoy with friends or family. Regardless of your circumstances and the economy, you will always be able to marvel at the beauty of our night sky.

Who is Dr. Jason Lisle?

Dr. Jason Lisle is the Director of Research and a featured speaker and writer for the Institute for Creation Research. He holds bachelor of science degrees in physics and astronomy from Ohio Wesleyan University, as well as a master’s and PhD in Astro-physics from the University of Colorado in Boulder. As a creation scientist Dr. Lisle effectively communicates a broad range of topics from in-depth presentations of distant starlight, Einstein's relativity, and problems with the big bang to topics from astronomy and general science to apologetics and dinosaurs. Dr. Lisle has authored a number of books which include: Taking Back Astronomy, The Ultimate Proof of Creation, Old-Earth Creationism on Trial, and his brand new title releasing in April 2012 The Stargazer’s Guide to the Night Sky.

My Thoughts

This book would be a marvelous springboard to study astronomy with a Christian perspective with your middle or high school student.    The information contained in it is explained in clear terminology that even if you haven’t done any observation of the night sky before, you will be able to comprehend.

The book contains twelve chapters and will slowly introduce you to the terminology and the how to of stargazing.   Take a look at the table of content:

• Chapter 1: Motions in the Sky – Basic.  This chapter will explain to you how the Earth rotate on its axis and how any object in the sky will complete a circuit in 24 hours.   With clear pictures and explanations, you will get the basic understanding on how the stars travel in the sky, the phases of the moon, the seasons, the planets and much more.
• Chapter 2: Motions in the Sky – Advanced.  This chapter will provide more in depth information about how the the sky move above our heads.   With more details, the author provide insights on sunset and sunrise, how the moon orbits, eclipses, the motion of planets and how they are divided in superior and inferior ones, comets, meteor showers and much more to satisfy the curiosity of any student.
• Chapter 3: Understanding the Eye.  Have you taken the time to understand how your eye work?   This chapter will highlight the basic functions of the eye so that you can get he most of your observations during the night.
• Chapter 4: Astronomy with the Unaided Eye.  This specific chapter will provide you guidance on how to identify the constellations and bright stars without using a telescope during the various seasons of the year.  It also highlights some of the most frequent constellations that you would want to see during a specific time of the year.
• Chapter 5: Celestial Events.  This chapter covers the main celestial events that we could observe in a year.  It also gives you dates of future events as well as tips on how to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse.  Other events like atmospheric phenomena, solar system dust and satellites are also mentioned in this chapter.
• Chapter 6: Telescope Basics.   Now that you have observe the night sky with your own eyes, this chapter will introduce you to the use of a telescope.  It will also provide information on what to look for if you are looking to purchase one.
• Chapter 7: Telescope Observing Sessions.   This chapter will guide you on how to dress up and what to do for an observation session.  
• Chapter 8: The Moon and the Sun.   This chapter provides detailed information on our moon and our sun.
• Chapter 9: The Planets. This chapter concentrates on each individual planet that we can observe with a good telescope.
• Chapter 10: Star Classification and Telescope Viewing.   This chapter will give you more detailed information on the classification of stars as well as telescope viewing.    With plenty of images, charts and graphs, you can learn more on how to observe the stars with your telescope.
• Chapter 11: Deep Sky Objects. This chapter will provide information on how you can also observe deep sky objects like open star clusters, globular star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. 
• Chapter 12: Astrophotography.  Finally, this chapter will guide you in developing your passion with suggesting the type of equipment you will need in order to do astrophotography.   

Though the book challenge you to experience yourself with the information read in the chapters, I think it would be nice to have some sort of reading comprehension test for the student.    However, even though I find it is missing on the quizzing to discover how much was retained, I find the book is very complete in guide you in the discovery of a fun activity that could be done with your kids.  Taking the time to understand our night sky and observe it will open your eyes to see the majestic creation that God has done.

I find this book would be a great item to have for homeschoolers of middle, high school and college/university students.

The Stargazer’s Guide to the Night Sky is available at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to New Leaf Publishing Group for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Night Sky Month By Month

The Night Sky Month by Month
Published at DK Canada

About the book

An invaluable, user-friendly guide to discovering and navigating the night sky, The Night Sky Month by Month shows the sky as it is seen around the world in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Suitable for newcomers to stargazing and expert astronomers alike, The Night Sky Month by Month explains our place within the universe, examines sky watching equipment, introduces each month’s main attractions—bright stars, prominent constellations, and meteor showers—and charts the positions of the planets up to 2019.

My Thoughts

Looking at the stars is something I always wanted to do.  Even with my small telescope, I find hardly the time to do it but being an amateur I like to have books that could help me in my search of constellations.  Many different publications could be helpful but one that I really appreciate having is The Night Sky Month By Month from DK Canada.

This book will provide basic information on how you can observe the night sky and how to get started in a section titled Looking Up.  Because like it or not, to observe the constellations you will have to lift your eyes and look above your head.  The next section contains the monthly sky guides with information for the northern latitudes and the southern latitudes.   Each month will also provide an overview and highlights to help you find the best objects in the night sky.   The whole-sky chart can be oriented differently whether you are in the northern or southern latitude.   This book contains magnificent sky charts for you to help you find what you would like to observe.

At the end of the book, you can also find an almanac for the years 2011 to 2019 where you can discover the phases of the moon, eclipses of the sun and the moon as well as the motions of the planets.  For example, while exploring this section, I have discovered that there will be a total eclipse of the moon visible from North America, South America, and New Zealand on April 15, 2013.  

My only small disappointment would be the fact that if you bring this book with you in the field to observe the night sky, you will have to bring a flashlight as well as the pages for the monthly charts are not “glow-in-the-dark”.  Also the book is slightly oversize though not heavy as it contains only 130 pages or so.   The book itself is 10” x 12” so it could be tricky to insert in a small backpack.   However, the book is fabulous and I would recommend it for anyone starting to explore the night sky and discover the various constellations above our heads.

The Bible clearly say that

The Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  Psalm 19:1-2

Personally, I like to ponder about God and his majestic work while observing the sky at night.   It reminds me that He is way bigger than myself and can do more than I can expect it.  Watching the night sky and the stars in the constellations, I think of Romans 1:20 which says

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

I thank God for giving us this beautiful night sky and hope that it will stir the hearts of many other people who take the time to observe it to recognize that He is present around us.

The Night Sky Month By Month is available for purchase at your favourite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned products for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Deck of Stars

Deck of Stars
Published at DK Canada

About the product

These decks provide quick reference on key topics for scouts and outdoor enthusiasts.

Use these easy-to-carry, glow-in-the-dark star charts to find your way around the night sky and locate star formations. Each constellation card will show width and depth icons, locator map, star map, constellation figures, and visibility icons indicating naked-eye observation, binoculars, or telescope required.

My Thoughts

How can you combine homeschooling and nighttime during the year?  

I think I can hear some reactions here… What?  Is she crazy?   Learning during the nighttime?  Aren’t you suppose to sleep during that time? 

Yes I agree.  Sleeping is essential for anyone in a family – particularly children.    But learning is an activity that happens all the time whether during the day or during a bright night outside the city.   Our family is fortunate to have an RV outside of the city.    The black night is bright often and the stars are easier to watch.   With our telescope it would be easy to turn toward the stars and observe them.   But how can we learn more about these jewels in the black night?   Nothing is more important that having a book to help you identify them.   Okay a book is good but you would need to also have a flashlight to learn more and see the patterns you need to find.

That’s why the Deck of Stars from DK is so handy.   They are easy to slip in a backpack and to carry wherever you go to observe the stars.   The deck comes also with information pamphlets that will give you basics information on the solar system as well as explain how the logos and icons works on each card, how to find your way when the sky is pitch dark and the tools you might need to discover stargazing.   On each card you will get information on the constellation you are observing, the height and width of it, and how to position your card.

But the best feature of this deck of cards is the glow-in-the-dark illustrations!   Seriously these cards are well-thought and will help you identify the constellation  you are trying to find more easily.  Simply shine a flashlight on the card for a few minutes and the pattern of the stars will glow in the darkness.    We tried it at home and I was definitively impressed.   These are perfect for camping and to introduce the kids to astronomy!

The constellations presented in this special deck of cards are: Andromeda, Aquarius, Aquila, Aries, Auriga, Boötes, Camelopardalis, Cancer, Canes Venatici, Canis Major, Capricornus, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Cetus, Coma Berenices, Corona Borealis, Corvus, Cygnus, Delphinus, Draco, Gemini, Hercules, Hydra, Lacerta, Leo, Lepus, Libra, Lyra, Monoceros, Ophiuchus, Orion, Pegasus, Perseus, Pisces, Sagittarius, Serpens, Taurus, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Virgo, and Vulpecula.  When I was in the girl guides, I used to be able to find Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.   Nowadays, I can still spot them in the sky but with the cards, I can discover more information about these two well known constellations.   For example I now know that the best months to observe the Ursa Major would be April and May while the best month to observe the Ursa Minor is June.   

The Deck of Stars is available to order through any bookstore near you.

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.