Beyond the Solar System by Mary Kay Carson
Winner of:
NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 for 2014 list
Humans have gazed into the night sky for thousands of years and wondered, What are those twinkling lights? Though the sun, moon, and planets moved across the background of stars, the stars themselves appeared immovable, forever fixed in constellations. Only when astronomers began taking a closer look did anyone realize what a fascinating, ever-changing universe lies beyond our solar system--red giant and white dwarf stars, spiral galaxies, wispy nebulae, black holes, and much more.
In Beyond the Solar System, author Mary Kay Carson traces the evolution of humankind's astronomical knowledge, from the realization that we are not at the center of the universe to recent telescopic proof of planets orbiting stars outside our solar system. In addition to its engaging history, this book contains 21 hands-on projects to further explore the subjects discussed. Readers will build a three-dimensional representation of the constellation Orion, model the warping of space-time caused by a black hole, see how the universe expands using an inflating balloon, and construct a reflecting telescope out of a makeup mirror and a magnifying glass. Beyond the Solar System also includes minibiographies of famous astronomers, a time line of major scientific discoveries, a suggested reading list, a glossary of technical terms, and a list of websites for further exploration.
"A fast-paced, but worthwhile, tour of the history of astronomy, ...Carson shows unusual finesse in communicating the methods and significance of scientific breakthroughs...the explanations are remarkably clear, vivid, and concise. ...Notable for its unusually clear explanations of complex topics, this volume is a worthy companion to ... Exploring the Solar System." -- Booklist
"A comprehensive combination of astronomical history and science, with activities that should encourage curiosity and involvement." -- Publishers Weekly
"This volume is a great reference tool for astronomy lovers. The combination of history with hands-on activities is a novel approach that would certainly entertain and engage middle school students and beyond. The photos on the glossy pages are eye-catching and the diagrams come with great explanations...this volume would make a great resource for a school library or the library of a budding astronomer."-- National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Recommends
"This inviting and informative comprehensive survey will be useful for homework assignments and may send young scientists to further studies of astronomy." -- School Library Journal
"The activities are perfect 'boredom busters' for cold winter days." -- Washington Post
"The book stands out from other introductions to the field because of the activities, all of which use simple and easy-to-find materials." -- Science Magazine
"I would recommend this book to all children who have a passion for learning, not just about the night sky, but all aspects of our scientific history. The many illustrations and activities only enhance the reader's understanding of the subject matter and enable him or her to be challenged to learn more, and hopefully one day to join the ranks of the great people documented in the book." --National Space Society
Mary Kay Carson has written over fifty books for children and teenagers about wildlife, space, weather, ecology, and history. She began her writing career working for the school magazine SuperScience after studying biology in college and serving in the Peace Corps. Her books have received a slew of starred reviews and accolades, including the 2019 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Award for Excellence in Science Books, which she won for Alexander Graham Bell for Kids. She's written six books in HMH's popular Scientists in the Field series, including The Bat Scientists, which was named an ALA 2011 Outstanding Children's Books for Middle Readers, and The Tornado Scientist, which was selected as a State Library of Ohio Choose To Read Ohio (CTRO) title for 2021-22. She and her husband reside near a century-old house in Cincinnati, Ohio, surrounded by urban greenspace, deer, raptors, woodchucks, and songbirds. www.marykaycarson.com is a website dedicated to Mary Kay Carson.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781613745441 |
| ISBN 10 | 1613745443 |
| Title | Beyond the Solar System |
| Author | Mary Kay Carson |
| Series | For Kids Series |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Chicago Review Press |
| Year published | 2013-06-01 |
| Number of pages | 144 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |