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Discover the Flexibility to Teach Science Your Way!

Glencoe Science: Life's Structure and Function, a module in the Glencoe Science 15 book series, provides students with accurate and comprehensive coverage of middle school National Science Education Standards. Concepts are explained in a clear, concise manner, and are integrated with a wide range of hands-on experiences, critical thinking opportunities, real-world applications, and connections to other sciences and to non-science areas of the curriculum. Co-authored by National Geographic, unparalleled graphics reinforce key concepts. A broad array of print and technology resources help differentiate and accommodate all learners. The modular approach allows you to mix and match books to meet your specific curriculum needs.

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This accessible text is designed to help readers help themselves to excel. The content is organized into two parts: (1) A Library of Elementary Functions (Chapters 1–2) and (2) Calculus (Chapters 3–9). The book’s overall approach, refined by the authors’ experience with large sections of college freshmen, addresses the challenges of teaching and learning when readers’ prerequisite knowledge varies greatly. Reader-friendly features such as Matched Problems, Explore & Discuss questions, and Conceptual Insights, together with the motivating and ample applications, make this text a popular choice for today’s students and instructors.

Customer Reviews (3)

Prentice did a Bad Bad Thing.
I own the 9th edition of the title; nevertheless, I feel compelled to warn readers of the following:

Many math books come with a companion website, which should be available as long as the textbook is available for purchase somewhere.I mean, it's only fair you get your money's worth if the title includes a website.However, Prentice Hall decided to take down the companion websites of previous editions.I don't know about the newer edition, their 11th as I write this review on August 2010, but in the 9th edition, you're stuck with no companion website, which contained valuable information.

I had the fortune to download all I could that was available when the site was up, so i have the material, to an extent.Now Prentice Hall is sided with Pearson and other higher education providers, as they are calling them, to SELL you what was once offered for free.Bottom line, you can't find the free companion website anywhere anymore.

Don't get me wrong, the book offers a much more straightforward approach than Waner and Costenoble's Applied Calculus and other titles; their sites are up to my knowledge as far back as the 2nd edition when they're well into their fifth edition, as I write on August, 2010; but give me a break with the money making leeches at Prentice Hall and their said partners.I know education is expensive, but this outright sucks ass.At Pearson's website, which eventually links you there when you type in their now inexistent companion website, you see this old lady teacher, as if it was so cute to sell you all the complimentary material starting at more than 20 bucks each up to more than 100 bucks for their latest cash machine.It makes me want to optimize a beat down to these sophists.

Just beware of this practice from Prentice Hall, and if you are buying secondhand, ASK the seller whether or not the companion website is still up and running or check it out for yourself with the publisher, again, Prentice Hall.

It'd cost NOTHING for PH to leave the companion website up, but they had to get greedy, greedy, greedy!Prentice did a real bad, bad thing.

Great book, great value
I needed to brush up on my business calc for some different classes.I was able to get this book used for super cheap.It helped a great deal.

Applied calculus.......there is a method to the madness
I used this textbook in my first calculus class.The applied calculus class showed me some of the things this stuff can actually be used for.The authors and editors have combined excellent graphics, and outstandinghomework problems. If you are a gluton for punishment from word problems,or if you need help at the most basic level of calculus, this is the bookyou'll need. ... Read more

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Science is all around us. In this brilliant, entertaining book, Len Fisher provides scientific answers to familiar questions such as how to boil the perfect egg, how to catch a ball, the physics of sex, and why some vegetables absorb more gravy than others...In doing so, he reveals the world of the scientist - how they think, what they do, and how they go about doing it - proving that even the most commonplace activities can be used as a key to understanding the laws of nature and that experimental science can be fun! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A Banqueting Table For The Inquiring Mind
How To Dunk A Doughnut is the title of a popular science tome by British physicist Len Fisher who, in 2002, sought to spice up topics that would by in large fall outside the realms of a serious scientific mulling over.Despite drawing sharp criticism and jabs of mockery from some who have taken exception to his seeming trivialization of the scientific enterprise, Fisher maintains that the beauty of science lives as much in the "intimacy of every day, familiar detail" as it does in the unstoppable march of academic progress.And a quick perusal through the chapters of his book shows just how hard he has worked to prove his point.

Baffled by the idea that doughnut dunkers could possibly benefit from some yet un-disseminated scientific pearls of wisdom, I sat down doughnut in hand to put Fisher's book through its paces.And there was a lot that I learned about this ring-shaped `gluten net' that today forms a staple ingredient of English tea time reunions.Fisher introduces the reader to the principles of capillary action, surface tension and viscosity, skillfully intertwining scientific facts with the history of discovery.His capacity to draw from apparently incommensurate examples of physical phenomena (eg: crack formation in the SS Schenectady and the splitting of a wafer-thin cookie) lays bare a deep understanding of the themes that he presents.

Story-telling adds an element of excitement to any scientific exposition.And when it comes to popular science writing, Fisher is a master of his trade.His retellings of the famed reconstruction of Archimedes' ship-lifting lever, the use of wheel barrows in the building of Gothic cathedrals, ball catching in a 1930s English village cricket match, the painting of Aboriginal motifs on boomerangs and the numerous world-class culinary science events that he has attended, all give brio to what would otherwise be a colorless overview of scientific equations and hypotheses.Concepts such as momentum, heat convection and conduction and Galileo's principle, which the non-expert reader may not be completely familiar with, are vividly described.And the mathematically-minded will no doubt find much to sink their teeth into with scintillating calculations using the square rule of heat transfer, the radius of a boomerang flight circle and the torque needed to break a half inch bolt.

For the self-made home improvement buff, the Tao Of Tools chapter is a veritable gem-piece of tool learning.Fisher's journey through a menagerie of common tools leaves budding DIYists such as me wondering how they ever aspired to become anything more than amateurish dabblers in the essential duties of home ownership.The claw hammer remains my all-time favorite.The fulcrum of the claw can be placed close to any well-secured nail, supplying the user with a huge mechanical advantage (and a gratifying feeling of power as the nail is cleanly drawn out of its hole).The screwdriver, which Fisher classifies as little more than "a rigid extension to the operator's arm" likewise increases the mechanical advantage when aligned with a screw.The hammer is of course more commonly used in a percussive manner for driving nails into wood.

Fisher ends his literary tour de force with a high level review of the physics of sex, capitalizing of course on the power of this delightful topic to hold an audience captive. Details on hydrostatic pressure, sperm swim rate and the stretch `quality' of cervical mucus give the reader a rather novel perspective on the race towards fertilization.And it turns out that the tendency of cervical mucus to form protein-rich cusps at its interface with other liquids is indispensably important if a spermatozoon is to overcome the 60 Pa yield stress of the mucosal barrier that stands in its way.The prowess of the humble sperm, as it crosses the length of the cervical canal in 10-15 minutes, is enough to put even the fastest human swimmer to shame.Having made it through a multifarious collection ofphysical hurdles, the winning spermatozoon is duly rewarded: "like a knight of old, scaling the defended ramparts and eventually breaking through to the maiden within".

If there is a low point in How To Dunk A Doughnut it is unquestionably Fisher's application of statistics to the mundane task of adding a supermarket bill.Rounding up numbers is fairly intuitive to most.And frequency distribution tables on pricing show few surprises.Most seasoned shoppers (I am at the `infrequent' end of that particular distribution profile) are aware of the psychologically-motivated practice of putting 99 after the decimal on a price tag.Not much to grip the reader's interest there.But Fisher quickly regains credibility in later chapters that deal with boomerang throwing, ball catching and gravy absorption in mashed potatoes.His easy-to-read summarization of the common molecular forces that characterize everything from detergents to DNA once again demonstrates a talent for explaining the complicated in simple language.Altogether How To Dunk A Doughnut provides a most stimulating read that science enthusiasts from all walks of life will find to be a valuable addition to their personal libraries.It is without a doubt a veritable banqueting table for the inquiring mind.

Good but not great.
Perhaps my expectations for this book were a little too high because I didn't find it very enjoyable. In fact, I thought it was rather boring. I don't blame Len Fisher though, he tried; it's nearly impossible to make chemistry sexy! The gist of the book is as follows: "Each chapter is built around a familiar activity, and introduces a major scientific concept that is central to that activity. Interwoven with stories of the science are stories of the scientists, who include many of my contemporaries as well as some famous names from the past. Those from the past cannot stop me from telling stories about them." As you can see from this quote, Len Fisher does have a witty sense of humor and it does serve to keep the writing from drying up. The chapters are: 1) The Art and Science of Dunking, 2) How Does a Scientist Boil an Egg?, 3) The Tao of Tools, 4) How to Add Up Your Supermarket Bill, 5) How to Throw a Boomerang, 6) Catch as Catch Can, 7) Bath Foam, Beer Foam, and the Meaning of Life, 8) A Question of Taste and 9) The Physics of Sex.

In conclusion, it's good but not great. I would pass this over in favor of his newer book, The Perfect Swarm: The Science of Complexity in Everyday Life; it's about Complexity which is a far more interesting subject to the casual reader. Two other books that are good introductions to Complexity Science are Simply Complexity: A Clear Guide to Complexity Theory and Complexity: A Guided Tour. Lastly, Len Fisher's book Rock, Paper, Scissors: Game Theory in Everyday Life is a fantastic introduction to Game Theory.

Not as enthusiastic as the others
This book didn't work for me as well as it apparently did for others.I do think that it succeeds handily at two important things: showing how science is involved in everyday things, and showing that while we tend to think of science as an ivory-tower exercise for super-geniuses, much of science is actually a process involving intuition, experimentation, collaboration, persistence and luck that any reasonably intelligent person can contribute to if they are interested.

My problem with the book is that parts of what he talks about just didn't hold my interest well, e.g. How To Add Up A Supermarket Bill and The Art And Science Of Dunking.And Catch As Catch Can left me thinking that surely what happens in the human brain is quite different from the complex sort of computation he talks about.

I did like parts of the book, but I liked the book "The Secret House" better (although perhaps it is unfair to compare them because "The Secret House" does not dive so deeply into any topic).

Anecdotes tell of science's applicability to people
Dr. Fisher was award an IgNobel Prize in 1999 for his work on the physics of cookie dunking, and his How To Dunk A Doughnut extends his research into the everyday world in an effort to relate science to everyday life. Anecdotes tell of science's applicability to people, from beer foam and the meaning of life to chewing and its relationship to perceptions of taste. Even the most reluctant science reader will find these vignettes compelling reading.

A pleasure to read
It is very rare to find an author who writes with such enthusiasm about their subject, particularly in this kind of field. The information isn't just presented in a factual way, it is made into interesting accounts of the author's (sometimes failed) experiments, that can be related to tribulations of everyday life, such as knowing when the Sunday roast is cooked! As a student, I found this book very interesting and worthy of the highest praise. ... Read more

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From Nobel Prize-winning scientist James D. Watson, a living legend for his work unlocking the structure of DNA, comes this candid and entertaining memoir, filled with practical advice for those starting out their academic careers.
 
In Avoid Boring People, Watson lays down a life’s wisdom for getting ahead in a competitive world. Witty and uncompromisingly honest, he shares his thoughts on how young scientists should choose the projects that will shape their careers, the supreme importance of collegiality, and dealing with competitors within the same institution. It’s an irreverent romp through Watson’s colorful career and an indispensable guide to anyone interested in nurturing the life of the mind. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Boring!
What a disappointing book. I am afraid the author did not heed his own advice, and went ahead and wrote a boring book. It is jammed packed with names and places, rattled of one after the other, without an attempt to string them together in an interesting way. The advice at the end of the chapters are useful, but seem added as an afterthought, without being sufficiently explained in the preceding chapter.

Great book, I love it
It record almost the whole life of James Watson, the most exciting person with distinctive characters and enjoyable opinions. It is really good experience to take his view of scientific and personal achievements. It is really a lot of fun to read this book. For example, his little tips even include that you may gain weight after you won Nobel Price because some many people want to invite you for dinner. I love this book!

Knowing 'why' is more important than knowing 'what'
In this rather candid autobiography James D. Watson gives astute advice for teachers, scientists, science careerists and university deans.
It is written more for insiders (e.g., for those in charge of (Harvard) University policies) or specialists (molecular biologists) and repeats part of his previous books (the DNA double helix story).

There is also a lack of specific comments on world history events, except a few general remarks (`bribes, not soldiers, were generally the best way to promote American foreign policy objectives in Asia'). More, as a government consultant, he reports calmly on biological weapons (anthrax, rice blast, puffer fish toxin), knowing perfectly well that `the military is interested in what scientists know, not what they think'.

The author is still shocked by human irrationality and stupidity (`the wishful thinking that genes don't influence the behavior of humans and animals remains vigorous').

However, his book ends on an extremely important, rather very high, but also controversial note. Between now and ten to fifteen years, particular genes (or genetic factors) will be found which determine human intellectual abilities and psychopathies; also the malfunctioning of certain genes (DNA sequences) causing such illnesses as autism and schizophrenia will be detected and hopefully rectified.
Gene research will change dramatically the way we shall look at ourselves.

Only for specialists.

Avoid the Autobiography, Skim the Lessons
This autobiography is not written well, as it focuses too much on small details and fails to find focus.It feels as though Watson is trying to ensure that everyone of his life's moments are captured in the history books before he fossilizes. Lessons from each "stage" of his life are listed at the end of each corresponding chapter and prove to be useful for anyone considering the sciences as a college major or career.even then--take the advice with a grain of salt.

Intelligent and Interesting, but Lacking Likability
Best known for his Nobel Prize winning work on helping identify the double helix structure of DNA, scientist James D. Watson presents his autobiography Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science as an anecdote filled instruction manual - chunking off different segments of his career and then reflecting on the points to be learned from his experiences. The titular phrase "Avoid Boring People" takes on two meanings in the book. Watson advises young scientists to avoid boring people (with the middle word as an adjective) saying that those early in their careers should associate only with people engaging in exciting new science. The second meaning comes as advice to older researchers and Watson warns that in the twilight of their careers, scientists should avoid boring other people - with boring now becoming a verb.

(One wonders if Watson has taken this second piece of advice too far to heart as in recent years his public appearances have kept him newsworthy not for any breakthrough work he has accomplished, but in his ability to anger audiences with racist, sexist, atheistic, and anti-establishment comments. It is only by putting aside my knowledge of his recent personal beliefs that I was able to even open this book for reading, let alone reviewing.)

With that said, Watson does tell an engaging story. The history and science presented are told with a light anecdotal feel and some of the most interesting chapters were the portions of Watson's experience - for example, his work as a presidential science adviser - that were not as highly publicized as his Nobel winning work. I would have enjoyed the book more if Watson had more respect for his female associates. Though some of them are described as "bright" or "intelligent" more often than not these adjectives are proceeded by "cute", "stunning" or "blond". Unlike for his male coworkers, the women in the book have their minds and intellects overshadowed by their looks. Overall, I think the book presents an adequate picture of the life of James Watson which, while intriguing and intelligent, lacks likability. ... Read more

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Contains over 140 stimulating hands on experiences to develop students thinking, and reasoning skills ... Read more

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Basic biological concepts and processes with a human emphasis.

From the unique delivery of biology content, to the time tested art program, to the complete integration of the text with technology, Dr. Sylvia Mader has formed a teaching system that will both motivate and enable your students to understand and appreciate the wonders of all areas of biology. Inquiry into Life, 12/e emphasizes the application of all areas of biology to knowledge of human concerns, what the students are able to relate to. This distinctive text was developed to stand apart from all other non-majors texts with a unique approach, unparalleled art, and a straightforward, succinct writing style that has been acclaimed by both users and reviewers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

very happy with this purchase
The book was in great shape and arrived very quickly.Would definitely purchase from this person again!

Textbook
Shipping was great, but it's a textbook for Biology. It's not something I read for fun.

Inquiry into Life
Very happy to order my son's textbook at a fraction of the cost the school's recommended web site was selling it for.
The book was used and of course not in perfect condition, but very useable.Very pleased overall.

Inquiry into life
The book was good and in good condition, even though i ordered a wrong book aotherwise , thanks for the book i can still get somework done from it.

Inquiry into life
I am very upset that 2 chapters (23 & 24) were missing from the book. I never expected something like this and it defeated the whole purpose of buying a hard copy. People should be aware that they might not get everything they are looking for. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Questions Rarely Asked
This was a wonderful little volume of essays on various scientific ideas buried in ordinary experience.Who would have thought to study echolocation in humans or that nagging feeling that time is going by faster and faster as we age?And what drove that Italian gentleman to pursue the answer to why stones can be made to skip on water?Frankly, the scientific aspect of the author's chosen subjects takes a clear second place to his simple expressions of wonder as to the diversity of ideas and scientific research; to the applicability of obscure research to the experience of everyday life.This kind of writing is important and relevant because it expands our understanding of the world in which we live.(I had no idea that the physics of curling were so complex and so little understood.)The author teaches his readers the value of asking the right questions and demonstrates that perhaps we don't quite understand our world as well as we think we do.

Perhaps it is just my inability to find the titles, yet I believe that there is a dearth of good writing such as this book--I applaud Mr. Ingram's efforts and hope that he is able to continue to find publishers.I have little patience for those who belittle the efforts of authors who attempt the exceedingly difficult task of communicating cutting-edge scientific principles to the general readership--not every book need be the top of its field.And how is an author to hone his craft if not by steady production of work each better than the last?I highly recommend Mr. Ingram's work and find his style to be excellently suited to convey the excitement of science.

Decent, but not great.
Jay Ingram, The Velocity of Honey (Thunder's Mouth Press, 2003)

There is a kind of niche genre in publishing that involves taking complicated science and stripping it of all its jargon to make it (somewhat) understandable to mortal men. Some authors are good at it. Some are great. The reigning king of "great," of course, is Martin Gardner (Did Adam and Eve Have Navels?), and thus it is that, in general, all books of "stripped-down science" will eventually get compared to Gardner. And thus, we come to Jay Ingram, whose The Velocity of Honey has been all the rage among in-the-know readers for the past year or so.

Jay Ingram is good. His short pieces do a capable job of taking controversial things that require numerous long, unintelligible equations to explain and phrasing it all in such a way that the great unwashed have a chance of grasping the science behind it all. And his topics are by and large interesting, such as the title essay, on why it is that honey does that whole bending-over-on-itself thing when you drizzle it onto your morning pancakes.

But good is not great. When you stack Ingram up against Gardner, Simon Singh (Fermat's Enigma), or Mitchell Waldrop (Complexity, one of the most underrated science books of the past decade), his prose just isn't as readable. And, really, that's what stripped-down science books are all about-- readability. If you wanted its lack, you could just read the relevant articles in dusty book-bound copies of magazines in your library's reference section, right?

It's worth picking up if you're into this sort of thing, but expect to spend far more time on it than you would a comparable tome by one of the greats. ** ½

Some fascinating "why is the sky blue" kid questions!
Jay Ingram makes the science of everyday life accessible, fascinating and readable, answering many questions that we've puzzled over since our days as children - why does it always take longer to get there than it does to come home? how do outfielders catch those fly balls? and, just how do the mosquitoes always seem to find us? My personal favourite is a hilarious but perfectly reasonable explanation as to why we're convinced the eyes in that portrait on the wall follow us around the room!
... Read more

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"When nature inspires our architecture-not just how it looks but how buildings and communities actually function-we will have made great strides as a society. Biophilic Design provides us with tremendous insight into the 'why,' then builds us a road map for what is sure to be the next great design journey of our times."
-Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chairman, U.S. Green Building Council

"Having seen firsthand in my company the power of biomimicry to stimulate a wellspring of profitable innovation, I can say unequivocably that biophilic design is the real deal. Kellert, Heerwagen, and Mador have compiled the wisdom of world-renowned experts to produce this exquisite book; it is must reading for scientists, philosophers, engineers, architects and designers, and-most especially-businesspeople. Anyone looking for the key to a new type of prosperity that respects the earth should start here."
-Ray C. Anderson, founder and Chair, Interface, Inc.

The groundbreaking guide to the emerging practice of biophilic design

This book offers a paradigm shift in how we design and build our buildings and our communities, one that recognizes that the positive experience of natural systems and processes in our buildings and constructed landscapes is critical to human health, performance, and well-being. Biophilic design is about humanity's place in nature and the natural world's place in human society, where mutuality, respect, and enriching relationships can and should exist at all levels and should emerge as the norm rather than the exception.

Written for architects, landscape architects, planners,developers, environmental designers, as well as building owners, Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life is a guide to the theory, science, and practice of biophilic design. Twenty-three original and timely essays by world-renowned scientists, designers, and practitioners, including Edward O. Wilson, Howard Frumkin, David Orr, Grant Hildebrand, Stephen Kieran, Tim Beatley, Jonathan Rose, Janine Benyus, Roger Ulrich, Bert Gregory, Robert Berkebile, William Browning, and Vivian Loftness, among others, address:
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The basic concepts of biophilia, its expression in the built environment, and how biophilic design connects to human biology, evolution, and development.
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The science and benefits of biophilic design on human health, childhood development, healthcare, and more.
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The practice of biophilic design-how to implement biophilic design strategies to create buildings that connect people with nature and provide comfortable and productive places for people, in which they can live, work, and study.

Biophilic design at any scale-from buildings to cities-begins with a few simple questions: How does the built environment affect the natural environment? How will nature affect human experience and aspiration? Most of all, how can we achieve sustained and reciprocal benefits between the two?

This prescient, groundbreaking book provides the answers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Fundamental Human Relationship to Nature and Healing in Design
Stephen Kellert et al describe in detail the concept of biophilia in their book Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life. Biophilia, which until recently has not been a very well known topic of discussion, is the relationship between the natural human condition and the natural world, more specifically how people need an outlet to their natural environment. The description goes further on to discuss how a building's focus should emphasize the health of its inhabitants as well as its environmental and social impact.

As indicated by the title of the book, the organization of information is divided into three distinct parts as to leave no subject matter over looked; theory, science and practice. This comprehensive display of information does not leave room for argument due to the book's wide collection of topic ideas and professional backgrounds of its contributors. Scientists, sociologists, psychologists, architects and environmentalists give Biophilic Design the diverse background needed in order to successfully convey the essence of the subject, which is the relationship of man and nature in the physical built environment, as well as the psychological relationship we instinctively inherit as humans.

As part one discusses the theory of biophilic design, the reader is introduced to Edward O. Wilson, considered by most to be the first individual to elaborate on the idea of biophila in his publication of Biophilia in 1984. His original ideas influenced architects to consider how nature can impact constructed spaces and the environment through their designs. Outlines of projects and case studies reinforce Wilson's ideas that natural connections exist between human built forms and nature's fluid and organic geometries. Much of what has been built in our industries stems from what we view in the natural world, and this is by no means accidental. His thorough and quantitative analysis into the human-nature connection leads professionals to realize the essence of our humanity as our bond with nature. This leads humans to instinctively desire a connection with the natural environment and the inclusion of sustainable elements within the built form helps to ensure well-being.

The second part provides scientifically based evidence from human interactions within constructed space that have benefited from the effects of biophilic design. Chapter 6 in particular discuses Biophilic Theory and Research for Healthcare Design, and how facilities have incorporated natural elements to assist in the healing procedures of inpatient treatment centers. It discusses how the theory of biophilia and exposure of humans to nature will "reduce stress, lessen pain and foster improvements in other health outcomes (100)." There are obvious benefits to designing with natural sunlight, renewable materials and ventilation as they can reduce operational costs, but the social impact on one's health is a greater aspect that needs to be developed. The scientific data given for the inclusion of larger expanses of windows of a project in relation to the recovery time of patients clearly suggests a `no-turn-back' attitude by the authors towards having natural elements into the design of our hospitals. This hard evidence is much welcomed, as current implementations of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings do not convey the emotional outcomes on their inhabitants upon their completion. This section provides the reader with new ideas for designing uniquely and specifically for each ecosystem as to preserve site-specific human connections, in which a person feels familiar to their surroundings, and not a visitor. A constant effort is made to preserving comfort and belonging to people and their built environments. As Alvar Aalto had created his rooftop terrace at the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland for patients suffering from tuberculosis, this design feature could be considered a precursor to modern-day biophilic design for drawing a distinct connection between a patient and the natural surrounding forest and landscape for the betterment of the patients.

The implementation of biophilic design into built form is discussed in part three, giving the reader an understanding and guidance for changing the current practice of sustainable design into a design that fosters a greater connection of man and nature. As the second part was presenting undeniable evidence of projects on the human quality, this section focuses primarily on case studies. It is interesting to see the varying scales of the projects, from a biophilic architectural meditation space to large-scale biophilic urban neighborhoods, thus showcasing the wide-range use of this idea. The discovery of how nature "creates a sense of pleasure, well-being and engagement with place (227)" ties back into earlier chapters of creating natural aesthetics that create an environmental and healthy refuge for building inhabitants. The way the authors fully integrate the ideas of biophila into the actual buildings is praiseworthy. Their suggestions are valid by designing structures that incorporate environmental features in every aspect though a buildings' situation on a site, mechanical systems and the internal atmosphere in relation to the human well being, and not as systematic building ornamentation add-ons such as solar panels. The entire psychological landscape of human feelings and emotions are at play, and how successful designs take these ideas into account are displayed as a formula for future iterations.

Biophilic design is presented as the inherent link of man and nature, and the authors describe projects of virtually all scales and sizes from small rooms within buildings to entire urban developments that are meant to include this way of thinking. Biophilia reinforces a person's place within their natural environment, and the design of the built landscape should respect and preserve the relationship to the natural space around man. The science and technological aspect in this way of thinking goes beyond what we have come to know as the "green" or "sustainable movement", as they only explore a limited aspect of the built world that is more concerned with conserving and re-using natural resources. Kellert proposes that there should be a greater push to achieve a fusion of man-made elements, human ideals, and their ecological counterparts. By educating both people and designers on this topic, professionals can then understand the importance of creating spaces that enhance human psychological aspects towards nature that will then translate to a thoughtful and positive atmosphere in which people live their lives. This book achieves not only capturing the audiences attention with the subject matter, but instills within each reader a desire to pursue a greater relationship with our environment and to educate our colleagues, friends and clients on the benefits nature can have on the health, well-being, and recovery of patients and building users. This focus on the emphasis of a human-nature connection will undoubtedly aid in our development and planning of healthcare facilities.

so glad this book was written
I just finished reading this wonderful book - I highly recommend it. Stephen Kellert puts forth an outline for biophilic design components, which I find fantastic and tremendously useful. Having a scientific mind myself, this outline provides a perfect platform to which the contributing writers are able to venture in their essays (chapters).

Having a Feng Shui practice and being an ardent believer in bringing nature into building environments and design of new structures and communities, I am very excited about seeing where I fit in. This is the next evolution of the eco-friendly design movement and I am ready to start participating. This book gives weight and significance to our inherent need for connection to nature. It provides a multitude of scientific studies that give credence to this evolving and emerging discipline and will hopefully receive more mainstream readership.

My advice to you: buy a copy, absorb the knowledge and pass on the word!!

thorough description of ideas
The book is upfront about admitting that the scientific validity of this biophilic approach is scanty. It is hard to strictly test the efficacy in a plausible scenario involving controls.

But given this caveat, the explanation of biophilic design is thorough. Roughly speaking, it describes how to integrate more of nature into a building or group of buildings. The extensive set of colour plates (which is surely needed in any book on architecture) gives good accompaniment by illustrating the ideas. Depicted are two of Frank Lloyd Wright's buildings from around 50 years ago. But the rest are mostly recent vintage.

The ideas include having as much natural sunlight entering the building as possible. To reduce lighting costs. Plus vegetation is brought close to the building, or indeed placed in it, like on the roof. The shade helps reduce cooling costs in summer.

Recommending Biophilic Design
I finished reading Biophilic Design--having read every chapter--on a recent trip.I think it is one of the most important design books ever written, not just in the decade.Readers should know that this book is not just for architects, builders, designers or city planners.Its rich array of chapters brings the message, with clear and compelling examples, to life for any of us who care about creating spaces and places where nature and culture are in a vibrant, beautiful, and healthy balance.Everyone benefits--from individuals to families to whole communities. ... Read more

Product Description
A life science textbook emphasizing environmental considerations and ecosystems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Learning without knowing it!
We are using only the CD right now with our 9 and 6 year old children.We just pop it in the CD player while we're driving and sing along to the fun songs.Throughout the day I'll overhear my kids discussing why a certain animal is or isn't a mammal, carnivore, monotreme, etc.Or ask me - "so is a cheetah cursorial?they have strong legs for running, too"This is a great way to get the concept of animal classification and use it when curiosity comes in.I'm SURE they won't forget what they've learned.How many songs have you forgotten the words to? lol

A Fun Way to Learn Biology
A cassette of WELL-composed songs with original lyrics to well-known tunes teach us in a fun way more about biology than you ever knew. The cassette is accompanied by a well-written book with line drawings and much moreinformation of all the mammals by classes and orders. Also a section onbiomes and ecology. Our whole family sings along and learns, including our10-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter. ... Read more

Product Description
Here are great ideas for learning life science fundamentals at home or in the classroom! More than two dozen fun-to-do experiments both test and introduce kids to the five senses, as well as to botany, food chemistry, crime science, natural cycles, and human psychology. Young people learn to test their sense of depth perception, cultivate herbs, record and analyze fingerprints, assemble a home-made but accurate scale to balance weights, make a mini compost bin, prepare pickles and yogurt, and conduct many other science-based activities. The author presents ideas and instructions for science fair projects, including original experiments on enzyme action, decomposition, memory, and more. Attractive, easy-to-follow diagrams illustrate each step. Younger children will need adult supervision when carrying out many of these experiments. (Ages 11-15) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Second Book in Series as Good as Predecessor
For starters, read the reviews of Flash Bang Pop Fiz! to get an idea about the strengths of this series.The second book is written in the same format and is an equally valuable tool for young and aspring scientists.While life science activities typically lack the "WOW!" of physical science, there is much in this book to keep youngsters engaged.Once again, the author gives her readers serious experiments that they can take as far as they desire. The illustrations are fantastic; the qoutes and jokes may be a bit surprising, but they are worth reading on their own. For a second time, the author has designed a book that will appeal to a wide range of readers, without sacrifcing serious (and unusually accurate) content.

Five Element Book
After I read this book I was amazed at everything from the quality of the writing and the captivation of the experiments to the jokes and proverbs placed on the pages time to time.It was easy to read, not at all hard to understand.
In baseball, a player who can do "everything" is called a five-tool player.The "tools" are speed, fielding, contact hitting, power hitting, and the strength of the player's arm.Now, if there was something in the book world that was the equivalent of this honor, let's call it the five element book.The five categories are if it's 1. Interesting 2. Exciting
3. Informing 4. Well written and 5. Creative.Mrs. Chahrour's book easily falls under each of the these categories. Me and my family also agreed that it was really fun and extremely simple.I would highly recommend the book to middle schoolers, but also to their parents and family.It changed the way I looked at science by seeing how much fun and simple it can really be. ... Read more

Product Description
The perfect first step toward success in science

Glencoe Science: An Introduction to the Life, Earth, and Physical Sciences starts students off on the right foot in their secondary science education. A balance of life, earth and physical science prepares students for further study in these areas. Engaging and relevant content and practical hands-on activities are designed for middle school students who are ready for real science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful, fast service!The text book arrived in excellent condition!
I hope to be a repeat customer!Thanks!The price was affordable and the condition of the book is much better than I could have hoped for! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Full of knowledge and feels like you're there
This book is so good I don't want to finish it right away. It's like every time he encounters an obstacle he always finds a way to persevere. This book really shows how Bro. Ernest E. Just lived out his cardinal principal's every day. If you want a glimpse on what it was like to be black during a time of oppression, a time when people of color had the answers to many questions that were rendered due to the color of their skin. This is the book that you must have. I guarantee that this book will open your eyes to how racism really held back the nation top scholars of color.

Excellent
A fascinating study of an all-but-ignored American scientific genius who was staggeringly original and prolific --and an incidental indictment of U.S. racism.

black apollo of science
The book was put together with alot of admiration and validity. Ernest Everett Just was definetely ahead of his time and his vision was carried well into the 21 century. I feel the scientific cloning and bone marrow technology owes its success to pioneers like Ernest E. Just, unfortunately due to his race he was not given just due until after his death. the book shows a little justice and I admired the hard work of a talented author as Mr. Manning displayed in this book.

Under-rated first-rate biography!
With all due respect to the other reviewer, I cannot understand how the word "excellent" can be used in a admiring review - followed by the assignment of only three stars!This a is four-star book at a minimum, and I think it deserves five stars.This is an exemplary biography in it terms of the underlying research, choice of subject and material to be included, and the style of writing.As a biologist, I am familiar with Just's work and some of the primary literature of his time, and can only add my praise for the author's adept handling of the technical topics.Highly recomended, moving, under-rated and under-read book!

Details of E.E. Just
Black Apollo of Science, The Life of Ernest Everett Just in my opinion is a very excellent portrail of the complicated and exciting life of one of the leading black scientist of the early 20th century.If you are serious about learning every detail about E.E Just, then this is the book for you. It is the story of his life which goes from his early life and struggles togain an education to hi later life where he fights to give other AfricanAmericans the opportunity to recieve a quality education.Although most ofhis life commitments were based to further the education of AfricanAmericans, he also had his own personal motives.He was a dedicatedresearcher who was not afraid to express his opinions at whatever cost itwas, personally and professionally. This book offers great motivation toanyone that is fighting against the norms and against dicrimination.Irecommend it to scholars as along to layman that wish to learn more aboutAmerican scientifc history. ... Read more

Product Description
In this second edition of Hands-On General Science Activities with Real Life Applications, Pam Walker and Elaine Wood have completely revised and updated their must-have resource for science teachers of grades 5–12. The book offers a dynamic collection of classroom-ready lessons, projects, and lab activities that encourage students to integrate basic science concepts and skills into everyday life.

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Customer Reviews (2)

Great Homeschooling Source
I use this book to homeschool the high school sciences. The activities and labs don't require materials that I don't all ready have around the house and the instructions are very clear. I use Glencoe and Prentice Hall texts and this book to supplement and reinforcement the concepts. It has been extremely usefully:)

Excellent Teacher Resource
I got this for Christmas last year before I started my student teaching, and as a first year teacher it's my number one go-to resource when I need an activity or worksheet that approaches the subject differently or gives more practice with a particular concept. The background information is generally easy to follow and the worksheets are engaging while still providing the students with information to learn. And as a bonus, in my opinion, the worksheets usually don't go in the order of the text so my students actually have to READ to find the answers instead of skimming. :) ... Read more

Product Description
CK-12 Life Science covers seven units: Understanding Living Things; Cells: The Building Blocks of Life; Genetics and Evolution; Prokaryotes, Protists, Fungi, and Plants; The Animal Kingdom; The Human Body; and Ecology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

review
this book came in very good condition for a used book. There were a few worn spots on the edges of the book. Over all I am very happy with it and the price I paid for it-it was almost $100 less than what my college bookstore was asking for it! ... Read more