Exploring Concepts in Science for Future Discovery


Book Description

The purpose of this textbook is to provide a basic understanding of scientific principles to help people and students who are interested in entering various professions and occupations involving chemistry and biology, scientific method, atomic theory, molecules and moles, the periodic table of elements, pH in terms of acids and bases, and organic chemistry. We shall also look at living things, cells, cell division, anatomy, and physiology (with particular emphasis on the cardiovascular system, circulatory system, the central nervous system, respiratory system, and the lymphatic system as it relates to immunology). There will be some discussion about nutrition, as well as a survey of genetics including the structures of DNA, duplication of DNA, RNA structure, and protein synthesis. There will be a very brief discussion of basic physics, optics, sound, astronomy, geology, and meteorology (which will help us understand how weather forecasters determine our weather from day to day). Some mention of African American men and women who made major contributions to math and science is included to let people know that regardless of one’s color, we all have the ability to handle various professions and occupations in science or math at any level. High school students, community college students, and people who desire a basic understanding of science, as it relates to our everyday living, are encouraged to read this book. Thank you for your time.




Mankind Beyond Earth


Book Description

Seeking to reenergize Americans' passion for the space program, the value of further exploration of the Moon, and the importance of human beings on the final frontier, Claude A. Piantadosi presents a rich history of American space exploration and its major achievements. He emphasizes the importance of reclaiming national command of our manned program and continuing our unmanned space missions, and he stresses the many adventures that still await us in the unfolding universe. Acknowledging space exploration's practical and financial obstacles, Piantadosi challenges us to revitalize American leadership in space exploration in order to reap its scientific bounty. Piantadosi explains why space exploration, a captivating story of ambition, invention, and discovery, is also increasingly difficult and why space experts always seem to disagree. He argues that the future of the space program requires merging the practicalities of exploration with the constraints of human biology. Space science deals with the unknown, and the margin (and budget) for error is small. Lethal near-vacuum conditions, deadly cosmic radiation, microgravity, vast distances, and highly scattered resources remain immense physical problems. To forge ahead, America needs to develop affordable space transportation and flexible exploration strategies based in sound science. Piantadosi closes with suggestions for accomplishing these goals, combining his healthy skepticism as a scientist with an unshakable belief in space's untapped—and wholly worthwhile—potential.




A Framework for K-12 Science Education


Book Description

Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S. competitiveness and to better prepare the workforce, A Framework for K-12 Science Education proposes a new approach to K-12 science education that will capture students' interest and provide them with the necessary foundational knowledge in the field. A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the core ideas and practices around which science and engineering education in these grades should be built. These three dimensions are: crosscutting concepts that unify the study of science through their common application across science and engineering; scientific and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas in the physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences and for engineering, technology, and the applications of science. The overarching goal is for all high school graduates to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technical information, and enter the careers of their choice. A Framework for K-12 Science Education is the first step in a process that can inform state-level decisions and achieve a research-grounded basis for improving science instruction and learning across the country. The book will guide standards developers, teachers, curriculum designers, assessment developers, state and district science administrators, and educators who teach science in informal environments.




Exploration and Engineering


Book Description

Getting to Mars required engineering genius, scientific strategy, and the drive to persevere in the face of failure. Although the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, has become synonymous with the United States’ planetary exploration during the past half century, its most recent focus has been on Mars. Beginning in the 1990s and continuing through the Mars Phoenix mission of 2007, JPL led the way in engineering an impressive, rapidly evolving succession of Mars orbiters and landers, including roving robotic vehicles whose successful deployment onto the Martian surface posed some of the most complicated technical problems in space flight history. In Exploration and Engineering, Erik M. Conway reveals how JPL engineers’ creative technological feats led to major breakthroughs in Mars exploration. He takes readers into the heart of the lab’s problem-solving approach and management structure, where talented scientists grappled with technical challenges while also coping, not always successfully, with funding shortfalls, unrealistic schedules, and managerial turmoil. Conway, JPL’s historian, offers an insider’s perspective into the changing goals of Mars exploration, the ways in which sophisticated computer simulations drove the design process, and the remarkable evolution of landing technologies over a thirty-year period.




Discovering the Deep


Book Description

A beautifully illustrated reference providing fascinating insights into the hidden world of the seafloor using the latest deep-sea imaging.




Field Propulsion System for Space Travel


Book Description

"This e-book presents an overview of field propulsion systems for the use of space travel and interstellar travel. Such systems include warp drive, space drive and gravity-control schemes, and are propelled receiving the propulsive force derived from an in"




The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration


Book Description

The first in-depth, fully illustrated history of global space discovery and exploration from ancient times to the modern era “The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration examines civilization’s continued desire to explore the next frontier as only the Smithsonian can do it.” —Buzz Aldrin, Gemini 12 and Apollo 11 astronaut and author of No Dream Is Too High Former NASA and Smithsonian space curator and historian Roger D. Launius presents a comprehensive history of our endeavors to understand the universe, honoring millennia of human curiosity, ingenuity, and achievement. This extensive study of international space exploration is packed with over 500 photographs, illustrations, graphics, and cutaways, plus plenty of sidebars on key scientific and technological developments, influential figures, and pioneering spacecraft. Starting with space exploration's origins in the pioneering work undertaken by ancient civilizations and the great discoveries of the Renaissance thinkers, Launius also devotes whole chapters to our space race to the Moon, space planes and orbital stations, and the lure of the red planet Mars. He also offers new insights into well-known moments such as the launch of Sputnik 1 and the Apollo Moon landing and explores the unexpected events and hidden figures of space history. The final chapters cover the technological and mechanical breakthroughs enabling humans to explore far beyond our own planet in recent decades, speculating on the future of space exploration, including space tourism and our possible future as an extraterrestrial species. This is a must-read for space buffs and everyone intrigued by the history and future of scientific discovery. "This oversize offering is a space nerd’s dream come true." —Booklist




Exploring Future Opportunities of Brain-Inspired Artificial Intelligence


Book Description

Applying mechanisms and principles of human intelligence and converging the brain and artificial intelligence (AI) is currently a research trend. The applications of AI in brain simulation are countless. Brain-inspired intelligent systems will improve next-generation information processing by applying theories, techniques, and applications inspired by the information processing principles from the brain. Exploring Future Opportunities of Brain-Inspired Artificial Intelligence focuses on the convergence of AI with brain-inspired intelligence. It presents research on brain-inspired cognitive machines with vision, audition, language processing, and thinking capabilities. Covering topics such as data analysis tools, knowledge representation, and super-resolution, this premier reference source is an essential resource for engineers, developers, computer scientists, students and educators of higher education, librarians, researchers, and academicians.




Concepts of Biology


Book Description

Black & white print. Concepts of Biology is designed for the typical introductory biology course for nonmajors, covering standard scope and sequence requirements. The text includes interesting applications and conveys the major themes of biology, with content that is meaningful and easy to understand. The book is designed to demonstrate biology concepts and to promote scientific literacy.




The Future is STEM


Book Description

If you or your student is interested in STEM — this is the perfect book. Hear from some of the brightest sparks around the world about STEM education. In this book, you will hear from "America's Top Young Scientist," youth founders of non-profit organizations, winners of International Olympiads and Science Fairs, and many more. The Future is STEM: A Curation of Inspirational Youth Stories by Rishab Kumar Jain and STEM Stars is a collection of 100 stories from young people who are passionate about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The book aims to inspire and motivate readers to pursue STEM education and careers, as well as to showcase the diversity and creativity of the STEM community. The book is divided into three sections, each featuring different types of stories. The first section contains student-written essays that explain the importance and relevance of STEM for solving global challenges, advancing human knowledge, and creating opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. The essays also reflect on the personal and societal benefits of STEM education, such as developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, as well as fostering curiosity, wonder, and joy. The authors of these essays come from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, demonstrating that STEM is for everyone. The second section showcases the projects and achievements of young people who have applied their STEM skills and knowledge to various domains and disciplines. These include science fairs (International Science & Engineering Fair, etc.), competitions, olympiads (Math Olympiads, etc.), research, advocacy, outreach, and more. The projects cover a wide range of topics and fields, such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, robotics, computer science, artificial intelligence, medicine, health, environment, sustainability, social justice, and more. The authors share their motivations, challenges, learnings, and impacts of their projects, as well as their advice and tips for aspiring STEM enthusiasts. The third section, reveals the personal stories and journeys of young people who have discovered and pursued their passion for STEM. These stories explore the influences, inspirations, mentors, role models, experiences, opportunities, and resources that have shaped their STEM identity and career aspirations. The stories also highlight the joys and struggles of being a STEM student or professional, such as overcoming stereotypes, biases, obstacles, failures, and doubts. The authors express their hopes and dreams for the future of STEM and humanity. The Future is STEM is a book that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and potential of the next generation of STEM leaders. It is a book that will inspire and empower readers to follow their curiosity and passion for STEM. It is a book that will remind readers that the future is not only shaped by STEM but also by them.