The Story Of Science: Aristotle Leads the Way | 
 enlarge | Author: Joy Hakim
Publisher: Smithsonian Books
Category: Book
List Price: $24.95
Buy New: $14.14
You Save: $10.81 (43%)
New (33) Used (13) from $11.00
Rating:  14 reviews
Sales Rank: 33985
Media: Hardcover
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 256
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 8 x 1
ISBN: 1588341607
Dewey Decimal Number: 509
EAN: 9781588341600
Publication Date: May 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Not too long ago, in earth time, no one thought the universe had a history. The scientific and religious experts believed that the world had been created as it is today and that nothing had changed. Those experts did their best but they were wrong--really wrong. The Story of Science: Aristotle Leads the Way tells the amazing but true story of the quest to answer an important question: What is this universe of ours all about? From the lost city of Alexandria with its gigantic lighthouse and steam-powered vehicles, to faraway lands where Hindu and Arab mathematicians invented the number zero, Hakim invites readers of all ages to meet the forefathers of modern science and experience their greatest discoveries in astronomy, math, and physics. Along the way, readers learn the answers to questions like: What can a baboon bone tell us about calendars? Why can't we feel the earth moving? How did math contribute to Archimedes' death? A science book unlike any other, Aristotle Leads the Way pairs a gripping narrative style with quirky sidebars; hundreds of charts, maps, and diagrams; experiments to do at home; suggestions for further reading; and excerpts from the writings of great scientists.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 9 more reviews...
 A JOY to read! March 17, 2006
Kristi G., mom of Sage (Rome, GA)
38 out of 44 found this review helpful
When I began the homeschooling journey, I kept hearing about this wonderful set of United States history books by Joy Hakim. I know a lot of homeschoolers are very religious, and I really wanted secular, scientific educational materials. I was intrigued by the historical knowlege of these kids though, so I kept an open mind. I am so glad that I did.
That series is called The History of US. I found a cheap copy of the first book at a book sale, and thought I'd check it out. I was amazed at Joy Hakim's gift at story telling and approach to history. I found myself learning more than I EVER learned in school, OR in colllege US history for that matter. WOW. Not only was I learning and remembering it, I was loving it!
So it is no doubt that I RAN to the bookstore to order a copy of THIS new series, The Story of Science. I tore into it with the same enthusiasm that I have for new Harry Potter books, and new Anne Rice books- books I LOVE to read. That's the key to the big draw - Joy Hakim's writing is wonderfully entertaining.
Indeed, she has done it again! Older children and adults alike that love science will enjoy her unique approach to the material. The books have lavish illustrations and full cover photographs and graphics. She's included beautiful pictures by the great masters of art as well, recognizing that artists contributed much to science as we know it today.
This series is a journey through the history of man's thinking about science. Along the way, there's plenty of science to be learned, even for someone with a science degree, as well as mathmatical concepts and applications, all set against a backdrop of world history, and sprinkled with sparkling humor, which is a vital ingredient in making learning fun. There are some suggestions for experiements in the book as well, but they are there for for interest and enrichment.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that these books are textbooks; these books are treasures. I am pleased that I bought the hardcover editions and look forward to the other 3 volumes that are out. She plans 6 of the books in total for the series. These will be books that are read and re-read.
WOW! October 12, 2004
Eileen D. Vernon
40 out of 48 found this review helpful
Joy Hakim has done it again! She has written a world history book through scientific discovery in a readable attractive form that makes this information available to everyone. I picked my copy up yesterday and can bearly put it down. And to think there are 5 more in this series to come, as a librarian I am shivering with excitement.
Eileen Vernon, Librarian
Virginia Beach Friends School (PreK-12)
Wonderful Read June 18, 2005
Susie (Indianapolis, IN)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
I am going to college to major in science education, and i just read this book. It is a fantastic read, and i can't wait for more in the series to come out!!! It will challenge younger readers in understanding the basic mathematic principles that influenced science. Also, it provides a look into the history of the world. I would recommend the book for older readers, also, because it gives an enlightening refresher course in the basic principles of our scientific society!
Great in so many ways... September 7, 2007
John Robinson (Yokohama, Kanagawa Japan)
15 out of 17 found this review helpful
I will organize my review into 4 parts: 1. What I was looking for, 2. The ideal audience for this book (just my opinion), 3. Strengths and weaknesses of this book, 4. Who could benefit by owning this book.
1. People of a certain age may remember the Time-Life series of science books. I especially loved the volumes devoted to physical science and math. Those books were written for kids in the upper grades but, in fact, the text was at an adult level. Even today, I enjoy actually reading them, not merely browsing, as the text is sophisticated enough to "pull me in". The photo essays were also magnificent: dramatic, human, entertaining and adult. I was looking for something like those, but of more recent vintage, when I came across "The Story of Science". Did I find it? No, not exactly. But I bought the book anyway. Read on.
2. This book is written for 5th-graders. Period. End of story. I will not negotiate that point. The evidence: words such as "ratio" and "circumnavigate" are defined for the reader. I clearly remember "ratio" being introduced in 5th grade. The other words which are defined are of similar level. Also, the book, while not thin, is built for small hands in terms of height and width. Finally, there is a general lack of sophisticated vocabulary and a peppering of the text with leading questions, meant to induce thinking. These are all hallmarks of a book written for children who are still rather small. The constant interruption of the narrative by questions would be annoying to an older child or adult. If your 7th-grader is still reading this book, you need to push her to move on; she will fall behind in reading skills. Trust me on this; I have taught alot of kids.
3. Weaknesses: None. This book is superb in every way.
Strengths: The text is well-written, lively, questioning, just like the topic it explores.
Words are defined, pronunciation is indicated.
There are numerous side-bars to explain even off-topic issues which have been briefly touched upon.
Example: the King James Bible is quoted at the beginning of chapter 1 (as are other mythological texts; this is not a narrow-minded book). Will a Junior High School student know who King James was? I hope so! An adult? Uh, if you have to ask.... But, normally, a 5th-grader will not. So, Ms. Hakim explains a bit about him in a side-bar. Very nice! It is this, "no stone left unturned" approach that makes this book so excellent.
The graphics are great to look at, informative, and add a delightful dimension. They are sophisticated enough to give this book an adult feel. Only the text, really, clues us in to the target audience.
4. Anyone can benefit by owning this book. I find the text too simple, and too frequently interrupted by simple-minded, kid-type questions, to be really engaging. It doesn't pull me in the way the Time-Life books still can. But, the text is certainly "browsable": read a bit, and then pore over the great, informative graphics and side-bars and, in general, just delight in the lively, colorful presentation of the material.
So, finally, I am still looking for those elusive updated versions of the Time-Life books. But, this book is great on its own level. Give it to a 10- or 11-year old and watch her take off! But, be wise. Unless your kid is remedial, snatch it away when they enter Junior High. Replace it with what? Well, you can always get the Time-Life books at an online auction. They will complete your child's science and literacy development to the intelligent High School level.
Very insightful and a pleasure! April 7, 2006
4specialones2love
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
I enjoyed Hakim's Story of Us, so naturally i was looking forward to getting my hands on this series. I have enjoyed reading this book. I love how she shares what the different cultures beliefs were regarding different areas of science, and of course with time some of their ideas were proven wrong. I really learned through this book to appreciate Science for what it is . . . . a way of thinking, questioning, and testing. Its trying to understand ideas and concepts bigger than oneself. I've enjoyed the sidenotes- yes it does mean you have to turn the pages back on occasion to read it all but it is great. It's kind of like reading a magazine in that respect, with more than one story on a page. You read one and go back to the other. This is an interesting approach to science - learning the who, and why part of how. I recommend it highly.
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