Science Matters

Achieving Scientific Literacy

By: Robert M. Hazen, James Trefil

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

A science book for the general reader that is informative enough to be a popular textbook and yet well-written enough to appeal to general listeners. “Hazen and Trefil [are] unpretentious—good, down-to-earth, we-can-explain-anything science teachers, the kind you wish you had but never did.”—The New York Times Book Review

Knowledge of the basic ideas and principles of science is fundamental to cultural literacy. But most books on science are often too obscure or too specialized to do the general listener much good.

Science Matters is a rare exception—a science book that is informative enough for introductory courses in high school and college, and yet lucid enough for listeners uncomfortable with scientific jargon and complicated mathematics. And now, revised and expanded, it is up-to-date, so that listeners can enjoy Hazen and Trefil's refreshingly accessible explanations of the most recent developments in science, from particle physics to biotechnology.

©2009 James Trefil and Robert M. Hazen (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

“Lucid and lively. Hazen and Trefil have a particular genius for picturing even formidably abstract ideas in concrete images. . . . Science Matters is as good as they get” ––The Washington Post Book World

“Hazen and Trefil [are] unpretentious––good, down-to-earth, we-can-explain-anything science teachers, the kind you wish you had but never did.” ––The New York Times

“A book that even scientifically literate readers can consult . . . if they find their recollection of relativity or quantum mechanics getting shaky.” ––New Scientist

Good Refresher

Would you listen to Science Matters again? Why?

This book was a good refresher of some basic principles and ideas and is okay for first year science classes for high school students.

Required Reading

I have read so many books recently in the realm of physics. And all the books I have read have there highlights. Usually those highlights come in the form of an explaination of something that I previously read and even found fascinating but couldn't grasp which finally becomes something I can wrap my head around. Well that said, I believe this book "Science Matters" does that very thing for me more than many other books!
The section I found most educational is the chemistry. Fasinating how you can still see correlations between atomic shapes and macro-affects. So much in here to enjoy! The segways from section to section are smooth making everything seem just as important as the next.
I greatly appreciate what these two fellows have done here. I am sure many others are responsible for such a great work, but I would like to thank James Trefil and Robert M. Hazen for there contribution to the furtherance of mankind. It all starts with education.

abundance of information

Would you listen to Science Matters again? Why?

yes,excellent for one such as myself with a low IQ for basic science

What was one of the most memorable moments of Science Matters?

just overall info

Which character – as performed by the narrator – was your favorite?

n/a

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

no

Any additional comments?

no

Great read!

A great overall review of the sciences. I think it achieves what it sets out to do.

great overview of so much information

I've listened to this book no less than 3 times as it provides such a good overview of so many science topics. Will be looking for updates as science is certainly not standing still.

Wow!

You won't believe how interesting science is until you're introduced to it by the likes of Trefil and Hazen! If you want to inspire someone in the area of the sciences, or even of the great potential and value of learning and education, convince them to just give this a try! You'll be doing them a real favor.

I've given away 4-5 copies of the book and everyone has been surprised by how much they like it. I have both the audio and paperback for myself.

The narration fits the book perfectly.

A useful and intersting skim over important info

There are three kinds of knowledge: what we know; what we know that we don't know; and, what we don't know that we don't know. It's the last kind that will bite you where it hurts. Science Matters is an extremely useful tool for finding out what we don't know about the massively complex world we live in. It's well written, easy to understand, and covers a broad array of subjects just deeply enough to give us a plausible shot at coming to sound conclusions about where we are and where we are headed, ready or not...

Great place to start

I found this book to be a great starting place for anyone who is interested in both getting up to date with current understandings and for those of use who have strugled with more specific scientific explinations. This book provides a great foundation for almost any branch of science interest.

Everyone will benefit from this book

Should be required "reading" for all adults. A must on all book lists. Science does matter and this book presents a well done and easy to understand overview on many scientific concepts.

Will Fill in Bits and Pieces of Missing Knowledge

Of those who do not know everything, not including those who steer conversations to the little that they know in order to appear knowledgeable (when they are just devious). Good book for polymaths. Did not show its age but once, when 'calculators and home computers' were used as examples of cutting-edge technology...