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

Everything I thought I knew, brilliantly told.

When I graduated MIT in 1984 with a degree in Biology, mine was the first class to be offered a laboratory course in genetic engineering. The rest, as they say, is history. This is the best, most fascinating intro and review of the highlights of all branchs of modern sciences since Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything. Compared to that wonderful book, this one has less history and more theory - and is more current and succinct, but never dry. This is the book for the curious mind, whether or not you've every studied the laws of thermodynamics or plate tectonics. As the authors point out, even professional scientists rarely know the latest theories that are outside their own narrow field of study. Here's the chance for layman and scientist to get up to speed. C'mon, now, its the 21st century, and with this book there's no excuse not to be up-to-date.

On the road to becoming scientifically literate

Words cannot fully sum of the vast importance of this audiobook. In it is first explained why every single citizen should be scientifically literate. It is quite literally of paramount importance. I cannot sum it quite as well as the book elaborates.

Additionally, I found out that I was not quite as literate as I had thought. I learned some new concepts, and at the end felt so much more enlightened by all this SCIENCE!

As a scientist, books like this make me smile, not only because of the data and facts, but because of the noble attempt to teach the world the basics, and sum it all up in one book.

Do not let this idea scare you, nothing is delved into in vast detail. This is an incredibly broad set of descriptions to bring you up to speed on basic science and how some things work. America's future depends on science, as well as every other technologically competant country!

Listen now!

Detailed survey science book

This probably shouldn't be your introductory survey science book ("The History of Nearly Everything" would be a better intro). If you had read other science books recently and want to know more of the fundamentals, this would be a good intro to give you a good foundation. Some sections are hard to follow if it is the first time in years you've come across that bit of science.

one of my favorites

What made the experience of listening to Science Matters the most enjoyable?

the tone and pacing of the book were just right. I listened to it with my 7 year old

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Science For Everyone 101

A great book! I read lots of non-fiction and several science/nature magazines regularly. While I was listening to Science Matters, the topics presented kept coming up in book after book and article after article. It was almost uncanny. Further, even though I felt I was literate on most of the topics I found that the authors added depth and clarity to my understanding. So whether you are a total novice or a well read person I recommend this book. It is more than worth the time to listen to it.

Next, the book is well written. It is easy to follow and easy to understand.

Lastly, the narration was very good.

Good book, lacking on story

“Science matters “ is ,in my opinion, is a good book with a lot of fact, but as people’s history of science, falls flat on its face. I understand it is trying to teach raw science, but it spends no very little time on the personality’s of the scientific community.

Excellent clarity

This is a great book to refresh some concepts that I thought I knew, but had gotten a little fuzzy on. I'm recommending this for everyone who considers themselves "scientifically literate" or would like to be.

dry, dry, dry

The authors obviously know their stuff and the concepts are written clearly but it's much like reading a textbook. I think this would be a good book to have as a reference on your shelf but as far as something to listen to while driving, you better make sure you have a strong cup of coffee on hand or you may wake up in the hospital.

I started this one in September and, two moths later, I'm still listening in small chunks. With about 30% still to go, I'll finish it eventually but I've heard enough to make my opinion

Excellent content, narration could be better.

As a primer for science, Science Matters is excellent; very little jargon, and concise explanations every subject discussed. You can take it as a whole, or as separate essays on the fundamental topics of science.

The narration was by no means awful, but having experienced one of the authors (Robert M. Hazen) give some very lively performances on his Great Courses lectures, 'The Joy of Science' and 'The Origin and Evolution of Earth', I would have preferred to have him do the reading here. Fred Sanders was a little on the dry side, and his pronunciations were sometimes very strange.

Despite the not-quite-invigorating narration, I'd definitely recommend Science Matters, and I'll add that the actual book is well worth having on your shelf.

Easy listening, good leanings!

I wish I had a physics teacher like the ones in the book! My university and later professional life would have been much easier; I really enjoyed listening things that I already know explained in such an easy and clear way.