Why Icebergs Float: Exploring Science in Everyday Life

Description

From paintings and food to illness and icebergs, science is happening everywhere. Rather than follow the path of a syllabus or textbook, Andrew Morris takes examples from the science we see every day and uses them as entry points to explain a number of fundamental scientific concepts – from understanding colour to the nature of hormones – in ways that anyone can grasp. While each chapter offers a separate story, they are linked together by their fascinating relevance to our daily lives. The topics explored in each chapter are based on hundreds of discussions the author has led with adult science learners over many years – people who came from all walks of life and had no scientific training, but had developed a burning curiosity to understand the world around them. This book encourages us to reflect on our own relationship with science and serves as an important reminder of why we should continue learning as adults. F-Cover Half-title Title page Copyright information Dedication Preface Acknowledgements Contents List of figures Introduction 1 Foods We Love and Hate Evolution Bitterness The chemistry of taste The psychology of taste Diabetes and hormones Metabolism Taste buds Smell Conclusion 2 Why Old Masters Fade Pigments Why things are coloured 3 Cuts are Red, Veins are Blue . . . 4 The Dual Nature of Light What is light? Where does light come from? Reflection Images Light from afar Models of light The colour of light Conclusion 5 Models The way of science Perfect and imperfect models Limits of modelling The development of models Multiple models Coping with ambiguity What is reality? 6 How We See Illusion The eye Nerves The brain 7 The Brain Pooling experience Studying the brain How does it all work? Neurons Synapses Brain and hormones The case of the pituitary gland Conclusion 8 Hormones What are hormones? Some examples Hitting the spot The example of adrenaline How does all this help? Conclusion 9 Reflections on Molecules and the Body 10 Bacteria, Viruses and Antibiotics Antibiotics Bacteria Viruses Anti-viral drugs Conclusion 11 Floating and Density The meaning of density The special case of water 12 Tides and Gravity Introducing gravity Ways that water moves More on gravity Moons, planets and Newton Einstein’s theory Conclusion 13 Energy Connotations Scientific concept Conclusion 14 Energy on the Move Heat flow The nature of heat energy Heat, temperature and thermal conductivity Conclusion 15 Energy for Life 16 Electricity Amps and volts Static Electronics Resistance and heating The mains Conclusion 17 MRI and the Brain MRI mechanism The landscape of the brain Life stages Adolescence Rewards and risks Learning Social issues Mental illness Conclusion 18 Animal Culture Discussion in the group Dialogue with an anthropologist Conclusion Epilogue Appendix: Atoms, Elements and Molecules Substances and mixtures Compounds Elements Atoms Molecules Ions Further Resources Books Websites Audio and video Museums and other venues Festivals and events Index B-Cover