Why Science Matters is a series for pupils at Key Stage 3, illustrating the relevance of science to our everyday lives. The series relates what is learnt in school to real-world examples that are familiar or accessible to readers to facilitate comprehension of the curriculum, while also provoking discussion of topical issues, from the environment to medical research.

Why do we need greener buildings? What is a carbon footprint? How can computer-aided design help reduce our energy use? The 'Why Science Matters' series demonstrates how the science we learn at school is important in every aspect of our everyday lives. Using case studies and investigations, the series describes the development of science and technologies that can improve our lives - or lead to new scientific challenges and controversies. 'Designing Greener Vehicles and Buildings' investigates how our transport systems and buildings affect the environment. We find out about energy transfers, the importance of renewable building resources and energy sources, and the science behind solar panels and hybrid fuel cars. And we learn about the cutting-edge innovations in architecture and vehicle design that will help us to reduce our energy.

Predicting Earthquakes

by John Farndon

Published 26 September 2008
How do seismic waves travel through rock? How can satellites help with earthquake prediction? The 'Why Science Matters' series demonstrates how the science we learn at school is important in every aspect of our everyday lives. Using case studies and investigations, the series describes the development of science and technologies that can improve our lives - or lead to new scientific challenges and controversies. In 'Predicting Earthquakes', we learn about the structure of Earth and how earthquakes happen. We find out about faults and epicentres, the science behind seismographs, and the role of earthquakes in causing tsunamis. We also find out about the challenging tasks of anticipating movements in Earth's crust.

Harnessing the Sun's Energy

by Andrew Solway

Published 26 September 2008
Why is the Sun vital to life on Earth? How does the Sun affect our weather and ocean currents? Can science solve the problems of fossil fuel shortages and climate change? The 'Why Science Matters' series demonstrates how the science we learn at school is important in every aspect of our everyday lives. Using case studies and investigations, the series describes the development of science and technologies that can improve our lives - or lead to new scientific challenges and controversies. In 'Harnessing the Sun's Energy', we find out how the enormous power of the Sun can be used to meet the world's growing energy needs. We find out about the significance of energy transfers and the role of sunlight in food chains and webs, and examples of new technologies that can provide us with environmentally-sound energy.

Why Science Matters is a series for pupils at Key Stage 3, illustrating the relevance of science to our everyday lives. The series relates what is learnt in school to real-world examples that are familiar or accessible to readers to facilitate comprehensi

Pregnancy and Birth

by Ann Fullick

Published 15 March 2009
In Pregnancy and Birth, we find out about the wonders and risks of reproduction. Learn about natural conception, how reproductive technology can help infertile couples, how an embryo develops in the womb, and how good antenatal care and foetal surgery can save the lives of mothers and babies. See how alcohol and other substances can damage a growing baby, and consider if it is ethically correct to diagnose genetic diseases before birth.

In Generating and Using Electricity, we find out how electricity is generated from many sources, including waves, wind, and the Sun. Learn about electric charge, cells and batteries, generators, and electric motors. We see how power plants distribute electricity, how we get usable voltages in our homes, and how low-energy bulbs can reduce our energy consumption. And we discover cutting-edge technologies, such as plastic that conducts electricity, microbial fuel cells, and generators that run at -196C (-321F).

Exploring the Solar System

by John Farndon

Published 15 March 2009
Why Science Matters is a series for pupils at Key Stage 3, illustrating the relevance of science to our everyday lives. The series relates what is learnt in school to real-world examples that are familiar or accessible to readers to facilitate comprehension of the curriculum, while also provoking discussion of topical issues, from the environment to medical research.

Predict Climate

by John Townsend

Published 15 November 2009
Why Science Matters is a series for pupils at Key Stage 3, illustrating the relevance of science to our everyday lives. The series relates what is learnt in school to real-world examples that are familiar or accessible to readers to facilitate comprehension of the curriculum, while also provoking discussion of topical issues, from the environment to medical research.

Sports Science

by Andrew Solway

Published 15 March 2009
In Sports Science, we learn how sports and exercise science can benefit everyone, not just athletes. We find out about how the body responds to exercise, the role of nutrition and sports psychology in improving performance, how biomechanics can improve efficiency and reduce injuries, and see examples of training regimes. Learn about how the body obtains and uses energy during exercise, the ways in which fitness is measured, and the effects of stress, dehydration, and overtraining.

Reducing Pollution

by John Coad

Published 15 March 2009
In Reducing Pollution, we find out how our way of life affects Earth and the impact of chemicals and emissions on living things. We learn about the role that industry plays in reducing pollution, and the benefits of making changes to our consumption of resources, from recycling plastics to green chemistry. We also look at rivers oozing with chemicals and cities that see no true daylight as the Sun fails to shine through the smog.

Using Nuclear Energy

by John Townsend

Published 15 March 2009
In "Using Nuclear Energy", we find out how scientists discovered nuclear power, what happens if you split an atom, and about the immense blast a nuclear weapon can create. We learn about fission, chain reactions, and how the science of the deadly Hiroshim

Why Science Matters is a series for pupils at Key Stage 3, illustrating the relevance of science to our everyday lives. The series relates what is learnt in school to real-world examples that are familiar or accessible to readers to facilitate comprehensi