Table of Contents

Overview vii

Preface ix

Acknowledgements x

1 Think quest 1

1.1 Overview 1

1.2 ABCs of attitude

1.3 Layers of learning

1.4 Change my mind

1.5 Einstein’s impact

1.6 Nuclear news

1.7 Decisions, responsibilities and ethics

1.8 See quest

1.9 Review

2 Getting into genes 4

2.1 Overview 4

2.2 Nuclear matters 6

2.3 DNA — this is your life! 13

2.4 Unlocking the DNA code 17

2.5 Who do you think you are? 24

2.6 Dividing to multiply 27

2.7 The next generation 33

2.8 What are the chances? 42

2.9 Changing the code4 9

2.10 Predicting with pedigree charts 52

2.11 Exposing your genes 58

2.12 Domesticating biotechnology 65

2.13 DNA — Interwoven stories? 71

2.14 SWOT analyses and priority grids 76

2.15 Project: The gene lab 77

2.16 Review 77

3 Evolution 84

3.1 Overview 84

3.2 Classification 86

3.3 Biodiversity 88

3.4 The evolution revolution 94

3.5 Natural selection 100

3.6 Evolution 106

3.7 Long, long ago 110

3.8 Yesterday’s plants 115

3.9 Fossils. 118

3.10 More evidence for evolution 125

3.11 Origin of whose species? 129

3.12 See you later, alligator 132

3.13 Tapestries within our biosphere 136

3.14 Storyboards and Gantt charts 141

3.15 Project: Natural selection — the board game! 142

3.16 Review 143

4 Chemical patterns 149

4.1 Overview 149

4.2 The periodic table 151

4.3 Small but important 160

4.4 When atoms meet 163

4.5 When sharing works best 167

4.6 How reactive? 170

4.7 Finding the right formula 173

4.8 Concept and mind maps 178

4.9 Project: The mystery metal 180

4.10 Review 181

5 Chemical reactions 184

5.1 Overview 184

5.2 The language of chemical reactions 186

5.3 Precipitation reactions 189

5.4 Chemicals can be a health hazard 192

5.5 A world of reactions 197

5.6 Producing salts 202

5.7 Fuelling our lifestyle 204

5.8 Rates of reaction. 209

5.9 Form and function: Polymers 213

5.10 A cool light216

5.11 Target maps and single bubble maps 219

5.12 Project: Flavour fountain 221

5.13 Review 221

6 The mysterious universe 226

6.1 Overview 226

6.2 Observing the night sky 228

6.3 Stars — a life story 232

6.4 The changing universe 238

6.5 How it all began 240

6.6 Eyes on the universe 246

6.7 Priority grids and matrixes 251

6.8 Review 253

7 Global systems 256

7.1 Overview 256

7.2 Revisiting cycles and spheres 258

7.3 Climate patterns 263

7.4 Global warming 266

7.5 Heating up for Thermageddon? 272

7.6 Some cool solutions 276

7.7 Global warming — believe it or not? 280

7.8 Ozone alert! 283

7.9 Biodiversity and climate change 287

7.10 Biosphere 2 292

7.11 SWOT analyses and fishbone diagrams 297

7.12 Project: The fifty years after 299

7.13 Review 300

8 Forces, energy and motion 303

8.1 Overview 303

8.2 Ready, set, go 305

8.3 Measuring speed 307

8.4 Speeding up 311

8.5 Let’s go for a ride 314

8.6 Newton’s Second Law of Motion 318

8.7 What’s your reaction? 321

8.8 Getting down to work 323

8.9 Systems: Energy ups and downs 325

8.10 Making cars safe 329

8.11 Cycle maps and storyboards 332

8.12 Project: Rock’n’rollercoaster 334

8.13 Review 335

9 Science quests 339

9.1 Overview 339

9.2 Daring to dream 340

9.3 Superheroes to super science 345

9.4 Nano news 348

9.5 Gardening in the laboratory 353

9.6 Space trekking 358

9.7 The quest continues 362

9.8 Review 367

10 Psychology

10.1 Overview 1

10.2 Introducing psychology 1

10.3 The brain 5

10.4 Intelligence 8

10.5 Emotions and communication 11

10.6 Sleep and sleep disorders 14

10.7 Psychopathology 17

10.8 Treatment of mental disorders 19

10.9 Groups and social psychology 21

10.10 Forensic psychology 24

10.11 Review 26

11 Forensics

11.1 Overview 1

11.2 The Forensic Herald 2

11.3 Who knows who dunnit? 4

11.4 Forensic toolbox 8

11.5 Digging up the truth 12

11.6 Blood and saliva 15

11.7 Hair and fibres. 17

11.8 On the lab floor 20

11.9 Forensics and the future 23

11.10 Review 2

Glossary 368

Index 382