Mike Goldsmith – författare

How do you make a decision with numbers? You have to use a kind of math called Boolean algebra—it’s a little strange because it only ever uses two numbers: 1 or 0, and 1+1 always equals 1. Despite this weirdness, this algebra is used to create the nanoscale circuits in every microchip.

This is the second title in the important new series from Oxford which provides accessible introductions to the ideas, facts, and vocabulary behind an absorbing range of subjects. Meticulously researched and authoritative but written in simple language by experts in their fields, curious young readers will quickly get to grips with the basic principles and terminology of each subject. The Secrets of the Universe explains, in clear and interesting way, the theories of the beginning of the Universe, what it is, how it works, the lives of stars, and possible futures. The engaging design highlights the Heroes of the subject from early beginnings to modern day and explains tricky terminology in 'Speak like a Scientist' features. Comic strips and illustrations, amazing photographs, and a timeline, glossary and, index, all make this handy-sized book the perfect way to learn. If you love this title, why not collect them all? The Secrets of the Universe is part of a collectible set which will build into a diverse range of subjects.

This title is one of an exciting series from Oxford giving accessible introductions to the ideas, facts, and vocabulary behind an absorbing range of subjects. Meticulously researched and authoritative but written in simple and engaging way by experts in their fields, curious young readers will quickly get to grips with the story, basic principles and terminology of each subject.The Shocking Truth about Energy explains the different types of energy, including atomic energy, and how we use it - whether in a fridge or an internal combustion engine. It introduces the scientists behind our knowledge along with the language and terminology used with the 'Speak like a Scientist' features. Comic strips and illustrations, a timeline, glossary and index, all make this handy-sized book the perfect way to discover and think about energy and its future.Author Mike Goldsmith is a Doctor of Astrophysics, works as a scientist and was shortlisted for Royal Society Prize for Science Writing. Consultant Aimee Ambrose is Professor of Energy Policy at Sheffield Mallam University

Sound is integral to how we experience the world, in the form of noise as well as music. But what is sound? What is the physical basis of pitch and harmony? And how are sound waves exploited in musical instruments? In this Very Short Introduction Mike Goldsmith looks at the science of sound and explores sound in different contexts, covering the audible and inaudible, sound underground and underwater, accoustic and electric, and hearing in humans and animals. He also considers the problem of sound out of place - noise and its reduction.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

We live in a world of waves. The Earth shakes to its foundations, the seas and oceans tremble incessantly, sounds reverberate through land, sea, and air. Beneath the skin, our brains and bodies are awash with waves of their own, and the Universe is filled by a vast spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, of which visible light is the narrowest sliver. Casting the net even wider, there are mechanical waves, quantum wave phenomena, and the now clearly detected gravitational waves. Look closer and deeper and more kinds of waves appear, down to the most fundamental level of reality. This Very Short Introduction looks at all the main kinds of wave, their sources, effects, and uses. Mike Goldsmith discusses how wave motion results in a range of phenomena, from reflection, diffraction, interference, and polarization in the case of light waves to beats and echoes for sound. All waves, however different, share many of the same features, and, as Goldsmith shows, for all their complexities many of their behaviours are fundamentally simple.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Noise is a widely recognized problem and health concern in the modern world. Given the importance of managing noise levels and developing suitable 'soundscapes' in contexts such as industry, schools, or public spaces, this is an area of active research for acousticians. But noise, in the sense of dissonance, can also be used positively; composers have employed it from Baroque music to Rock feedback; medicine harnesses it to shatter kidney stones and treat cancer; and even the military uses it in (real and rumoured) weapons.Mike Goldsmith looks back at the long history of the battle between people and noise - a battle that has changed our lives and moulded our societies. He investigates how increasing noise levels relate to human progress, from the clatter of wheels on cobbles to the sound of heavy machinery; he explains how our scientific understanding of sound and hearing has developed; and he looks at noise in nature, including the remarkable ways in which some animals, such as shrimps, use noise as a weapon or to catch prey. He concludes by turning to the future, discussing the noise sources which are likely to dominate it and the ways in which new science and new ideas may change the way our future will sound.

Noise is a widely recognized problem and health concern in the modern world. Given the importance of managing noise levels and developing suitable 'soundscapes' in contexts such as industry, schools, or public spaces, this is an area of active research for acousticians. But noise, in the sense of dissonance, can also be used positively; composers have employed it from Baroque music to Rock feedback; medicine harnesses it to shatter kidney stones and treat cancer; and even the military uses it in (real and rumoured) weapons. Mike Goldsmith looks back at the long history of the battle between people and noise - a battle that has changed our lives and moulded our societies. He investigates how increasing noise levels relate to human progress, from the clatter of wheels on cobbles to the sound of heavy machinery; he explains how our scientific understanding of sound and hearing has developed; and he looks at noise in nature, including the remarkable ways in which some animals, such as shrimps, use noise as a weapon or to catch prey. He concludes by turning to the future, discussing the noise sources which are likely to dominate it and the ways in which new science and new ideas may change the way our future will sound.

This Book Thinks You’re a Maths Genius explores seven key areas of maths: geometry, space and volume, statistics, numbers and number patterns, codes and ciphers and the concept of infinity. Each spread centres on an open-ended question that introduces a key mathematical concept and suggests activities that engage the child in a fun and entertaining way. Activities include predicting the trajectory of a Malteser; building loo roll skyscrapers; mind-reading magic tricks; devising your own spy code; and working out the physical correlations between your dad and Usain Bolt. The end of the book includes a section of paper-based crafts including the kit to make a cardboard football and a data log for family quirks.

Make science accessible with this essential series that will capture children’s imagination while laying the foundation for future learning. With age-appropriate language and an eye-catching design, Discover Science gives young readers the answers to fundamental questions about the human body, animals, planet Earth, the Solar System and much more.

The Kingfisher Space Encyclopedia is an amazing 160-page volume and the perfect guide to space and outer space for children. Packed with colourful illustrations, step-by-step sequences, and detailed photography to keep children engaged and entertained.Arranged thematically into key areas, the concise text is clear, accurate, and perfectly pitched, making this an unbeatable resource for home and school. This comprehensive guide includes the launch of the James Webb Telescope, the reusable Falcon 9 and NASA's advance space suit design. Plus, a glossary and index are included along with a list of websites for further learning.

If your kids are fed up with learning the names of kings and queens or dates of battles, then this is the history book for them. This book only contains some of the most brilliant bits about space in history. No rubbish diagrams or grainy photos - just really cool facts, intriguing people and of course the most awe-inspiring moments - all beautifully illustrated.It includes, early discoveries of moons and planets, the first rockets, probes sent to planets both near and far, the Space Race, the first humans in space and the first men on the Moon, space shuttles, and more about our future in space.We've curated for kids some of the best examples of successes in space. The chronological order will help them get to grips with how and why one discovery can lead to another. It also shows how humans have continually strived to improve their lives and even the world by building on successes from the past, inspiring them to take leaps into the unknown or to reveal their genius to the world.Designed to spark the interest of children aged 8+ studying history and STEM topics at key stage 2, it is fascinating and completely relevant, so boredom is not an option. The 4-book series, A Short Illustrated History Of, celebrates some of the best thinkers, scientists, mathematicians, inventors, engineers and creative geniuses the world has ever seen!Titles in this series:Space ExplorationScientific DiscoveriesInventionsMedicine

Unlock the mysteries of maths and discover the wonder of numbers. Readers will discover incredible information, such as why zero is so useful; what a googol really is; why music, maths and space are connected; why bees prefer hexagons; how to tell the time on other planets; and much much more. From marvellous measurements and startling shapes, to terrific theories and numbers in nature — maths has never been as amazing as this!

Perfect for any child who wants to stay one step ahead of their classmates, this fantastic book is packed with informative titbits that will fascinate and enthrall young minds. I Wish I Knew That is full of interesting stuff that parents and grandparents used to learn at school that every child ought to know today.From classic books children should read, a quick grammar guide, an introduction to foreign languages, who that Pythagoras chap was, to a look at all the kings and queens, countries and their capitals, an introduction to classics and much more, it covers all subjects.