Stars and Galaxies (with AceAstronomy(TM), Virtual Astronomy Labs Printed Access Card)

With this newly revised 5th edition of STARS AND GALAXIES, Mike Seeds' goal is to help students use astronomy to understand science and use science to understand what we are. Fascinating and engaging, this text illustrates the scientific method and guides students to answer these fundamental questions: "What are we?" and "How do we know?" In discussing the interplay between evidence and hypothesis, Seeds provides not just facts, but a conceptual framework for understanding the logic of science. The book vividly conveys his love of astronomy, and illustrates how students can comprehend their place in the universe by grasping a small set of physical laws. Crafting a story about astronomy, Mike shows students how to ask questions to gradually puzzle out the beautiful secrets of the physical world. Mathematics is incorporated into the text (and in separate sections for easy reference), but the book's arguments do not depend on mathematical reasoning, keeping even math-averse students engaged. The revision addresses the newest developments and latest discoveries in the field, including new evidence of dark energy and the acceleration of the universe and a look inside supernova explosions. Students are also provided with an online assessment tool, called AceAstronomy. Designed specifically to help students prepare for tests and exams, AceAstronomy improves conceptual understanding by providing a personalized learning plan based on a pre-test diagnostic.Michael A. Seeds is the author of 'Stars and Galaxies (with AceAstronomy(TM), Virtual Astronomy Labs Printed Access Card)', published 2006 under ISBN 9780495015796 and ISBN 0495015792.