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"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?" --Job 38:4 The Foundations of Science introduces children to the wonders of the natural world in light of God's providential care over creation.
Too often we hear messages that science is in conflict with faith, but Pope St. John Paul II wrote that faith and science "each can draw the other into a wider world, a world in which both can flourish."
Foundations seeks to spawn this flourishing in the hearts and minds of young readers, guiding them into a world that will delight their imaginations and inspire awe in the awesome power of God.
Authored by Dr. Timothy Polnaszek, this eight-part series covers an extensive scope of scientific studies, from animals and plants, to the galaxies of outer space and the depths of the ocean, to cells and organisms, to the curiosities of chemistry and the marvels of our planet. Still more, it reveals the intricate order found beneath the surface of creation and chronicles many of the Church's contributions to science throughout history.
Space: A Tour of the Cosmos launches us into the distant reaches of our solar system, and beyond! On this cosmic exploration, children will visit and become familiar with each of the planets that orbit our sun, learn the fascinating history of the scientific field of astronomy, meet famous astronauts, and take witness to the wonder and mystery of what lies even beyond our own galaxy.
Did you know . . .- Some say that astronomy was the first science because we have archeological evidence of ancient cultures recording their observations of the night sky?
- Molecular clouds are also called "stellar nurseries" because these regions of space are where new stars are born?
- Due to its slow rotation and short orbit, a "day" on Mercury is longer than a "year"?
- Venus rotates on its axis in the opposite direction of most planets - so the sun rises in the west and sets in the east?
- Olympus Mons is an ancient volcano on Mars that forms the tallest mountain in our solar system at almost 15 miles high, three times larger than Mount Everest?
- There is a continuous storm raging on Jupiter, known as "the Great Red Spot", that is larger than Earth?
- The word astronaut comes from two Greek words that translate to "star sailors"?
In addition, children will also learn about St. Joseph of Cupertino, the patron saint of astronauts, meet Catholic astronomers, including some on the path to sainthood, read about some of the most famous astronomical events from the Bible, and learn how the teachings of our Catholic faith are compatible with all modern theories and hypothesis concerning the universe.
About the author
Dr. Timothy Polnaszek is an Assistant Professor at Belmont Abbey College. Previously, he worked at MacMurray College and was a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Arizona within the Center for Insect Science. Dr. Polnaszek obtained his BS in Zoology from North Dakota State University and his PhD from the University of Minnesota where he conducted research on animal behavior, including on animal decision making in woodchucks, blue jays, bumble bees, crickets and other animals. He has presented this research at national and international conferences, as well as published journal articles on wildlife and animal behavior. He now studies animals and plants on a small forest plot in Gastonia, NC that he calls home, as an ongoing research collaboration with his wife and six children.
