Extreme Structures: Mega-Constructions of the 21st Century

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Big ideas in little books is one way to describe these four new books in
the Science Frontiers series. Using eye-catching photos and concise,
easily understandable prose, each book reveals an exciting new aspect of
science.

Black Holes and Other Bizarre Space Objects explores everything from
singularities to multiple universes. Readers learn about how our galaxy
was created and whether intelligent life could possibly exist somewhere
else. Extreme Structures looks at the new superstructures that dwarf the
pyramids or even the Empire State Building. It also gives a short
history of famous mega-structures of the past, then shows how the new
wonders of the world are bridges, buildings, tunnels, and even amusement
parks. Green Power focuses on how scientists are developing alternative
energy sources to traditional, environmentally unfriendly fossil fuels.
There are chapters on wind, solar, nuclear, and geothermal energy,
biofuels, and energy-saving technology such as hybrid vehicles and
energy-efficient buildings. Micro Machines deals with the world of
nanotech-nology, where scientists are creating sophisticated machines
and materials that are 100,000 times smaller than the period at the end
of this sentence. It sounds like science fiction, but it turns out that
nano machines are already here in common products like air bags and
tennis balls.

Because science is often inspired by art, these books mention popular
culture such as science fiction books and movies on the same subject.
Each book also contains a glossary, an index, and a timeline that
describes the milestones in the history of the specific subject.
Although these books are designed for young readers, many adults will
also find them fascinating and highly informative. Highly recommended.