ALMOST THE REAL THING: Simulation in Your High-Tech World

by Gloria Skurzynski ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 30, 1991

The real thing is too expensive, dangerous, or speculative? Simulate it--as the Wright brothers did when they tested airfoil shapes in a small wind tunnel. From the early 20's, many pilots first ""flew"" in a Link trainer solidly linked to the earth; NASA uses both a swimming pool and a cargo plane at the top of a steep climb to simulate weightlessness. The newest and most exciting (or frightening) simulations use computers to re-create reality--or to create one that never was. With helmets, gloves, earphones, and several million dollars' worth of computer hardware and software, you can be or do almost anything. Cyberpunks, here we come! The first simulation may or may not have been cave paintings that led prehistoric people into the spirit world (as the author suggests at the end), but simulations abound today. Skurzynski provides a solid review of their history, requirements, and potential for the future. Several dozen attractive, well-captioned color photos from NASA, aerospace vendors, computer manufacturers, etc. provide an excellent supplement to the text. Glossary, index.

Pub Date: Sept. 30, 1991

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 64

Publisher: Bradbury

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1991

Categories: CHILDREN'S