SENSATIONAL SCIENTISTS

This updated, expanded version of Great Canadian Scientists (1997) offers interview-based profiles of two dozen prominent physicists, mathematicians, cosmologists and biologists from our neighbor to the north, paired with notes on career opportunities in each field, along with instructions for sometimes-challenging science activities or demonstrations. The distinguished roster, which includes five Nobel Prize–winners (but only five women), is responsible for some notable advances in areas as diverse as animal behavior, black holes, lasers, weather prediction and immunology. Each entry includes biographical background, personal anecdotes and meaty technical summaries of major achievements, all in separate, parallel sections. Though none of the scientists here are household names (in this country at least), and the design entails a distracting amount of flipping back and forth, the experiences, activities and advice makes rewarding reading for students considering scientific careers. Illustrated with photos and diagrams. (glossary, index) (Collective biography. 12+)