Science and You

To write a book on science for the high school students was certainly a challenge. I therefore decided to take a survey amongst some neighbouring school students. I asked them what they would like to read about science. Their answer was very clear. They said, "write something which is not in our science text books". They further added, "It should be simple and not too mathematical". I could clearly see that they were very much interested in science—its wonder, its excitement and how it satisfied their curiosity. Somehow the textbooks and the way perhaps the contents are presented in the classrooms did not satisfy them. I therefore decided to write about science in a way that it affects us all. Hence the title of the book — "Science and You".

The National Book Trust wanted. a small book and this was a challenge too. The content of the book therefore spans the various facets of science as relevant to students in Indian schools. The science that makes us wonder and the science that we come across in our daily lives were chosen as a natural choice for the early chapters of the book. I found it necessary to give a sense of national pride and to expose the young students to the scientific scene in India. Therefore a brief history of science in India and the present day exciting scientific activities carried out in our national laboratories have also found a place in the book.

The myths and misconceptions about science, coupled with the prevalent superstitions in Indian traditions have been discussed so as to clarify the irrational beliefs amongst our students and even their parents.

**Contents and Sample Pages**