*Kuhn, Thomas S. 1996. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, 3rd Edition. University of Chicago Press: IL

This book is a must-read for anyone who practices or teaches science. Kuhn’s view of the progress of science as a series of “revolutions” illuminates the works and workings of scientists.

*Cosmic Voyage. 1996. IMAX (DVD)

Based on the powers of ten, this video includes an excellent sequence covering 42 orders of magnitudes from molecular to universal.

*Middleton, W. E. Knowles. 1964. The History of the Barometer. The Johns Hopkins Press: MD

Reference for: Chapter 8, A Brief History of Meteorology

*Cooksey, Keith, editor. 1998. Molecular Approaches to the Study of the Ocean. Chapman and Hall: NY

This multi-authored volume provides an excellent overview of the way in which molecular approaches are being applied to understanding the world ocean. Because each chapter includes an introduction that describes the nature of the scientific problem being addressed, this book will retain its relevance even if new molecular methods are developed (which is likely) to apply to a particular problem. This book is a great example of how advances in technology can advance scientific understanding.

Reference for: Chapter 12, Molecular Approaches to Classification

*Breger, Dee. 1995. Journeys in Microspace: The Art of the Scanning Electron Microscope. Columbia University Press: NY

Award-winning micro-artist Dee Breger has compiled a visual feast of images from her work on a scanning electron microscope. The images of diatoms and coccolithophorids are among the best.

*Hull, David L. 2001. Science and Selection: Essays on Biological Evolution and the Philosophy of Science. Cambridge University Press: UK

Hull’s essays educate and entertain and get the reader to thinking more deeply about science and its effects on humanity. His essays on evolution are a big help to those who need a refresher or those who require greater ammunition in the verbal wars with antievolutionists.

*Townend, John. 2002. Practical Statistics for Environmental and Biological Scientists. John Wiley: NY

*Hammerman, Elizabeth. 2006. 8 Essentials of Inquiry-Based Science, K-8. Corwin Press: CA

Carey, Stephen S. 2004. A Beginner’s Guide to the Scientific Method. Wadsworth: CA

This is an excellent little book on the scientific method, especially useful for field and lab courses. Most importantly, Carey addresses a number of misconceptions regarding what is and isn’t science and what is and isn’t the scientific method.

*Furlong, Marjorie, and Virginia Pill. 1970. Starfish: Methods of Preserving and Guide to Identification. Ellison Industries: WA

Based on sea stars from their collection at the driftwood shop in Hoodsport, Washington, this little guide harkens to days gone by. Where collecting a limited number of specimens (as the authors prudently) recommend was once an acceptable practice, that practice has now been wisely outlawed. Marine organisms serve a much more important role in the wild than they ever will on a shelf or bookcase in your home.

*Johnstone, James. 1908. Conditions of Life in the Sea. Cambridge University Press: UK

Reference for: Chapter 13, From Cell Counts to Satellites.