"Physics is a place where you can take something that looks messy and unconnected and see the order in the chaos," says Trefil, who has written more than 40 books about science for the general public. "Once you have done that, you can explain it."
Trefil is the Clarence J. Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. He has also served as contributing editor for science for "USA Today Weekend" and has been a regular contributor for "Smithsonian" and "Astronomy." His award will be presented during an awards ceremony at the American Physical Society April Meeting on Sunday April 13, 2008 in St. Louis, MO.
DRAWERS FULL OF THE STUFF Jacob Berkowitz first caught wind of his subject matter while working as a science educator at the Canadian Museum of Natural History several years ago. His job allowed him to examine pieces of the dinosaur collection that were not available to the public, and that was where he first discovered the ancient poop.
"They had drawers full of the stuff," he says, recalling what inspired him to tackle Jurassic Poop. He recalls being blown away that "something soft and ooey and gooey" could survive for millions of years. In addition to the book, Berkowitz has evolved a storytelling performance on the same subject. "Kids love the poopiness of it," he adds.
Berkowitz is an author, playwright and journalist who lives in Almonte, Ontario. His writing combines a passion for science and storytelling. His award was announced on January 23, 2008 at the American Association of Physics Teachers' winter meeting in Baltimore, MD.
PARALLEL UNIVERSES Jim Handman, Bob McDonald, and Pat Senson are part of the team of journalists and other radio professionals who produce "Quirks & Quarks
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| Contact: Jason Socrates Bardi jbardi@aip.org 301-209-3091 American Institute of Physics Source:Eurekalert |