Real-life application of the science topics studied at the middle school level, using headlines from the media to capture interest and provide the answer for "why study this?" Topics reinforce state and national standards for core science through the everyday application of concepts such as genetics, force and motion, plate tectonics, etc. Focus is on science technology and the study of science-related personal and societal challenges. Back matter includes a timeline of major events and discoveries in book’s area of science, glossary, additional resources, and index.