Because this textbook is for an introductory astronomy course that might be a first or only science course, it includes much material on elements of the scientific method and uses examples and analogies to explain concepts. The appealing layout offers color photos, images, visual explanations, and maps. Pedagogical features include chapter-ending summaries, discussion of unanswered questions in the field, and exploration exercises. Appendices provide math and science references. Purchase of the text includes access to a homework system and a study space with animations of physical and astronomical concepts. This fourth edition moves coverage of basic physics to Part 1. Math material has been moved into boxes that provide succinct quantitative explanations, which can be skipped without losing qualitative understanding. For this edition, chapters 15-23 from the parent text are not included. This edition also contains new full-page visual representations of processes leading to specific discoveries. Also new are exercises that require students to explore research and citizen science web sites, which can be used for homework, lab exercises, or writing across the curriculum projects. New media-based activities ask students to use Nebraska Simulations or Norton’s AstroTours (found on the companion web site) to work through guided questions and applications. Annotation ©2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com) Read Less