Nuclear Physicist Chien Shiung Wu

Born in China in 1912, Chien-shiung Wu came to the United States to study physics at the University of California at Berkeley. Madame Wu, as she was called, was one of the most distinguished women physicists of her time, and served as the first female president of the American Physical Society in the 1970s.

Presentts a biography of physicist and atomic researcher Chien-Shiung Wu.

Women scientists have made key contributions to the pursuit of science and some of the most important discoveries of all time. In Chien-Shiung Wu, learn how the Chinese nuclear physicist chose to pursue a career in science and made breakthrough discoveries in nuclear fission and the scientific understanding of atoms. Features include a timeline, a glossary, essential facts, references, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

This fascinating book introduces readers to the life and work of Chien-Shiung Wu, including her important contributions to nuclear physics. Historic images, “Did You Know?” sidebars, and a “Topic Spotlight” special feature provide added interest and context.

In this title, examine the life of accomplished physics researcher and experimentalist Chien-Shiung Wu. Readers will enjoy digging into Wu's personal story, beginning with her childhood in China where her father encouraged her curiosity and interest in science. Students can trace Wu's success from her education at the University of California-Berkeley, where she met physics giants Oppenheimer, Fermi, and Segre, to her secret involvement with the Manhatten Project and her tenure as a researcher and professor at Columbia University. Engaging text and photos offer insight on topics such as nuclear physics, beta decay, and the law of parity. While a timeline, glossary, and index supplement the text, an entertaining science activity allows readers their own hands-on experience based on the science that inspired this woman's groundbreaking career. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Narrating the well-lived life of the “Chinese Madame Curie” — a recipient of the first Wolf Prize in Physics (1978), the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate from Princeton University, as well as the first female president of the American Physical Society — this book provides a comprehensive and honest account of the life of Dr Wu Chien-Shiung, an outstanding and leading experimental physicist of the 20th century.

Meet Wu Chien Shiung, famous physicist who overcame prejudice to prove that she could be anything she wanted. “Wu Chien Shiung's story is remarkable—and so is the way this book does it justice.” —Booklist (Starred review) When Wu Chien Shiung was born in China 100 years ago, most girls did not attend school; no one considered them as smart as boys. But her parents felt differently. Giving her a name meaning “Courageous Hero,” they encouraged her love of learning and science. This engaging biography follows Wu Chien Shiung as she battles sexism and racism to become what Newsweek magazine called the “Queen of Physics” for her work on beta decay. Along the way, she earned the admiration of famous scientists like Enrico Fermi and Robert Oppenheimer and became the first woman hired as an instructor by Princeton University, the first woman elected President of the American Physical Society, the first scientist to have an asteroid named after her when she was still alive, and many other honors.