Features
- Reading level: Ages 9-12
- Cover Type: Hard Cover with 384 pages
- Published by: Houghton Mifflin
- Edition: 1st Edition October 7, 2002
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 061818919X
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0618189199
-
Book Dimensions:
9 x 7.4 x 1 inches
- Weighs: 2 pounds
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-10-More than 4500 terms are accompanied by a plethora of visual and textual sidebars in this compact volume. Entry words are highlighted in color and defined in straightforward language; pronunciation guidelines are included. The definitions; the high-quality, full-color photographs; and the clean, labeled drawings will give students a clear interpretation of the scientific concepts addressed. In addition, there are 12 terms and concepts (including "Atom," "Fission," "Photosynthesis," and "Greenhouse Effect") discussed and illustrated in full- or half-page framed sidebars; 21 half-page biographies of scientists; and 105 terms in "Did You Know?" windows that expand on more succinct definitions. There are also eight useful tables and charts, from a "Brief Timeline of Computing" to "Taxonomy." "Word Histories" explain the origins of commonly used terms, and plentiful cross-references lead students to related definitions and sidebars. An up-to-date and appealing approach to scientific terminology.
Tina Hudak, St. Bernard's School, Riverdale, MDCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
This attractive volume was designed to help users in grades seven and up understand the important concepts of science. In an accessible manner that does not talk down to users, the 4,500 entries provide pronunciation, part of speech, and definition, with enough detail to explain the scientific meaning and relevance of each term. Entries may also include irregular plurals, run-ons, and other forms, and cross-references that direct the user to other entries for more information or for purposes of comparison.
Although easy enough for a fifth-grader to use, the work provides more than just a simple definition of an elusive term. It also offers sidebars entitled "Did You Know?" which clarify 100 important terms, such as
plate tectonics. In a conversational tone, these "Did You Know?" features challenge readers to use their observation skills or own experiences to understand the scientific concepts. "A Closer Look" looks at a dozen topics in even more detail. For example,
Leaf has a useful illustration that helps users understand (and see) the difference between monocotyledon and dicotyledon leaves. Additional boxed features called "Usage " and "Word History" also add to the user's understanding. (For example, the "Usage" box on
infectious/communicable/contagious helps to clarify what the three terms mean in relation to each other.)
Another welcome feature are the 300 biographical entries, which identify men and women from around the world who have made a contribution to science. These short entries include birth and death dates, nationality, and importance and often have a photograph or illustration. Some twenty individuals are treated in longer biography sidebars. The biographies would be especially helpful for small libraries that have a limited range of reference materials for children in science.
More than 400 full-color illustrations and photographs as well as graphics, charts, and tables enhance the text. The typeface, the amount of white space, and the overall design of this work will appeal to students who might be intimidated by greater scientific dictionaries. Overall, this is an great addition to school and public libraries.
RBBCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Reader ReviewsI bought this book for my 11 year old son. Our encyclopedia set was a bit overwhelming for him so I thought a science dictionary would be less intimidating. He just loves it. He spends hours just flipping pages and reading entries that interest him. Definitions are concise yet not over simplified with plenty of examples and pictures to keep everything clear. Major topics are discussed in length making this more than just a dictionary. I enjoy browsing through it myself. Science is fascinating when properly explained. He brought it to school and the other kids all agreed that this book is "cool". This is an excellent book for adults and children. This is a must have book for your reference collection.
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