Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2323676 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 2.31 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6--A dictionary that introduces the language and concepts of science. The more than 2600 entries include terms from a number of disciplines including biology, astronomy, math, meteorology, geography, medicine, physics and chemistry, computers, and the environment. Age-appropriate definitions are arranged in double columns with quality full-color photographs, charts, and illustrations interspersed throughout (one to two per page on average). Entry words are clearly denoted in bold blue type with pronunciations in parentheses. See references direct students to definitions, while "compare" references (preceded in the text by a blue square) indicate a related word entry. Red squares at the conclusion of an entry denote cross-references to pictures. For example, students looking up "cornea" or "compound eye" will be directed to "See picture at eye." In addition to definitions, this title includes more than 100 "Did You Know?" boxes that highlight interesting facts beyond a word's definition. Ten "Closer Look" boxes provide slightly more in-depth information on topics such as color, stars, skeletons, and rocks. More than 150 biographical entries are included, with "Biography" boxes highlighting 25 selected individuals. A periodic table of the elements, a chart of the planets of our solar system, and a table illustrating the "Classification of Life" enhance usefulness. Though picture placement is occasionally problematic, it does not detract from the book's overall appeal and usability. A handy, accessible resource.--Shauna Yusko, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Although there are several fine science dictionaries on the market for students in grades four through six, this one has some attractive features. The 2,600 entries were selected to represent different areas of science such as astronomy, biology, and physics as well as areas like weather and computer technology. Each blue-highlighted entry word has one or more definitions. Entries generally contain a pronunciation guide and a succinct two- or three-sentence definition. Unusual plurals or irregular forms are included, as are notations that alert users to locations of pictures or illustrations and places to look for cross-references or comparisons.

One nice feature is the "Did You Know?" boxes that are interspersed throughout the book and contain extra information about topics like anesthesia or cactus; there are also 150 short biographies on famous scientists, like Barbara McClintock. Larger entries, called "A Closer Look," use captioned pictures to illustrate topics like machines, plate tectonics, and stars. There are also full- and double-page treatments of measurement, the periodic table, geologic time, and other concepts. All of these added features present information in an appealing, user-friendly way. The illustrations that dot the text are small but in full color and generally clarify the entries.

School and public libraries that serve upper-elementary and middle-school patrons will find this a useful addition to their reference collections. It is well bound, attractive, and accessible and has the types of definitions a young patron needs. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved