Energy

Energy comes in many forms. It can be thermal, electrical, nuclear, solar, or chemical. We use it at home, at work, and to get around. Without energy, nothing would get done. For more information, read Albert Einstein and His Theory of Relativity, another book in the Mission: Science series.

Children's Literature

What is energy? It "has been defined as the ability to do work. That means that energy is the power behind making something move or happen." Learn about potential and kinetic energy. Read about the many different forms of energy, including electrical, chemical, nuclear, thermal, mechanical, and sound. Discover what sources are used to generate energy: biomass, geothermal, solar, hydroelectric, wave, wind, solar, nuclear, and fossil fuels. What are the potential problems associated with each? Frequent sidebars gives additional bits of interesting information: You need about half an acre of corn to make enough fuel to drive your car across the United States, and recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television for three hours. From the "Mission: Science" series, this book, with its straightforward and easily understood explanations and concrete examples, makes an excellent addition to elementary classroom and school libraries. A glossary, an "Energy Through Time" timeline, lists of important people in physics as well as additional resources for further information, and an index are included. The book is illustrated with color photographs and drawings. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen