How It Works: Science and Technology

Attractively bound in red and black, these slim volumes present fairly lengthy articles (generally 1 to 4 pages) explaining technology and scientific principles and phenomena in terms that young adults (grades 6-12) can understand. The alphabetically arranged entries cover more than 800 subjects ranging from the very basic to topics as sophisticated as ebryology, charge-coupled devices, and photomicrography. Other sample topics include organic agriculture, animation, black holes, digital cameras, cancer treatment, cocoa manufacture, drug and alcohol testing, erosion, firefighting, fuel injection, genetics, global positioning system, and wastewater management. Volume 20 lists sources for further reference and includes a glossary, general and subject indexes, tables of weights and measures, the periodic table, and a science timeline and geological timescale. Every article includes at least one color photo or diagram. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Greg M. Romaneck - Children's Literature

Have you ever wondered how computer animation is actually accomplished? Are you aware that nanomachines, so tiny that only a microscope can reveal their complexity, perform vital tasks a daily? Do you know how surgeons are able to use arthroscopic techniques to complete microsurgery? If your answer to any of these questions is a shrug or a "no," then perhaps you should consider perusing this latest edition of the Marshall Cavendish science encyclopedia. This twenty-volume encyclopedia provides comprehensive information about more than 800 topics in the broad world of science and technological innovation. Each of the entries is arranged in an easy to use alphabetical format. Essays vary in length from one to eight pages and are written in a manner that should be understandable to most readers with any reasonable background knowledge. Subjects addressed vary but touch upon both common ground areas as well as more esoteric topics. For example, a reader could look up basic information about how an instamatic camera works, the inner workings of locks, or what principles cause their lawn mower to operate. Conversely, readers can obtain valuable information about more intricate subjects, such as the inner workings of the circulatory system, how the eye works, or the ways in which micro-technology will impact computer development. Regardless of the subject, each essay is designed to afford readers background information written in a scientifically valid yet approachable manner. By and large, this admirable goal is met as the writing is such that readers seeking information about a scientific or technological application should find many of their questions answered. In addition to the basic essayformat, this series also includes a cross referencing vehicle. Some selections end with the tag, "See Also." This insert identifies other subjects of related interest. Additionally, some essays incorporate a "Fact File" that includes unusual bits of information associated with the general topic of interest. Illustrations, photography, and maps highlight the content. Finally, Volume 20 of this set is a resource guide that includes several indexes, a scientific glossary, measurement conversion tables, and a list of reference sources inclusive of Internet sites. Taken as a whole, How It Works is a science encyclopedia with a tremendous amount of information encapsulated within some 800 entries. This set would be a valuable addition to a school, class, or home library. 2003, Marshall Cavendish, Ages 12 up.