The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia

With today's emphasis on fast-moving technology, as well as increasing pressure to meet the testing standards of science and math in the classroom, the need to grasp key scientific principles has never been greater. The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia is the one reference that includes all of the information students need to know in today's fast-paced world. Clearly written and illustrated articles provide in-depth insight and concise authoritative information. An impressive reference section at the end of the book contains minibiographies of famous scientists, plus an illustrated time line of key inventions and discoveries. Arranged thematically into ten chapters, with reference summaries at the end of each chapter and a full index, the encyclopedia does more than merely provide facts about science and technology—it helps the reader think for him or herself, develop an enquiring mind, pose challenging questions, and explore new topics.

An illustrated science encyclopedia arranged in such categories as "Planet Earth," "Living Things," "Chemistry and the Elements," "Materials and Technology," "Space and Time," and "Conservation and the Environment."

With today's emphasis on fast-moving technology, as well as increasing pressure to meet the testing standards of science and math in the classroom, the need to grasp key scientific principles has never been greater. The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia is the one reference that includes all of the information students need to know in today's fast-paced world. Clearly written and illustrated articles provide in-depth insight and concise authoritative information. An impressive reference section at the end of the book contains minibiographies of famous scientists, plus an illustrated time line of key inventions and discoveries. Arranged thematically into ten chapters, with reference summaries at the end of each chapter and a full index, the encyclopedia does more than merely provide facts about science and technology—it helps the reader think for him or herself, develop an enquiring mind, pose challenging questions, and explore new topics.

Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature

First published in 2000, this reference to the many disciplines that make up what we call science is now quite up-to-date. The introduction lets potential users know that the book is divided into ten thematic units which range from the sciences dealing with the Planet Earth, to Forces and Movement, Electricity and Electronics. I have always found reference works fascinating and so I just started flipping the pages to get a flavor of the book. It is well laid out with easily accessible text and plenty of full color images on each spread. The captions and call-outs add and do not repeat what you are reading in the text. As with any good reference work there are also references to help young inquisitive minds follow the threads deeper and further. Parents and teachers will find this book a real must have because it answers all those questions that kids love to raise. For those too young to read the text themselves, the material can be read by an adult and explained at a level the child can understand. It also raises questions such as the damage that we are doing to our beautiful planet and what the potential consequences might be. So dip into and read about the universe and those men who many years ago claimed that the sun was the center of our universe and that the earth revolved around it, or learn about climate and the natural balance of plants, animals and everything else that makes up the planet earth. An excellent choice for home and school. 2006, Kingfisher/Houghton Mifflin, Ages 9 to 14.

Professor Charles Taylor received the U.K.'s Bragg Medal and Prize of Institutional Physics, and the UK's Michael Faraday Award for contributions to the public understanding of science. He has presented lectures on BBC television and has written many science books for children.