This well-illustrated encyclopedia offers an appealing and informative introduction to science for children ages nine and up.
The book is broken down into several main categories--Materials; Mixtures and Compounds; Energy, Forces and Motion; Earth and Space; Light, Sound and Electricity; Plants and Fungi; the Animal World; and the Human Body. Each sub-topic includes lucid information, demonstrations, and diagrams and photos that support the text splendidly. Many topics include "See For Yourself" boxes that provide suggestions for children to learn more about the topic at hand through hands-on exploration. For example, children can perform a simple experiment using a balloon, string, and a straw in order to see the basic idea behind jet engines for themselves. For the most part, these experiments and tests are accessible.
A strong and unique feature of this encyclopedia is its well-integrated Internet links. The book points young readers to over 1000 handpicked web sites that help extend and enhance the information presented in the book. These online explorations include interactive games, further reading, demonstrations, and more. Happily, all of these links are compiled on the QuickLinks page at Usborne's web site. This makes accessing the links easier and eliminates the problems that can arise when web addresses are mistyped. Also available at the publisher's web site are free downloadable images of some of the pictures in the book. These can be used in school reports and projects. Of course, due to the changeable nature of the Internet, some links in the book are likely to become outdated. Use of the Quicklinks page, where regular updates are promised, should eliminate this concern.
The last section of the book includes several pages of useful facts and lists. These handy pages include review questions with answers, key dates in science, scientific terms and laws, common science symbols defined, lists of scientists and inventors, and so forth.
No one topic is explored in much depth, but the book does provide a very useful overview of science for eager young learners. Besides offering a wealth of information, it is also a nice starting point for children's research--whether kids are hunting for a topic for their next school project, looking for a summary of a particular science topic, or in need of relevant links to websites for further exploration. The book is well-organized and clear, helping to break down an enormous--and, to some, intimidating--subject into approachable, easy-to-digest chunks.
Although the Internet links in the book are an excellent feature, children who are not Internet-connected can still benefit from the book.
Many children learn best when their curiosity is ignited, and the suggested experiments in the encyclopedia will help generate interest in the subject of science. This book effectively combines the facts children need with hands-on experiments and activities as well as Internet links. These help build a framework from which children can launch their own science explorations. The encyclopedia's well-integrated Internet links keep the book contemporary and relevant for today's children whose research efforts generally involve referring to both hard-copy and Internet-based information.
