The American Heritage® Student Science Dictionary [Hardcover]

Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries (Editor)

Book Description

Series: American Heritage Dictionary | Publication Date: October 7, 2002

The American Heritage® Student Science Dictionary covers a wide variety of fields, including chemistry, physics, biology, geology, meteorology, astronomy, ecology, and zoology. Its definitions are written in a clear and straightforward style that even beginning students can follow. An extensive cross-reference program encourages readers to build a more complex vocabulary.

The dictionary includes

• more than 4,500 entry words with clear, easy-to-understand definitions

• more than 425 full-color photographs and drawings

• 175 Feature Notes on important scientific concepts, the major discoveries of many scientists, and the usage and history of scientific terminology

• detailed graphic treatment of selected subjects, such as the structure of atoms, photosynthesis, plate tectonics, and the life of stars

• handy tables and charts, including the periodic table of the elements, a chart of geologic time, and a timeline of advances in computing.

The American Heritage® Student Science Dictionary is the ideal resource for homework assignments, school projects, or just browsing. This book is the key to unlocking the language of science and the natural world for students and their families.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-10-More than 4500 terms are accompanied by a plethora of visual and textual sidebars in this compact volume. Entry words are highlighted in color and defined in straightforward language; pronunciation guidelines are included. The definitions; the high-quality, full-color photographs; and the clean, labeled drawings will give students a clear interpretation of the scientific concepts addressed. In addition, there are 12 terms and concepts (including "Atom," "Fission," "Photosynthesis," and "Greenhouse Effect") discussed and illustrated in full- or half-page framed sidebars; 21 half-page biographies of scientists; and 105 terms in "Did You Know?" windows that expand on more succinct definitions. There are also eight useful tables and charts, from a "Brief Timeline of Computing" to "Taxonomy." "Word Histories" explain the origins of commonly used terms, and plentiful cross-references lead students to related definitions and sidebars. An up-to-date and appealing approach to scientific terminology.
Tina Hudak, St. Bernard's School, Riverdale, MD
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This attractive volume was designed to help users in grades seven and up understand the important concepts of science. In an accessible manner that does not talk down to users, the 4,500 entries provide pronunciation, part of speech, and definition, with enough detail to explain the scientific meaning and relevance of each term. Entries may also include irregular plurals, run-ons, and other forms, and cross-references that direct the user to other entries for more information or for purposes of comparison.

Although easy enough for a fifth-grader to use, the work provides more than just a simple definition of an elusive term. It also offers sidebars entitled "Did You Know?" which clarify 100 important terms, such as plate tectonics. In a conversational tone, these "Did You Know?" features challenge readers to use their observation skills or own experiences to understand the scientific concepts. "A Closer Look" examines a dozen topics in even more detail. For example, Leaf has a useful illustration that helps users understand (and see) the difference between monocotyledon and dicotyledon leaves. Additional boxed features called "Usage " and "Word History" also add to the user's understanding. (For example, the "Usage" box on infectious/communicable/contagious helps to clarify what the three terms mean in relation to each other.)

Another welcome feature are the 300 biographical entries, which identify men and women from around the world who have made a contribution to science. These short entries include birth and death dates, nationality, and importance and often have a photograph or illustration. Some 20 individuals are treated in longer biography sidebars. The biographies would be especially helpful for small libraries that have a limited range of reference materials for children in science.

More than 400 full-color illustrations and photographs as well as graphics, charts, and tables enhance the text. The typeface, the amount of white space, and the overall design of this work will appeal to students who might be intimidated by larger scientific dictionaries. Overall, this is an excellent addition to school and public libraries.

RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (October 7, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 061818919X
• ISBN-13: 978-0618189199
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #604,112 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The kids all agree it's "COOL", February 6, 2004

By 

T. Skadow (Polk City, IA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The American Heritage® Student Science Dictionary (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my 11 year old son. Our encyclopedia set was a bit overwhelming for him so I thought a science dictionary would be less intimidating. He just loves it. He spends hours just flipping pages and reading entries that interest him. Definitions are concise yet not over simplified with plenty of examples and pictures to keep everything clear. Major topics are discussed in length making this more than just a dictionary. I enjoy browsing through it myself. Science is fascinating when properly explained. He brought it to school and the other kids all agreed that this book is "cool". This is an excellent book for adults and children. This is a must have book for your reference collection.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, August 27, 2010

By 

Christopher T. Dahle (Del Norte, Colorado USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The American Heritage Student Science Dictionary (Hardcover)

I bought this for my classroom. The definitions and the many article-length entries are more complete, detailed, accurate and kid friendly than the ones in the glossary of our text book. Moreover, the kids are willing to browse through it just for fun. I am impressed enough that I am going to try to raise donations to purchase a dozen or so (28 would be even better but...) so that more of my students can use it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Science Dictionary, November 2, 2011

By 

D - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The American Heritage Student Science Dictionary (Hardcover)

Smaller size than expected, but text is regular size. We have referred this dictionary several times and have been happy with our purchase.