The American Heritage Children's Science Dictionary [Hardcover]

Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 8, 2003 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

The American Heritage® Children’s Science Dictionary introduces students in grades 4 to 6 to the language and ideas of science. Clear definitions, stunning color art, and an array of special notes and tables cover the full range of scientific subjects, from earth science, computers, weather, and outer space to basic biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, and mathematics. Key figures in the sciences are showcased in biographical entries and sidebars. “Did You Know?” notes present amazing facts on topics from earthworms to gravity to tornadoes. Delightful to browse in, the book uses a simple cross-referencing system that makes it easy to find and compare information in each subject area.
Together with expert science consultants, the editors of the American Heritage® dictionaries have produced the reference work that parents and educators have been waiting for — one that is sure to spark kids’ natural curiosity and inspire a long-lasting interest in science.

• More than 2,600 clear, easy-to-read definitions in all science topics • 350 full-color photographs and drawings • More than 150 biographies of notable scientists • More than 100 notes on key scientific concepts • In-depth graphic treatment of selected topics • Easy-to-follow tables and charts, including Planets of the Solar System and Rock Types • Simple cross-referencing system

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6--A dictionary that introduces the language and concepts of science. The more than 2600 entries include terms from a number of disciplines including biology, astronomy, math, meteorology, geography, medicine, physics and chemistry, computers, and the environment. Age-appropriate definitions are arranged in double columns with quality full-color photographs, charts, and illustrations interspersed throughout (one to two per page on average). Entry words are clearly denoted in bold blue type with pronunciations in parentheses. See references direct students to definitions, while "compare" references (preceded in the text by a blue square) indicate a related word entry. Red squares at the conclusion of an entry denote cross-references to pictures. For example, students looking up "cornea" or "compound eye" will be directed to "See picture at eye." In addition to definitions, this title includes more than 100 "Did You Know?" boxes that highlight interesting facts beyond a word's definition. Ten "Closer Look" boxes provide slightly more in-depth information on topics such as color, stars, skeletons, and rocks. More than 150 biographical entries are included, with "Biography" boxes highlighting 25 selected individuals. A periodic table of the elements, a chart of the planets of our solar system, and a table illustrating the "Classification of Life" enhance usefulness. Though picture placement is occasionally problematic, it does not detract from the book's overall appeal and usability. A handy, accessible resource.--Shauna Yusko, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Although there are several fine science dictionaries on the market for students in grades four through six, this one has some attractive features. The 2,600 entries were selected to represent different areas of science such as astronomy, biology, and physics as well as areas like weather and computer technology. Each blue-highlighted entry word has one or more definitions. Entries generally contain a pronunciation guide and a succinct two- or three-sentence definition. Unusual plurals or irregular forms are included, as are notations that alert users to locations of pictures or illustrations and places to look for cross-references or comparisons.

One nice feature is the "Did You Know?" boxes that are interspersed throughout the book and contain extra information about topics like anesthesia or cactus; there are also 150 short biographies on famous scientists, like Barbara McClintock. Larger entries, called "A Closer Look," use captioned pictures to illustrate topics like machines, plate tectonics, and stars. There are also full- and double-page treatments of measurement, the periodic table, geologic time, and other concepts. All of these added features present information in an appealing, user-friendly way. The illustrations that dot the text are small but in full color and generally clarify the entries.

School and public libraries that serve upper-elementary and middle-school patrons will find this a useful addition to their reference collections. It is well bound, attractive, and accessible and has the types of definitions a young patron needs. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (September 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618354018
• ISBN-13: 978-0618354016
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,463,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)