Beyond 2000: Micromachines and Nanotechnology : The Amazing New World of the Ultrasmall [Paperback]

David Darling (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-9?An excellent introduction to nanotechnology. After a brief historical overview of the science of making miniature machines, Darling discusses the development of the microchip and small mechanical motors. He clearly explains how a micromachine part is made and how a Scanning-tunneling microscope is able to see and manipulate atoms individually. The full-diagrams and illustrations add significantly to the understanding of the text. A fascinating look at an emerging technology.?Margaret M. Hagel, Norfolk Public Library System, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback
• Publisher: Dillon Pr (May 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0382249534
• ISBN-13: 978-0382249532
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,202,391 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Confusing for younger readers, weak on applications, November 19, 2000

By 

David M. Ng (Palo Alto, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond 2000: Micromachines and Nanotechnology : The Amazing New World of the Ultrasmall (Paperback)

This is a children's book on the technology of very small devices. The author starts with a brief history of miniaturizing clocks and other mechanical devices. He then describes microelectronics and micromachines (microscopic machines made using the same sort of technology used for manufacturing microchips). The final three chapters cover nanotechnology, the technology of building things one atom or molecule at a time. The author discusses atoms and molecules, manipulating individual atoms, and applications and problems of nanotechnology. This would be a stronger book if it had more discussion of applications of the technology-only about three pages cover possible uses of nanotechnology, and there is only one page for micromachines. Furthermore, the level of the writing is inconsistent, sometimes appropriate for children, and sometimes written at too high of a level (for example, I found the descriptions of fabricating microelectronics and micromachines to be confusing). I feel this book fails its intended audience: it is too difficult for younger children, and does not provide enough information on applications for older children. It may be useful for older children, to provide some historical background, and possibly for younger children if they skip over the details.