The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

Charles Taylor (Author), Editors of Kingfisher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 10, 2006 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: 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.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

A popular science resource last published in 2000 has received a small dose of updating. Arrangement is topical, with 10 chapters covering subjects such as "Planet Earth," "Human Biology," and "Conservation and the Environment." Within chapters, following a brief introduction, an average of 27 entries cover a variety of smaller topics. Most entries extend over two pages and are equal parts text and colorful photographs, drawings, diagrams, cutaways, and other illustrations that are sure to draw interest. Each chapter closes with a page of "Facts and Figures." All topics are cross-referenced to entries containing related material.

A "Ready Reference" section in the back of the volume includes units of measurement, conversion tables, geometric shapes, and brief descriptions of important scientists and discoveries. A two-page glossary has a sidebar devoted to computer terms.

The topical arrangement makes a good table of contents and index essential. The table of contents is clearly laid out and easy to browse, but students may be frustrated by the index. Fourteen page references are provided for telescope and six for television,for example, but the pages for the sections that specifically deal with these topics are not called out in any way.

We found most evidence of updating in the "Space and Time" chapter, where small portions of text related to space exploration have been revised, and the number of moons in the solar system has been changed to reflect recent discoveries. Changes have been made to the "Facts and Figures" pages; for example, several lists of "Key Dates" now include twenty-first-century advances. Providing students with current science material is essential, and though the volume has not been extensively revised, libraries should acquire it to replace the previous version. This attractive, browsable, reasonably priced encyclopedia definitely has a place beside titles offering more depth, such as the six-volume New Book of Popular Science. Mary Ellen Quinn
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

Teaching Pre-K-8

"Middle graders will be so receptive to working on science homework with The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia."

 

Children's Literature
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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 496 pages
• Publisher: Kingfisher (May 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753458861
• ISBN-13: 978-0753458860
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Veterinary
  • #18 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Children's
  • #20 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias

More About the Author

Clive Gifford is an award-winning author of over 120 books for children and adults. These range from the serious (Refugees, Robots, Planet Under Pressure: Pollution, Spies and Spying) and sporty (with books on the Olympics, football and tennis) to the downright silly (Pants Attack, Kelly's Smelly Wellies, The Huge Rude Duke).

Clive has travelled through 70 countries, run a computer games company and taken part in all manner of sports from parachuting and gliding to Ultimate Frisbee (he was top scorer at the European Indoor Championships in Gothenburg back in the nineties).

His books have been shortlisted for the TES Information Book of the Year and the British Book Awards as well as winning Smithsonian, Children's Choice, NAPPA and PBS awards. Sir Ranulph Fiennes called his latest book on Explorers, "An inspiration to all adventurers." whilst The Guardian declared that his Kingfisher Book Of Football "was worth a season's training" and the Manchester Evening News labelled it "The classiest football book around."

Clive's official website can be found at www.clivegifford.co.uk

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Homeschoolers need this book, June 8, 2006

By 

N. Gisburne (UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

For homeschooling (and indeed for any child who loves to learn), there are two names to look out for: Kingfisher and Usborne. Like the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia, the Science Encyclopedia forms a core study guide for homeschoolers. The book is divided into ten main sections, which gives you the option of concentrating on a broad topic, and picking out individual subjects within that topic. So there are 48 pages under 'Planet Earth' for example, and each subject is a manageable one or two pages long. That's perfect for the homeschooling family - the subjects are never too long to become tedious, but if your child wants to learn more, pick out another equally manageable subject and extend that day's science lesson a little.

I've always agreed with the adage 'a picture paints a thousand words', and the illustrations in this book are first class. Kingfisher has really invested money and effort into these pictures, and they bring to life subjects which might otherwise be difficult to grasp. Science can be difficult to teach at home, partly because it's difficult and expensive to buy apparatus, chemicals, etc. So illustrations are key to understanding what would happen if you did the experiment yourself. I'm not saying that this is a substitute for practical work, but it's the best you will get without getting hands-on.

If you DO have the equipment (and in some cases you don't need much - for resonance find a glass and a wet finger!) the pictures enhance the learning experience.

Like all encyclopedias of its type, realistically you should not expect to learn everything there is to know about the whole of science, but you really shouldn't be expecting that from a single volume. What you get here is the basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, and other branches of science. These are the key to an understanding of the way science works.

If you're using this book as part of the 'Well Trained Mind' homeschooling method (and if you haven't heard of it, look it up on Amazon), this will serve your children well. I've not looked at other methods, but I can't imagine that you would want to overlook the book whatever route you take.

Every 1 or 2-page subject should have your children (and you!) wanting to do further reading, which is what homeschooling is all about - giving them an appetite for learning.

I mentioned Usborne, and their Science Encyclopedia is also a quality publication, which has a 'see for yourself' section in each subject - usually a simple experiment to complement the topic. Ideally you'd use both books together (the Kingfisher is 100 pages longer and thus covers more areas), and you will by no means be disappointed with either.

I can't rate this book highly enough - as a general one-volume science book, it's hard to beat.

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The science spine for Well Trained Mind homeschoolers, August 19, 2004

By 

S. D Haynie "girlranger" (carlsbad, nm United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

This is our science centerpiece book for our homeschooled grammar stage kids. The plan is: we read a couple of pages appropriate to grade level (first is biol; second is earth sci/planetary sci; third is chemistry; fourth is physical science/computer science). The kids make a timeline of major events in science history (invention of microscope; "discovery" of gravity, etc.). We then head to the library for more books on the subject (ooh, dinosaur books...). Later, it's reports or dictation (again, based on grade level) and, after a couple of weeks, on to the next topic.

This is a great science book to use as the basis of your curriculum because it's all there in one book. Rather than purchasing a different curriculum (with worksheets, etc.) for each grade, this book is used for all four years. Greatly reduces your costs!

Good book, well put-together. See Well Trained Mind for more info on homeschooling your kid.

If you're not homeschooling, this book is a great way to cement the cracks in the education your kids may be receiving. Quite frankly, it's a great way to learn stuff YOU might have missed.

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Book, February 18, 2001

By 

Marie J. Schulte "mjstoy" (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

Our family really enjoys the format of this book. The 10 thematic chapters seem more coherent than the old books alphabetic style. Concepts are tied together rather than merely a list of factoids. There are plenty of ways to look up information alphabetically. I have to say we much prefer this verion. Great illustrations throughout. I wish the 10 volume set was available here.