Customer Reviews

The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Science (Usborne Illustrated Dictionaries)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

About 15 years ago, as a 9 year old, I read the three books that make up this Dictionary of Science (the Biology, Physics and Chemistry ones). I was completely captivated by them, and read them over and over again. The science is pitched at exactly the right level for children: the colourful illustrations and short sections retain a child's attention. I went on to take biology, physics and chemistry A-levels at age 17, and went on to study Medicine at Cambridge University in England. Obviously there was more to this achievement than the Usborne books I read as a child, but I honestly do attribute much of my initial interest to them.

My parents bought me this book in hardcover about ten years ago, and it has been indispensible. It covers a broad enough base of information so well, and with enough depth, that it has been a constant and indispensible reference for me through GCSE science in the UK, high school chemistry in the US, and even sometimes during my undergrad chemistry and physics. The illustrations are wonderful, and the explainations lucid. I would definitely recommend this for anyone with a child in school, or anyone who wants to look at a bit of basic science.

This book is a wonderful source of science information, the colurful illustrtaions help explain the theorys that are explained in the book. It is a book for all levels. It is not just a dictionary but a true sience resource.

This book gives a simplified explanations for many topics in science. It covers biology, chemistry, and physics. It also includes detailed drawings for many topics. The explanations are simple enough that many 8th graders are able to understand them. As a science teacher I love this book. I makes rewording topics for students to understand a breeze. It was also a good refresher for any topics I hadn't studied in a while.

The "Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Science" is truly an excellent effort. At nearly 400 pages this book is packed with fundamental scientific concepts and facts in the fields of physics, chemistry and biology up to GCSE level. It would also serve as a useful reference for A-level students. There are no exercise questions or difficult mathematics, instead this book focuses on concepts and explaining the key ideas behind each topic. I would highly recommend this book both for adults and children. I have a post-graduate degree in astrophysics and yet I still found this book useful for going over what I had forgotten or for getting ideas and concepts clearer in my head. The scientific ideas are very well presented here, making use of clear, colourful and illuminating diagrams and tight prose. This book serves as a very good reference work for basic scientific knowledge and theory and is especially suitable for young learners. A joy to read for anyone who enjoys science. Highly recommended.

This book has an amazing wealth of information but it is way too thick and a bit heavy for 2nd or 3rd grader kid to use or casually flip through while sitting on a couch to read. It has something to do with the way binding of the book is as well for me as an adult to flip though as well. Content wise, it is a five stars.

My daughter is very pleased with this bbok as she finds most of the topics they have been taught at school. For me personally it is revision for some of the basic things I know already. This revision makes me look sharp when handling the kids. Good stuff so go for it.

I am reviewing this book as a parent looking for an actual science dictionary. This book is more of a encyclopedia because of it lack of alphabetical presentation and precise definitions are not given. So, in that way this book failed my expectations.

BUT this book is excellent as a learning tool for physics, chemistry, and biology. I think any kid interested in science would be at an advantage reading this book.

This is a great resource for my high school kids. Love the illustrations and easy explanations to complex science topics. I have one for our home and I sent another copy to my adopted son in Tanzania.