Full Text Review(s)
"Another set of attractive but slender science encyclopedias from this publisher. Ten volumes contain only 800 pages of alphabetically arranged topics, and the eleventh volume is an index plus assorted science data. An editorial board of U.S. and British professors has put together an inviting collection of articles, from Acid and Base to X Ray, ranging in length from one to four pages. Entries explain major concepts and people involved in the fields of chemistry, earth science, physics, space science, and environment. There are color photos, diagrams, and charts illustrating most concepts, plus ‘Highlights’ boxes to emphasize basic facts. ‘Look Closer’ features provide a little more detail for difficult concepts, and ‘Check These Out’ are links to other related articles.

The set is appropriate for upper-elementary and middle school students. High school students could probably use the concepts but may find the set’s appearance too juvenile. Writing is usually clear, and many terms are defined in context (with a short glossary in each volume and a longer one in volume 11). Pronunciation guidance can be inconsistent; pronunciation for ‘Pangaea’, for example, is given in some articles but not others. Some terminology (‘coefficient of static friction,’ ‘supertwist nematic LCD’) may be confusing. Volume 1 lists articles thematically, so a user sees headings for all of the chemistry or physics articles at once. The last volume is an assortment of lists and concepts (‘Places to Go,’ ‘Things to Do,’ ‘Science Time Line,’ ‘The Atomic World’). ‘Things to Do’ lists additional resources, such as books, magazines, and Internet resources; some readers may question the fact that only five magazines and 14 Web sites are included.

Other titles that cover some but not all of the same territory include DK Space Encyclopedia (DK, 1999), which has limitations as a research tool because of its very brief text; and Earth Science for Students (Macmillan, 1999), which is designed for older students. Exploring Earth and Space Science may be useful in school and public libraries where brief, clear, current information is needed."

"A succinct and clearly written resource that discusses topics in the earth, space, physical, chemical, and environmental sciences. The more than 300 alphabetically arranged entries employ a consistent format throughout: entry words in a large font are followed by definitions and an article generally two to four pages in length. Within the entries, ‘Highlights’ provide bulleted facts and ‘Look Closer’ boxes offer short discussions on important points. Other sidebars focus on individuals, events, science in everyday life, and future advances. Eye-catching notations recommend related entries. Use of color photographs, drawings, reproductions, charts, and maps helps to visually integrate this abundant information. The final volume offers additional resources such as a chart and brief explanation of the periodic table, an overview of weights and measures, and geological and scientific time lines along with the cumulative subject and general indexes. In addition, the lists of ‘Places to Go,’ ‘Things to Do,’ Web sites, and other resources will enhance student research."