Key Discoveries in Engineering and Design

April 1, 2015

Gr 5-8-True to their series' name, these well-designed volumes present various developments in these different subjects as points on a time line. Each book begins with an introduction to the discipline, which emphasizes how science builds upon, and sometimes overturns, the work of previous scientists, then further breaks down the broad subject into four distinct subdisciplines with their own chronologies. The straightforward information is accompanied by historical photographs and images as well as supplemental sidebars that immerse readers in the topic. At the end of each book, a section called "Your Turn on the Timeline" encourages creativity, critical thinking, and independent research, enhancing the value of this set. VERDICT Visual and nonvisual learners alike will appreciate this series' approach.

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July 1, 2015
Clear organization helps make fairly dense content accessible. Four sections (e.g., "Full Steam Ahead") begin with a pictorial timeline of selected milestones, such as Otto's 1860s1870s internal combustion engine, followed by illustrated text that expounds on these milestones. The selections are generally sound, though somewhat limited, and the prose undistinguished. A suggested activity lacks sufficient background. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

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