Machines and Inventions (Understanding Science and Nature) - Hardcover

Time-life-books-editors

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0809497042 ISBN 13: 9780809497041

Publisher: Time Life Education, 1997

Synopsis

Questions and answers explain how a variety of machines operate and how they were invented

About this title

Reviews

Grade 7 Up-This series entry presents many examples that reflect the new technology of microchips and lasers as well as more traditional inventions. Each of the six sections has a one-page introduction, and each invention is featured in two facing pages of text, with graphics and diagrams showing how it works. The printing press, Bell's telephone, the combine, dynamite, and cameras are included, as well as office equipment such as the fax machine and photocopier, and home-based machines, including the microwave, sewing machine, and air-conditioner. The section on medical inventions is the most valuable, as they are seldom included in books of this type for any age, much less for young people. The processes for taking blood pressure and EKGs are outlined. The stethoscope and instant thermometer take their place alongside the more "glamorous" medical tools-the CAT scan, sonogram (ultrasound), and fiberscope. Full-color photographs; paintings; and labeled, cutaway drawings are included. All of the diagrams are informative and explain the workings of these innovations better than any amount of written text. A useful and enjoyable resource.
Margaret M. Hagel, Norfolk Public Library System, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 5-9. From the publisher's Understanding Science & Nature series, this book uses a question-and-answer format to introduce various inventions. Each two-page spread explains one device with a brief text, several full-color illustrations and/or diagrams, and explanatory captions. The text isn't very detailed and in some cases assumes prior knowledge that children may not have, but in combination with the clear, realistic illustrations, the text is informative. After a chapter on historic inventions ("How Was the Printing Press Invented?" "Who Invented the Box Camera?" "How Does Dynamite Work?"), the rest of the book concerns aspects of modern machines and equipment, such as smart cards, fax machines, escalators, vending machines, synthesizers, air conditioners, compact disks, mechanical hearts, faucets, CAT scanners, and sewing machines. The up-to-date information will make this a useful resource for many libraries. Carolyn Phelan

Edition details

• Publisher: Time Life Education
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0809497042
• ISBN 13: 9780809497041
• Binding: Hardcover