That Advanced Industry and Technology (Great Discoveries and Inventions)

Describes the invention and function of such things as a combine harvester, a laser, an electronic microscope, a missile, and plastic; includes several related activities.

Grade 3-5-These three books provide specific examples of inventions and discoveries (such as Archimedes's screw) that have impacted and improved humanity. Each two-page spread includes several paragraphs of text and full-color drawings and diagrams. The books conclude with four or five projects. In Industry and Technology, the information is correct, although the simplification may cause confusion. The activities support scientific method but do not support what is discussed in the book. For example, there is a project on spontaneous generation, but there is nothing in the text on it. Earth and Space does introduce some interesting inventions, such as the Saturn 5 rocket and the seismograph, but adding colonization of the sea as a discovery or invention when it hasn't happened yet is misleading. Human Health discusses a variety of inventions, from radioisotopes to DNA to genetic engineering. However, as in Industry, the projects do not correlate with the inventions and discoveries discussed. The rationale for inclusion is unclear, e.g., Human Health offers a discussion of CAT scans but not MRIs. Oversimplification of some concepts and scattered coverage detract from the useful information provided here.
Tracy Ansley, formerly at Cary Academy, NC
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.