Applied Science

Gr 8 Up-Designed to illuminate the scientific principles and processes that underpin modern technology, this resource offers approximately 300 substantial surveys of topics ranging from "Archaeology" to "Apiology" and from "Food Preservation" to "Microlithography and Nanolithography." Each article opens with summary information including key concepts and relevant fields of scientific study, then goes on to lay out in relatively specific detail the topic's history, fundamental processes, applications in industry and daily life, typical career paths, and future directions. Each cross-referenced piece also features a box of "Fascinating Facts" ("Fascinating Facts About Sports Engineering"), annotated further-reading recommendations, and lists of important websites. Appendixes in volume five include a biographical dictionary of scientists, a time line (to 2010) of technological milestones, an index of general categories, and a massive bibliography. Though the black-and-white photographs and other illustrations are small and exceedingly rare, the extensive topical index inconveniently appears only in the last volume, and in breadth of coverage this can't compare to the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology (McGraw-Hill, 10th ed., 2007), the thoughtful, systematic entries provided here will amply reward serious students. The print edition comes with access to the full content in the "Salem Science" online database.-John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, New York Cityα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

General reference works geared toward helping students understand the basics of applied science—especially as a particular field may relate to their future career plans—can be useful additions to reference collections. Applied Science offers insight on the connections between various branches of science and technology, describes how applied science affects everyday life, and gives students a broad overview of specific areas for use in vocational guidance.Written at a level readily accessible to students and edited for integration into the high-school curriculum, this work reflects the contributions of more than 120 subject specialists. The 313 alphabetically arranged, signed articles range in length from 5 to 7 pages. Broad areas covered include agriculture, astronomy, biology, chemistry, climatology, computer science, engineering, environmental science, geology, mathematics, medicine, social sciences, and physics. Articles follow a standard format: “Fields of Study,” “Summary,” “Key Terms and Concepts,” “Definition and Basic Principles,” “Background and History,” “How It Works,” “Applications and Products,” “Impact on Industry,” “Careers and Coursework,” “Social Context and Future Prospects,” and “Further Reading.” Sample articles include Applied mathematics, Archaeology, Computer graphics, Ergonomics, Genetically modified organisms, Fuel cell technologies, Landscape ecology, Nursing, Radio astronomy, Software engineering, and Wind power technology. Sidebars in each article offer “fascinating facts” that should pique student interest in the discipline under discussion. More than 300 black-and-white charts, graphs, maps, and photographs supplement the text. See also references link related articles. Appendixes include a 16-page biographical dictionary of scientists, a 10-page glossary, a 48-page annotated time line of milestones in the history of applied science, and a 20-page general bibliography of print books. A category index and a general-subject index facilitate access to the contents. Distinguished for its broad scope, examples from daily life, and utilitarian career information, Applied Science merits recommendation for high-school and undergraduate libraries. --Nancy Cannon