A delight for the casual reader, yet so complete and wide-ranging that science buffs and students will welcome it, The Science Book encapsulates centuries of scientific thought in one richly illustrated volume. Natural phenomena, revolutionary inventions, and the most up-to-date investigations are explained in detailed text, and 2,000 vivid illustrations—including 3-D graphics and pictograms—make the information even more accessible and amazing to discover.

The Science Book offers both a general overview of topics for the browsing reader and more specific information for those seeking deeper insight into a particular subject. Six major sections, ranging from the universe and planet Earth to biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, encompass everything from microscopic life to nuclear power—with particular attention given to subjects in the news today, like climate change and genetic engineering. The innovative organization allows for quick reference, while numerous fact boxes and cross-references emphasize the many links among modern scientific fields. Visual elements make even the most involved discussions easy to understand. The successes of National Geographic’s Visual History of the World and The Knowledge Book underscore the market for accessible resources such as this. Attractively priced for gift-giving and loaded with essential information, The Science Book will shine as an indispensable family reference.

5 Responses to “The Science Book: Everything You Need to Know About the World and How It Works (National Geographic)”

1. Alex Ferdman says:

   January 31, 2009 at 12:00 am

   Very ambitious title is not connected to book itself and I guess my world is much different from that of National Geografic staff. They use only safe facts which is very rare in real life and give science on a middle school level and I am not in middle school.The book has plenty of illustrations and they are on a safe side too. By contrast Wikipedia is much better reading and its free.
2. Renee L Paolino says:

   February 3, 2009 at 12:00 am

   Another title for this review could be: Calling All Homeschool Students and Parents: Here is Your Science Book!

   After homeschooling my son for eight years, I love to discover books like this one from National Geographic. This book is a treasure for homeschooling families that is useful for children of all ages. Yes, all ages. Four-, five-, and six- year olds will love paging through The Science Book, and I can guarantee that their interest will be piqued! One child may be fascinated by space travel; another by the story of dinosaurs. Of course a five-year-old may not understand the fine points of these subjects, but she (or he) will be curious, delighted, and very willing to have Mom or Dad read out loud from this book as she looks at the pictures. Homeschooled high school students will find the sections on Chemistry (Organic and Inorganic) and Physics/Technology to be comprehensive, with enough detail and explanations for a firm grasp of the subject.

   The Science Book includes a substantial section on Mathematics, including Classical Mathematics, Analytical Geometry, Calculus, Probability, and Pure and Applied Mathematics. The inclusion of mathematics, the science based on abstract ideas “created by logical thought processes” emphasizes the interdisciplinary approach that is intrinsic to the study of science in the 21st century.

   The Science Book makes fascinating reading for anyone, not just students learning at home. In The Science Book, students in school will find the very same concepts they study in science class, but this book offers a clear overview and in a concise, easy-to-understand layout. This book can enhance understanding of the sciences taught in middle and high schools.

   If you have a curious mind and want a quick yet full answer for your science questions, then The Science Book should be on your bookshelf. For me, science always has made fascinating reading, and I find this book to be as informative as it is enjoyable.