The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Science (Usborne Illustrated Dictionaries)

I bought this book mainly for my 5th grader to have as a study resource for her science class. She has used it to look up some formulas and read some basic information related to labs she has done in school. Most of the subject matter covered is way beyound her 5th grade science class and lab. However, she has enjoyed sitting and just browsing through the book, as it is colorful and very detailed with loads of great drawings/illustrations. I am happy with this use for her right now, as it is just helping to get her interested and curious about science. The table of contents is well laid out. And the book covers the topics pretty thoroughly. It is definitely more of an encyclopedia of science, as it goes way beyond just giving definitions for scientific terms.My 3rd grader has also spent some time with this book. Again, I think because of the colors, all of the lovely graphics/illustions and the layout peeks his interest. We have sat together and looked at the period table and discussed some of the elements. And he goes off with the book and just sits and reads through different passages for fun.I am a chemist and was very impressed with the chemistry section as well as the other sections. The tables, images/illustrations and text size are all great, making it easy to read and enjoyable to read as well.This is a pretty good sized book. I expected it to be smaller and contain less information. So I was very pleasantly surprised when the book arrive.So far, the cover has held up very well, which is important to me. My kids, especially my son, can really wear books out. And this one has a nice coating on the cover, so even though it is paperback, it is much sturdier than a normal paper back book. It is really almost like a thin plastic cover.This book exceeded my expection as far as what all it contains and the quality of the book itself. Osborne really does a great job with its art books, and now I see they do a great job with their science books (and math also...we have bought and enjoy that one as well!) as well. The fact that this book covers so much makes it a really wonderful deal. I know my kids will find this book useful for many, many years to come.

If you have never owned or used an Usborne book, you are in for an awesome surprise. I retired from teaching public high school science but found that I needed to return to work. I work as a part-time science teacher at two residential treatment centers for at risk youth. And, you would probably be surprised at how bright these kids are! My first purchase with budgeted science room funds was to get Usborne resources for them. The books are easy to read and understand with amazing illustrations that bring clarity to the subjects. And most importantly - the kids love using them! I wish that I could afford a classroom set rather than just a resource. Buy one - decide for yourself. I guarantee that you will be impressed.

Purchased for a thirteen year old who has an interest in Science. Just enough information to provide you with an overview of the particular branch of science.

This book has an amazing wealth of information but it is way too thick and a bit heavy for 2nd or 3rd grader kid to use or casually flip through while sitting on a couch to read. It has something to do with the way binding of the book is as well for me as an adult to flip though as well. Content wise, it is a five stars.

This is a great resource for my high school kids. Love the illustrations and easy explanations to complex science topics. I have one for our home and I sent another copy to my adopted son in Tanzania.

So not only is this book exactly what I wanted, exactly what I was expecting. But it came in decent timing and was in pristine condition. Not a mark and no wear or tear.

This book gives a simplified explanations for many topics in science. It covers biology, chemistry, and physics. It also includes detailed drawings for many topics. The explanations are simple enough that many 8th graders are able to understand them. As a science teacher I love this book. I makes rewording topics for students to understand a breeze. It was also a good refresher for any topics I hadn't studied in a while.

My daughter is very pleased with this bbok as she finds most of the topics they have been taught at school. For me personally it is revision for some of the basic things I know already. This revision makes me look sharp when handling the kids. Good stuff so go for it.