Storytelling Professionally

September 15, 2008
This accessible and accurate resource describes the most famous scientific concepts, principles, laws, and theories in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, medicine, meteorology, and physics. The work includes nearly 700 entries that provide overviews of those scientific concepts, principles, laws, and theories that make an impact on every facet of our daily lives. Entries include a short biography of the main discoverers, as well as any information that was of particular relevance in the evolution of the scientific topic. In addition to the A-to-Z entries arranged by the names of the men or women who are best known for their discovery or development or after whom the particular scientific law or theory is named, there is a glossary and four appendixes that include entries by scientific discipline and Nobel prize recipients for chemistry, physics, and physiology/medicine. The encyclopedia also features sidebars and examples of the usefulness of the theories, principles, and laws in everyday life, demonstrating that understanding these concepts have practical use. Each entry also includes resources for further research, while a general bibliography offers particularly useful primary- and secondary-source materials. Krebs has taught chemistry, biology, and other sciences at several schools and universities and has served as a science specialist in the federal government and a research administrator in four universities. BOTTOM LINE This is a useful reference on the topic for both high school and college students, as well as general readers. Krebs's passion for fostering scientific literacy through education makes this a valuable contribution to public and academic libraries. [Available electronically through Greenwood Digital Collection; ISBN 978-0-313-08750-9. $219.95.]Kathleen A. Welton, Chicago

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2008
Gr 10 Up-These approximately 600 entries paraphrase the subjects in an accessible way and provide biographical information about the relevant scientists. The preface and introduction outline the differences among scientific laws, principles, theories, hypotheses, and concepts, and also include a short discussion of what science is and what it is not. While the entries, arranged under each scientist's name, are complete for reports or basic knowledge, some are accompanied by figures and tables, or by sidebars that contain a variety of stories, background, and other explanations that make the books suitable for browsing. Appendixes include a list of scientists by discipline and lists of Nobel Prize winners in physics, chemistry, and medicine. This encyclopedia will interest motivated students who are curious about why the Earth and universe work as they do."Ann Brownson, Eastern Illinois University"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2008
The purpose of this volumeis to present a historical perspective onthe important principles, laws, theories, hypotheses, and concepts that reflect the progression of scientific descriptions and explanations of nature. An excellent 11-page introduction provides background reading on what science is and is not as well as physical laws, principles, constants, theories, hypotheses, and causality. The articles range in length from a single paragraph to several pages. A concise paraphrased statement, italicized at the beginning of each entry, renders the original principles, laws, or theories more comprehensible to the student or layperson. The several hundred articles are alphabetically arranged, in most cases by the last name of the person credited with formulating the law, theory, or concept. Sample entries include Archimedes theories, Dawkins theory of evolution, and Eltons theory of animal ecology. Sidebars give interesting background onselected topics. Ample cross-referenceslink one topic to another. Appendixes include a 19-page glossary; an alphabetical listing of entries by scientific discipline; a list of Nobel laureates in chemistry, physics, physiology, and medicine (19012007); and an 8-page bibliography of print and Internet sites for further reading. A 33-page index provides subject access to the contents. A few black-and-white illustrations augment the text. Although the facts presented in the encyclopediaare available elsewhere, the author has done an excellent job of selecting and synthesizing the information for a nonspecialist audience. Recommended for public and undergraduate college libraries. This title is also available as an e-book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)