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This wonderful book of scientists begins with an introduction of the basic aspects of science and how it began, it follows to explore early scientific ideas and some of the advancements that were already beginning to made. The Usborne Book of Scientists written by Struan Reid and Patricia Fara is a great book to have in the classroom and to use with students. It offers science in ancient Greece and such things as science in the Ancient World. If we can take the time to focus on the past then we may understand better we are going or where we need to go. Science is a cycle around the world and there are so many cultures and countries that play a big part in science and its developments. And what I love most is the fact this book because it explores many of these factors.

This book also gives us illustrations on each page that features pictures of some scientists and inventors and some of them show them in action. The pictures aren’t boring and dull, they are actually colorful with the ancient world in mind. Each double spread of pages features a topic and then shows the important finders and scientists featured in that region or that era. So throughout each topic there are subtopics that focus on the main topic and what advancements happened during that time. It can show students real life illustrations of what the scientists invisioned while showing the some of what the ancient world looked like.

When it comes to the text, the authors know and understand that this book could be used with children so the use of a lot of big words and confusing words were not used. In understanding the audience and the focus, this book would help educators assist in student’s learning and be able to touch on multiple scientists and what they had to offer. Students can begin to make connections to these scientists and what they contributed and can see relations to some of the things they use today. ( )

The Usborne Book of Scientists covers a broad range of scientific history. This book discusses ancient cultures, Islamic scientific contributions, medieval and Renaissance eras, modern scientists and discoveries, as well as female scientists.

This book is full of factual information and historical data. I can imagine using sections of this book independently instead of covering the entire book in one unit. This book would make an excellent resource for upper elementary through high school students. When introducing a new science topic, this book would be useful for capturing student’s interest. We tend to take our modern science achievements and knowledge for granted, but perhaps spending time reviewing outdated science beliefs or a timeline of discoveries would foster curiosity in students and help them gain an appreciation for the modern era in which we now live.

Lots of great information about lots of scientists. Fun to enhance science studies. ( )