Robotics (Cool Science)
Grade 4-6–These overviews have an attractive, colorful layout that will appeal to readers. Each spread includes captioned, color photographs and/or illustrations; text boxes; and, often, a fun fact. The first title presents a history of the science, examples of working robots past and present, ways scientists are working to improve robotics, and how artificial intelligence is helping to create thinking robots. Domaine does a fine job of explaining the many uses of these machines, including for space exploration and medical microsurgery. The content is sound and should be accessible to most students. Fridell offers a brief explanation of the science and then discusses how genetics is being used to invent plants, improve animals, and engineer people. Again, many intriguing examples are given. Glowing plants, supersized mice, and shrinking watermelons are among the topics included. The concluding chapter looks to the future. The third title explains what a satellite is and discusses many aspects of satellites, including how they pertain to television broadcasts, weather forecasting, and locating black holes. Numerous amazing facts are included to pique readers' interest. Solid additions.–Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to theLibrary Bindingedition.