Editorial Review

"Is it a fact--or have I dreamt it--that, by means of electricity, the world of matter has become a great nerve, vibrating thousands of miles in a breathless point of time?" If you, like Nathaniel Hawthorne, are kept up at night wondering about how things work--from electricity to can openers--then you and your favorite kids shouldn't be a moment longer without David Macaulay's Read more

Reviews (24)

Amazing Book for the Inquisitive.
This was one of my favorite books as a child, and is a great deal of the reason why I have such an interest in science.The explanations are well written for anyone to understand, and the diagrams really help the reader understand the science better.If you, like me, take things apart to find out how they work, this is the book for you.

Great book
The book was a gift. It helps in the learning process.
A Work of Art
"The Way Things Work" took almost three years to create. A cute and sometimes silly "Great Wooly Mammoth" makes his appearance throughout the book. The facial expressions and animal antics are at times very amusing.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Popular works    5. Reference - General    6. Science & Nature - General    7. Technology    8. Technology (General)    9. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    10. General science    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / How Things Work    12. Technology & Applied Sciences   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Reptiles & Amphibians    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Consumer Health    4. Diabetes    5. Diet / Health / Fitness    6. Diseases - General    7. Gila monster    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile Science (General)    10. Juvenile literature    11. Saliva    12. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    13. Treatment   

Reviews (6)

Amusing catapults, interesting history, but no metric units
This book contains easy-to-follow instructions on how to build different catapults. Unfortunately there is no data regarding approx. distance and height for the suggested projectiles, why you must try for yourself. All units are english/american, which means you must translate this to metric units if you are more used to that.
Good reference for siege weapon builders
This is a juvenile title that is well illustrated with step by step directions for building several working models of weapons (from a simple sling to a trebuchet). It even gives directions for making rope. In addition to showing how to make siege engines, it covers their history, the reasons they were developed, how they were used and what caused a decline in their popularity. I can see a student using this book to make a model for a history class, or an SCA group adapting the information for a full-sized weapon.
Excellent story book and manual.
This book is divided as chapters that begin with a narration of a battle or siege, and then and then presents the instructions on how to build several catapults. I learned my archetype of a catapult is an onagre, and that is one of the oldest kind, so I am severely obsolete. The instructions on how to build the models are very clear and easy to follow. The book is appropriate for young audiences, yet entertaining for adults too.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Artillery    2. Ballista    3. Catapult    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Design and construction    7. History    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    10. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / How Things Work    12. Warfare & defence   

Reviews (6)

Human Research
This book tells you all about the human body.It has lots of pictures and a model of the whole body.
Great fun with great learning
Since my daughter turned about 3--and now show is 5 and a half--she and I have enjoyed this book time and again each time we visit it. It generally sits in her bookshelf for a month or three, but I've seen come out during several of her playdates. If you use this book casually, every once in a while, your child will definitely learn human anatomy over time. So too, often, will the adult.
fun for all ages
My 7 year old, 4 year old and I all have fun looking at this book.it can be used as in introduction to the human body for younger children or to study more deeply for older children.And it's just fun to watch how all the parts interlock and open up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Science    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Juvenile Life Sciences    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Science & Nature - Anatomy & Physiology    7. Science & Technology - Anatomy & Physiology    8. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    9. Anatomy    10. Human biology    11. Interactive & activity books & packs    12. Motor cars   

Reviews (1)

Fun and Educational
This book is a great addition to your MythBusters collection( if you don't have a MythBusters collection, you should make one- this show rules!!!) This book combines the fun science and humor of the show with do-at-home experiments. If you are searching for a book that makes learning fun, look no more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Science    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Experiments    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Science    8. Science & Technology - How Things Work    9. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    10. Controversial Knowledge & Mysteries    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / How Things Work   

Editorial Review

Do you know that right now 16.5 tons of air are pressing on your body?Or that with a simple experiment you can "see" a hole in the middle of yourhand? Have you ever tried turning a bucket of water upside down without thewater falling out? With DK's remarkable introduction to science, young readerscan learn many of the most important principles of chemistry and physics--andhave a whole lot of fun while they're at it. This big, handsome volume containsmore than 60 hands-on projects testing key scientific theories in magnetism,gravity, liquid density, sound vibrations, the laws of reflection, and muchmore. In addition, the book features information about famous scientists, newtechnological advances, and basic theories behind everyday objects andactivities. Gorgeous photos and clear, step-by-step instructions make this alearning experience budding young scientists won't mind a bit. Don't be fooled,though. Every page is packed with accurate, up-to-date information, and readersare encouraged to take their scientific exploration beyond the limits of thiswell-organized book. (Ages 10 and older) Read more

Reviews (3)

Great for Children (and some adults)
Having been trained in science (PhD in Physics) and having taught physics at the university level for 40 years, I think this is the best tool I have ever seen for presenting basic physical principles at a level that intelligent people 8 years old and up can really understand.It has no competition that I am aware of.Outstanding idea and execution.

Great for Children (and some adults)
Having been trained in science (PhD in Physics) and having taught physics at the university level for 40 years, I think this is the best tool I have ever seen for presenting basic physical principles at a level that intelligent people 8 years old and up can really understand.It has no competition that I am aware of.Outstanding idea and execution.

Shows younger folks just how much amazing fun science can be
Ideal for both classroom and homeschool curriculum supplementation, The Way Science Works is an exciting introduction for young readers to the deductive process of science and the marvels that mankind has discovered about the natural world. Offering more than sixty experiments and hands-on projects suitable for budding scientists age 10 and older (with safety precautions detailed where needed), The Way Science Works offers a fascinating glimpse into everything from the workings of the atom to understanding the true nature of gravity, to optical illusions and magnetism. Hundreds of excellent color photographs illustrate this superbly organized instructional reference. Although filled with fascinating revelations which would appeal to readers of all ages, The Way Science Works is particularly geared to show younger folks just how much amazing fun science can be! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Science    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Experiments    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Science    8. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    9. Science & Nature - General    10. Science & Technology - Experiments & Projects    11. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / How Things Work   

Editorial Review

From the depths of the deep blue sea to the mysterious world of space,robots are up to the task of exploring, traveling, saving lives, or making lifeeasier for human beings. David Eckhold's Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (10)

Ultimate Frustration
The parts are cheap, the models built are flimsy and the motor is flaky. After the 2nd robot, the motor no longer works. I bought this solely based on the quality products that DK produces.This is not one of them.

Perfect answer to "I want to build a robot"
My 8 year old daughter has been asking and asking for a robot building kit.She is entirely happy with this kit and the robots we built."The Ultimate Robot Kit" contains several robots, each of which is fairly simple to build.The build time required is appropriate for a young child's short attention span.No, these aren't sturdy "last forever" robots but, seriously, if you kept every project, drawing, and happy-meal toy forever, you'ld be up to your ears in stuff.
Rubish, don't waste your money
The packaging and promise of this kit to build "robots" just didn't live up to its hype.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. General    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Science & Nature - General    6. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    7. Technology - Machinery    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Machinery    9. Children's   

Editorial Review

Hey, this is a fun book! Even a casual page-through revealed a number of things many adults probably don't know. Read more

Reviews (2)

A must read Book !!!!
This fascinating book is different from other science book.It has many, many different experiments and projects to try out. From building a escalator to making a simple computer...That really works!! Each experimentis clearly photographed step by step , it is so ever easy to follow them!This book is a must. If you enjoyed this book, why not try the others? Youwon't regret.

great mind expansion
My kids always want to know why or how something happens.This is a great book for them to look at (marvelous pictures) and for us to select projects from that explain some of the stuff mom and dad don't know.My seven and ten year old can read and understand the vocabulary without getting lost in any scientific jargon.A great help for classroom project, science fair entries, long summer days or rainy weekends. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Experiments    4. Juvenile literature    5. Machinery    6. Science    7. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    8. Science / General   

Reviews (3)

From MP3 Players to Nanorobots in Amazing Color Photographs
Through the use of cutaways and exploded views pictures reveal the internal workings of objects and explain various layers and how elements are assembled. This provides fascinating explanations of objects that may otherwise remain a mystery. No need to take apart your MP3 player, you can see inside the player on page 71. There is an explanation of how MP3 compression works along with a 3-D graph.
Technology and how it works
Well written explanations of everyday phenomenon, from cell phones to surgery.

Plenty of colorful visual powers, diagrams, cut-aways and scientific detail to intrigue grades 6-9
From iPods to medicine, washing machines to motorized wheelchairs, and scanners to flash sticks, the latest modern technological innovations are reviewed in a vivid survey of the science behind the invention. The latest devices present in our daily lives, from solar cells and microwaves to compact discs, are surveyed in a lively, photo-packed chapters which include plenty of colorful visual powers, diagrams, cut-aways and scientific detail to intrigue grades 6-9.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Science    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Inventions    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile Science (General)    8. Juvenile literature    9. Science & Technology - How Things Work    10. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / How Things Work   

Reviews (4)

A great introduction to ROBOTICS
This might be the most informative guide to the amazing world of robotics!
Great book for kids and adults who love Robots!
First of all DK Eyewitness books are wonderful, beautiful pictures and just enough info for the beginner, makes these books my first choice all the time.I bought this book for my son and daughter along with a robot erector set so they could dabble a bit in robotics.My son has been collecting robots since he was young, the old tin wind up sort, he is hoping for Robosapien this Christmas.This book will give him more info on robotics, a science that is really growing.

A no no
Yikes, yeah this is strictly children only, and I don't really know that even they would learn a lot from this one...
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Juvenile Science (General)    5. Juvenile literature    6. Robotics    7. Robots    8. Science & Nature - General    9. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    10. Technology - Machinery    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / How Things Work   

Reviews (2)

My 5 year old won't put it down!
We originally checked this book out from the library and from the first day, my daughter just loved it!She's looked at it for hours and when we finally had to return it, she was so upset.Now I'm ordering it for her birthday!She loves the pictures, the step-by-step diagrams and the funny comments from the illustrated characters.This is a must have book!

Informational & Inspirational
As a US based manufacturer, I am always interested in learning how things are made & trying to provide this information for my children to peak their interest in manufacturing.This book is easy to follow, has great graphics & good layout.It is not too technical & easily explains manufacturing concepts. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in learning about different manufacturing processes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Juvenile Science (General)    5. Juvenile literature    6. Manufacturing processes    7. Mass production    8. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / How Things Work   

Editorial Review

Want to get a battle-droid's-eye view of the inside of an AAT battle tank? Care to see what Darth Maul's hiding in the trunk of his sinister-looking Sith Infiltrator? You're in luck: the crew that brought us the super-cool Read more

Reviews (31)

A definate for vehicle lovers!
I always wanted to see more and to be able to look inside of the vehicles more closely, and this book provides that information (and more more) in great detail.I really like the mini illustrations of where in the vehicles that events from the movies took place, it helps to "put a name to a face".

A Vroom with a View by garrie keyman
If you've stayed up nights wondering about the inner workings of a Naboo N-1 Starfighter, or even occasionally contemplate the unconventional solid-fuel concentrate slugs that the strange society of the Neimoidian traders use to give their droid starfighters such powerful thrust, you'll want to read Star Wars Episode I Incredible Cross-Sections cover-to-cover. This handsome book - deservedly referring to its illustrations as incredible - shows us a vroom with a view; more than fourteen vrooms, in fact. This Is Wizzard Anni!!!
This edition is devoted to the Spaceships and Craft from The Phantom Menace.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Performing Arts - Film    5. Space vehicles    6. Star Wars, episode I, the phan    7. Star Wars, episode I, the phantom menace (Motion picture)    8. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    9. Juvenile Fiction / Movie or Television Tie-In   

Reviews (1)

Have you ever wondered why...?
This is a great little book to leave around the "Throne Room"
Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Science    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. General    4. Miscellanea    5. Reference    6. Science    7. Science & Technology - How Things Work    8. Science (General)    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    11. Questions and answers    12. Science - Miscellanea    13. Science - Popular works    14. Science / Reference   

Reviews (2)

Big Ben
Ben Franklin's probably the #1 subject of picture book biographies that cross my desk. He's picturesque -- both visually and as a bio subject. This is the first book I've chosen to review, however, because of its clever format and quirky execution.
My children loved it!!!
My children (ages 6 - 10) loved the story of Ben Franklin.They enjoyed learning of Ben's inventions and it was fun to talk about how they have evolved over time.The children especially loved the last scene depicting how things will evolve as they grow older.The illustrations and colors on every page were great for the imagination and provided so much insight to every part of the story.Great Job.A+ ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Technical    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. General    5. History    6. History - United States/Colonial & Revolutionary    7. Inventions    8. Inventors    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    12. United States    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / How Things Work   

Reviews (7)

Incredible Cross Sections is a great gift for children!
I bought this book as a gift for my nephew. He is 6 and loves to know how things work. This is a fun and engaging view of lots of interesting things: a galleon, a space station, a ship, to name a few - the illustrations are great, and there are people doing things in the drawings which makes it more interesting than a simple cross section or blue print would be. The intricately detailed drawings encourage a child to study the pages instead of leafing through it absently.

One of a Great Series
Illustrator Stephen Biesty carved out his own niche in books by grabbing a concept and doing it well, over and over again. The concept was to take well-known but complex things, like locomotives, ocean liners, airliners, castles, churches, and the space shuttle, and make them more understandable by giving a series of drawings, for each object, showing what that object would look like if it were sliced in sections. Kind of sounds like an MRI in medicine! The drawings are bright, colorful, and extremely detailed. With each item, there is a short, clearly-written description of the object and some of its aspects. These books make great gifts for older kids, who will get a kick out of the fact that most items show the bathrooms in use, and don't be surprised if an adult or two peeks at the book several times.

Stephen Biesty's Incredible Cross Sections
Wow!This book is really great! From opera houses to medieval cathedrals and castles, this incredible book of cross sections pinpoints every last detail!It shows all the different parts, what they are used for, and tons more!Buy this book today.You won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Biesty, Stephen    3. Children's 9-12 - Reference    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. Interior architecture    7. Juvenile Architecture    8. Juvenile General And Reference Works    9. Juvenile literature    10. Reference - General    11. Science & Technology - How Things Work    12. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    13. Themes, motives    14. Architecture & buildings    15. Juvenile Fiction / Science & Technology   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Experiments    5. Experiments & Projects    6. General    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile Science (General)    9. Juvenile literature    10. Methodology    11. Science    12. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    13. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / How Things Work   

Reviews (3)

amazing book!
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in how things work.Beautiful artistry and informative.My son loves it!

Inspires the not so avid reader to sit down and browse...
My 10 yr. old son brought this book home from the library and loved it. The graphics are second to none and the labels and short captioned boxes oftext encouraged him to read several excerpts. The broad range of equipmentcovered is intriguing even to an adult.It is educational for the youngreader to identify vehicles they've read about in school but nevervisualized. This book will be under our Christmas tree AND under the treeof a nephew who loves figuring out how things work!

Award-Winning Book
This book is a 1997 NCSS Notable ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobiles    2. Bulldozers    3. Children's 4-8    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Curiosities & Wonders    6. Design and construction    7. General    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Railroad trains    11. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    12. Transportation - General    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Curiosities & Wonders   

Subjects:  1. Arctic regions    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Cold    5. Heat    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. School & Education    9. Science & Technology    10. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    11. Juvenile Fiction / Movie or Television Tie-In   

Reviews (2)

Terrific way to learn and explain electricity!
When I first opened the book, I thought it would be too young for my nine year old. To my surprise, it caught our attention and explained the puzzling mystery of electricity and currentsin such a way that we both understood how it works. Reading this turned on the light of comprehension. I highly recommend this book to explain the process.

A good introduction to electricity for children.
I pulled this book out when my 5 year old asked me to explain how a light bulb works. The book addresses this subject and also goes on to explain, in simplist form, what electricity is, where it comes from and how we use itin our daily lives. It includes an easy experiement that shows howelectricity is created.While my child was able to understand most of whatwas addressed, the introduction to atoms, electrons... was probably morethan he needed right now. But the introduction of generators, wires,circuits and how electricity reaches our home was great. The story format,starting with turning on a light switch, kept him interested. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Electricity    4. Juvenile literature    5. Readers - Beginner    6. Technology - Electricity & Electronics    7. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    8. Electricity & magnets    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Electricity & Electronics   

Reviews (1)

Good for a beginning homeschooler for science
This book has very many things to do for science, but we have been homeschooling for 10 years, so there was nothing new in it for us!If you are new to teaching or homeschooling this may be just what you need though.It is very nicely laid out and easy to understand. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Experiments    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Science    7. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    8. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    9. General science    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Experiments & Projects