11/01/2014
Gr 6 Up—Extremely tall buildings, bionic legs, and vehicles bound for Mars are among the copious examples of recent and long ago engineering accomplishments described in these substantial accounts that encourage readers to possible careers and various individuals working in these fields. Through nine chapters, each title combines history, project development, the problem-solving work of engineers, and likely future developments in the particular specialty. The numerous concluding tools include hands-on exercises with questions prompting observation and continued thought, which are mostly appropriate for middle school students (though the electrical engineering project is college level). The writing is informative and usually interesting, though a bit challenging; the books would work well with high school and college students. These thoughtful explorations of the importance and work of engineering add depth to science and career materials for skilled readers in the upper grades.
