Real-World STEM: Develop Economical Solar Power: ISBN 978-1-68282-239-5 / eBook: 978-1-68282-240-1
Real-World STEM: Develop Fusion Energy: ISBN 978-1-68282-245-6 / eBook: 978-1-68282-246-3
Real-World STEM: Eliminate the Threat of Nuclear Terror: ISBN 978-1-68282-241-8 / eBook: 978-1-68282-242-5
Real-World STEM: Global Access to Clean Water: ISBN 978-1-68282-243-2 / eBook: 978-1-68282-244-9
Real-World STEM: Improving Virtual Reality: ISBN 978-1-68282-237-1/ eBook: 978-1-68282-238-8
Real-World STEM: Reverse Engineer the Brain: ISBN 978-1-68282-247-0 / eBook: 978-1-68282-248-7
Real-World STEM: Securing Cyberspace: ISBN 978-1-68282-249-4 / eBook: 978-1-68282-250-0
School Library Connection, Jan/Feb 2018
This series emphasizes the utilization of technological innovations that benefit society as well as the Earth’s environment. Potential complications resulting from the implementation of revolutionary mechanisms are addressed, along with possible solutions. Each volume provides a rationale for using a specific technology, current status of innovations, potential consequences, and possible solutions. Colorful and well-designed photographs, diagrams, graphs, and tables are distributed throughout and help depict each technology’s evolution from its original form to its current configuration. A glossary would be a valuable addition, as well as endorsements by academic scholars in STEM areas. Since information becomes rapidly out of date, accessing the pertinent websites listed will be necessary to keep abreast of technological advances. Advanced Placement students and interested readers would appreciate the wealth of information in this series. Additional Resources. Websites. Picture Credits. Source Notes.
Cynthia D. Schulz, Ph.D., Retired Teacher Librarian, Lacey, Washington
Recommended
Real-World STEM: Develop Fusion Energy: ISBN 978-1-68282-245-6 / eBook: 978-1-68282-246-3
Real-World STEM: Eliminate the Threat of Nuclear Terror: ISBN 978-1-68282-241-8 / eBook: 978-1-68282-242-5
Real-World STEM: Global Access to Clean Water: ISBN 978-1-68282-243-2 / eBook: 978-1-68282-244-9
VOYA, February 1, 2018
While the series is designed for grades nine through twelve, Develop Fusion Energy requires basic knowledge of physics, or strong curiosity about it. The possibility of a limitless, carbon-free energy source will tantalize any reader, as it does scientists all over the world. The decades-long search to achieve it is fascinating, but the material is often demanding. Teens who persevere will be impressed by the determination of scientists battling to solve its implementation. The other two volumes reviewed are easier reading. Readers of Global Access to Clean Water may be surprised to learn the severity of the increasing freshwater crisis. More than a billion people lack clean drinking water, and every 21 seconds a child dies from drinking polluted water. Kallen vividly describes the problems of pollution, waste, and drought, and the solutions of desalination and recycling wastewater. The calm, factual way in which Steffens discusses the possibilities of nuclear terrorism in Eliminate the Threat of Nuclear Terror should help teens think realistically about our modern vulnerabilities. Without fear-mongering, Steffens outlines sensible solutions and points out how these are often threatened by complacency, inertia, budget tightening, and the intricacies of international politics.
The RealWorld STEM series provides clear, useful analyses of world problems confronting today's engineers and offers possible solutions. Although slim, the attractively designed volumes are comprehensive and well researched, using charts, photographs, sidebars, and pop-up vocabulary notes in a lively visual format. Lists of further readings and websites encourage readers to continue exploring the issues. The ingenuity and persistence that engineers have employed to meet the challenges described in these three books will evoke respect from most readers, and may inspire budding scientists.
—Katherine Noone