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The Handy Answer Book

The Handy Science Answer Book

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Gathers information about physics, chemistry, space, the earth sciences, biology, medicine, transportation, and communication

580 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

20 people are currently reading
410 people want to read

About the author

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

338 books1 follower

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5 stars
72 (30%)
4 stars
93 (38%)
3 stars
54 (22%)
2 stars
18 (7%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Alanna.
2 reviews
Want to read
August 23, 2011
I really want to read this book.
Profile Image for Lafcadio.
Author 4 books48 followers
July 10, 2008
This book is faded and the edges of the pages are well-worn. I use this book at least once a week to look something up, and sometimes I just open to a random page and start reading. This book has done me well.
Profile Image for Hanako.
4 reviews
June 23, 2009
I learned so much from this book when I was a child! Everything from how many dimples a golf ball has to what is a singularity. I think this contributed to my nerdiness.
Profile Image for Diane.
377 reviews19 followers
September 13, 2024
This sets out to do what it’s intended, but by this point the information is very outdated. Still, it’s an interesting snapshot of science as it stood in the early 1990s in comparison to how it’s changed to today. The book also covers a wide variety of scientific achievements and does its best to recognize less well-known discoveries or breakthroughs. Additionally, it has a decent sense of humor occasionally while spewing facts every which way. Regardless, it’s not intended for modern use.
Profile Image for Theresa.
8,282 reviews135 followers
March 30, 2020
The Handy Science Answer Book (4th Ed.)
The Handy Science Answer Book (4th Ed.)
by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Using as a resource for my science class, has a simplified description of terminology. Unfortunately wish there were more answers on geology so i can use it more with my class presentations.
Profile Image for Veronica.
199 reviews
May 8, 2022
Pretty informative and interesting, but there are a few typos and inconsistencies that bring it down a bit. It's slightly dated but that's inevitable, seeing as it was made 30 years ago.
14 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2012
Item Title: The Carnegie Library of Pittsburg. (2011). The handy science answer book. (4th ed.). Canton, MI: Visible Ink.

Citation created by: Michele Powell

Format: Handbook

Call Number: 500 HAN

Description: An updated version that includes 2,200 questions and answers about scientific topics.

Professional Review: Faust, T.R. (2011). Reviews [Review of the book The handy science answer book, by The Carnegie Library of Pittsburg]. Library Journal 136(10), 122-128.

Relevance and Relationship: This book would be appropriate for the collection analyzed during my field experience because it would provide students with an educational trivia book, that is not currently in the collection. Print edition is very affordable at $21.95.

Purpose: The purpose of this reference is to support student’s scientific inquiries. Appropriate for grades 4-12.

Validity: Reviewed and recommended in Library Journal.

Format: Print and e-book available.

Arrangement and Presentation: Question and answer format, divided by scientific disciplines, includes photographs, illustrations, and charts, and an extensive index.

Diversity: The presentation of material helps met the needs of struggling readers.
Profile Image for David Williams.
1 review
August 25, 2011
I was offered this book for Christmas and I've really enjoyed every word of it.
Well presented with many different Science & Tech. topics, each answered in clear and simple sentences. It has even helped me out for a Geology project at University.
Profile Image for Terri.
2,346 reviews45 followers
March 22, 2015
I've perused the latest edition. Would take several months to read the whole thing because it's all facts. However, I'm thinking of buying this to keep around the house for grandkids to use and it's interesting in small doses.
Profile Image for Amy.
19 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2008
This book really helps if you have a common question about science and lots of information on things you would never think about.
Profile Image for Victoria.
27 reviews
July 4, 2013
It was OK. If you read a text book you will get the same results.
Profile Image for Jill.
49 reviews8 followers
June 10, 2013
i didn't read this cover to cover, but did read most if it/what I felt I needed to know. Pretty interesting stuff :)
(I read this as part of my studying for my MTEL General Science test.)
Profile Image for Morgan.
1 review
July 11, 2014
I read this book over and over as a kid. I was fascinated by the quirky questions and surprising answers. I dare to say that I would not have been as good of a science student, if not for this book.
Profile Image for Joshua.
195 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2012
Handy for anyone ever stumped by the questions children often ask regarding science.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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