Series: A Great Idea
Copyright Year: 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60357-108-1
Edition: Multi-user eBook
Grade level: 3-6
Dewey: 617
Subject: Technology
Accelerated Reader Reading Level: 5.9
Accelerated Reader Quiz #: 132598
Lexile Level: 850L
GRL: U
Binding: Ebook
Available: Now
Primary BISAC: JNF061010
Secondary BISAC: JNF051120
This volume in the Norwood House Press series, "A Great Idea" is all about the history of bionic hands. From the first ideas to what is being produced today, each step in the process is described in detail. This information is presented clearly with photographs and factoids on each page. Also included are the glossayr, wesbites to visit, and an index.
Omaha Public Schools, December 2010
Each of these titles highlights a specific, and often obscure, invention from the past decade that is making, or has the potential to make, a real difference in the world. With a mix of scientific terminology and accessible sentence structure, the books effectively describe how the ideas took shape and were put into practice by the scientists involved. Students are generally intrigued by robots and will find Nexi Robot of particular interest, though the author is careful to explain the limitations of what this robot currently can and cannot do. Seed Vault explains the need to preserve endangered plant species and how they are collected and protected. Sunscreen for Plants shows how early attempts at protecting crops from overexposure to the sun were either ineffective or somehow harmful to the plant, and how a few individuals worked together to devise a product that was both effective and ecologically sound. Bionic Hand is a fascinating look at how biology and technology are being used to create more useful prostheses for those who have lost a limb. In all of the books, color photographs are included on every page and provide a visual complement to the texts. Small “Did You Know?” boxes appear on nearly every spread and offer up short, interesting facts. Current, relevant Web sites are appended. Librarians looking to beef up science or inventions collections may find these solid additions.
School Library Journal, March 2010
Wilsons Core Collection, 2009
the Bionic Hand is part of a series titled A Great Idea. This series explores advances in new technology. The Bionic Hand looks at the new advancement in prosthetics, especially with the development of the iLIMB. The iLIMB is the first Bionic Hand with individual fingers and a functioning opposable thumb. This book explores the history of the prosthetic hand and the new technologies that helped in creating the iLIMB. The book also shares stories of how the Bionic Hand has enhanced the lives of those that are now using the iLIMB. This informative book would work well with a science-based curriculum. There are four chapters, The Idea, How it Works, Making a Difference, and Into the Future. Each chapter is printed in a different color. The chapters also contain contrasting and colorful sidebar information that is very interesting as well as eye catching. This book contains a contents page, glossary, website information page, index, and a brief author profile.
Book Buzz, February 2010
A nonfiction book which uses great photographs to explain to the reader how the "bionic" hand was developed and how it works to improve the lives of people who have need of a bionic hand. The glossary is an asset which helps the student understand technical words. Recommended.
Richardson's Independent School District's Library Media Services Book Review Program
This is a new addition to a series of books that teaches how an invention comes to be. Students learn about how science and technology can affect our world and how an invention can influence our society. The history of why this invention was needed and the continuing necessity of the invention are discussed. This unique perspective can support objectives in science, technology, and engineering for students in the middle grades. The Bionic Hand discusses how biology is combined with engineering to develop new technologies in this special branch of science. The importance of a human's opposable thumbs and articulated joints is discussed. The need for artificial joints is explained, and information about birth defects (such as those caused by the drug thalidomide) is presented. The exciting possibilities for the future of bionics are also included. New vocabulary is printed in bold and defined in the glossary. Children will enjoy the photographs and the “Did You Know?” boxes, which are full of interesting information. A section called "For More Information" includes websites to visit for more information. Classroom teachers will enjoy reading this book with upper elementary students, whereas middle school children will enjoy exploring the book on their own.
National Science Teachers Association, November 2009