This five-volume reference contains roughly 300 alphabetically arranged articles pertaining to science and technology and emphasizing the interconnectedness of various disciplines and applications as well as the impact of these endeavors on everyday life. High school students constitute the primary intended audience, and material is geared toward supporting the high school science curriculum and investigation into career and education paths. The entries are consistently structured with such elements as related fields of study, key terms and concepts, background and history, science basics (or "how it works"), social context and future prospects, and a "fascinating facts" sidebar. References and cross references are included. The fifth volume contains appendixes: brief bios of scientists, a glossary, and a timeline. It also contains the subject index and a category index grouping entries according to broad areas and disciplines. Future editions would be enhanced by placement of this category index in the front matter of each volume where students could see it more readily. And, no doubt, future editions will correct a proofreading error in the page headings of the appended materials. Online access to the contents is included with purchase of the print edition. Editor Franceschetti is affiliated with the U. of Memphis. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)