Book Description

A cultural phenomenon, Grossology has been turned into a wildly popular travelling exhibit and featured constantly in the media, including CNN, the Wall Street Journal, and NPR. Jam-packed with even more revolting yet scientifically accurate information than the original edition, this new format delivers more yucks for less bucks!

Illustrated by Jack Keely ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very enGROSSing
I bought this book along with the companion "Grossology and You". I didn't have to remind my 10-year-old son to do his nightly reading for weeks! The subjects are all things that boys find oddly entertaining, ie., snot, fatulence, diarrhea, etc. Each article has the facts of how and why these natural processes occur along with more "colorful" excerpts (ie., the diarrhea song) that kids love. This is a great way to entice young boys to get interested in biology and reading. After my son finished reading the book, he pointed out the others in the series and asked if I would get them as well. ... Read more

Book Description

Did you know that the ice cream sundae was invented because of a law forbidding the sale of ice cream on Sundays?Or that the first motorcycle was really just a tricycle with a motor? Would you believe that Mickey Mouse started out as a rabbit? Arranged in alphabetical order with anecdotal, fun-to-read text, this fascinating book is packed with the stories behind these— and over 100 more— inventions."[An] entertaining volume of trivia." — Kirkus Reviews ... Read more

Book Description

Did you know that lightning bolts can be over a mile long? Or that they may come from clouds that are ten miles high? Storms can be scary, but not if you know what causes them. Before the next thunderstorm, grab this book by veteran science team Franklyn Branley and True Kelley and learn what causes the flash, crash, rumble, and roll of thunderstorms!

... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of our boys' top picks over years
My two boys, now aged 3 and almost 5, have asked for this constantly over a period of two years. They put it in the top five the top of their favorite books list and we have a LOT of outstanding books. My older boy has wowed several adults with his lectures on how lightening and thunder work. I highly recommend the book/cassette combination. My husband and I also enjoy listening to it after many, many hearings. It is entertaining, soothing, interesting, and educational.

Gives information on thunderstorms for beginning readers
This book is designed to provide beginning readers with information about thunderstorms, and safety. It includes information on how to make a cloud, rain gauge and web sites. Very good reading for grade levels 1-3.

Fun and educational
A fun way to look at the weather. I read it hundreds of times as a child and will read it to my daughter ... Read more

Book Description

This classic, award-winning, bestselling science activity book has a fresh new look and updated information for 2000. Its the biggest and best collection of science activities for children 6-14 years. Its jam-packed with more than 450 ideas, attention-getters, projects, experiments, games, puzzles, and stories. All areas of science are coveredmatter and energy; the human body; the environment; rocks; plants; animals; insects; weather; stars and planets; and technology.

It's for PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS: Heres your answer to all the questions children ask and all the wonders they want to explorefrom gigantic bubbles to a mini-volcano, to the mysteries of the universe to the wonders of the insect world. Includes science fair project ideas!

It's for TEACHERS: This is the ultimate, hands-on educational resource to enrich and support any curriculum, from elementary grades to high school. The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) rates "Science Is..." as an "excellent" book.

"Science Is..." is truly easy to use, with plenty of background information and engaging cartoons and illustrations. All the activities have been tested and require only readily-available, inexpensive materials. Activities range in length from the popular "Quickies" to projects that can be done over several days or weeks. There are also plenty of fascinating factsdid you know that a cockroach can live for nine days without its head?

A Using This Book section provides practical information on guiding and encouraging children in science. The Other Resources listing has been completely updated to help you find other quality books and useful organizations.

"Science Is..." is a terrific value that takes children through years of thought-provoking adventures!

"This book belongs in every home, every classroom. The definitive motherlode book to turn children on to the adventure of science." (Childsplay Magazine)

"An innovative book . . . Youngsters will be intrigued by the exciting activities crammed into this book." (Todays Parent)

"Once in a while, a book comes along which everyone should have. Consider this a treasure whose time has come. This book is a must!" (Science Education InternationalICASE)

"A gold mine of activities. Highly recommended!" (California Classroom Science) ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Highly recommend this book for demos and Science Club
I used this book for Science Club for years and found it invaluable. I would highly recommend it for any teacher who runs Science Club or needs a supply of demos. Invaluable!

Leagues above most activity books
I am so glad to discover this book is still available. It's far more comprehensive and intelligent than so many other activity books. Laid out clearly, with activities in various realms of knowledge that offer numerous variations so a parent could conceivably use this one book throughout a child's school years. I can't imagine a child not discovering the joys of science (broadly defined) when a parent introduces him or her to some of these delightful activities. The best thing about the book is that so many of the ideas don't require vast preparation, but can be done spur-of-the-moment.

Someone stole my copy!
I've used this book for several years as a teacher, and found it gone from my bookshelf. It's great. It has everything. And it's written well and clearly. A very eclectic collection, but sound.

Creative, inexpensive ideas
I've used many of the activities. Either as a demo, as a "set" or for students to do. The materials needed for the activities are inexpensive. The ideas presented in the book are creative and allow you to spend more "brain power" on other things. It includes all areas of science, no matter what you teach, it can fit in. I've used it for 9th and 10th and don't feel it is too "elementary". It's worth the money.

The best for quick, fun hands on science
I have used this book a thousand times!! It spans ages, learning styles, and settings. Chances are, you will see that science is fun. As an educator, I HIGHLY recommend it to other educators, especially those who would like stronger science component. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Science and History for students
With concise summaries and pictures about the achievements of the ancient Chinese in science, medicine, and math, this is a book that is both interesting and fun. ... Read more

Book Description

Climb aboard the earth for the adventure of a lifetime! As you travel, watchshadows move from here to there as day stretches into night, and feel the weather change as oneseason rolls into the next. All these amazing things happen because the earth is constantly inmotion. Spinning and circling, gliding and tilting, as passengers of the earth, our voyage neverends!

With poetic text and gorgeous illustrations, G. Brian Karas illuminates our earthand its cycles and does a brilliant job of making the concepts of rotation and revolutionunderstandable to even the youngest readers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book from a great website!!
This is a great book! My son (10 years old) begged me to buy it for him becuase he's a big fan of Brainpop.com, and its already his favorite book. The science is simple and colorfully explained with fun characters, but the explanations are thorough enough so that all ages can get something from it. It explains everything from day-to-day technologies like cell phones to the structgure of the earth to what the world might be like in the future. What a great book for kids adn even adults!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Really great
We got this book for our inquisitive-minded kid; it's great because it's plainly written but not in a condescending tone (my kid hates that!). The illustrations are really good too. Our son tried a few of the internet links which were really great. Then it disappeared to resurface in the bathroom! Let's just say it's become a parent favorite too! ... Read more

Book Description

Sh-h-h-h-h-h!!

Top Secret...

Crack the code of superspy science fun!

Make your own spy sunglasses

• Write messages with invisible ink
• Hook up a secret alarm, and much more!

Discover how spies use science to keep—or uncover—top secrets. Learn how to go under cover, master Morse code, and even build devices to see and hear through walls! These and dozens of other fun-filled activities give you an inside look at the science behind spy gadgets and tricks of the trade. All the activities are completely safe and can be done with everyday stuff from around the house. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

great book
Wow this book is filled with every thing you need to be an excellent spy. Like how to find a good clue, what to do when you get caught, or my all time favorite, how to be invisible. I would recamend this book to any kid who loves to snoop around.

great book
Wow great book it has every thing you you need to be an undercover spy. It has lots of stuff, like how to find a good clue, what to do when you get cought, and my all time favorite how to be invisable. I would recamend this book to anybody who loves to snop around. ... Read more

Book Description

Fascinating facts about God's world that gives us thousands of pieces of evidence to prove that He created and sustains the universe.

Reviews (14)

Great tool for building a "Creationist" foundation!
First of all realize that this book is written for Kids ages 9-12.

Now I would like for you to also realize that this 30+ year old learned tons while teaching from it to a Junior High Sunday School class!

The year I taught this, we had 18 kids and half of their parents purchased the book after the class. It was such a hit that we are teaching it again 2 years later.

This book does a wonderful job at setting a foundation from which kids can build on and learn from.

Lawrence Williams blends the laws of physics, theories on origins of the universe, "true science" vs. "junk science", nature, the Divine Will of God, Biblical references, and tons of real world examples into a brilliant, easy to read source for learning to understand, explain, and defend Creationism.

We know that our Children are going to learn the theory of Evolution at one point or another in their life. Instead of hiding in the sand and hoping they'll either a.) Not be exposed to it at all. b.) Learn it from a weak teacher. Or c.) Somehow be able to formulate an irrefutable argument without really learning about physics, science, nature, the Bible, and how they all work together to support and prove Creation.

Why don't we add a "d."? "Build them a strong Creationist foundation, so that they not only understand their faith, but they can defend it and teach others also."

This book does just that! Pick it up for your kid, but don't be surprised if you read it also. Better yet, use it yourself for a "Family" Bible Study!

An argument always is brilliant . . . until it's refuted.
As a christian child of about 10 or 11, I read this book. Cover to cover. Practially memorized it. As this was my very first exposure to the theory of evolution, the author had no trouble whatsoever in totally polarizing me against evolution. It took me until my college years and learning about how science works and about cosmology in my astronomy class before I would even give evolution more than a disgusted look. In _River out of Eden_, Richard Dawkins absolutely blows this little children's book out of the water. Today I am a convinced evolutionist.

Horrible misrepresentation of science.
This book (obviously one sided) is filled with logical fallacies-
On p.13, it says "This law (2nd law of thermodynamics) tells us that anything which is organized tends, with time, to become disorganized."- Thermodynamics does state that matter can only go away- In a closed system! The evolutionary process on earth is not a closed system- we get energy from the sun. And our universe is in no way organized- the stars are scattered randomly in the galaxies, they go nova and spread out there energy in inefficient ways, planets move in odd orbits, ect.

Then, on p.20, a section on how the other planets are too hot or too cold to support life, and that god must have made earth for us begins- This is backwards! That's like saying that my grandfather was named after me, or that a car is the builder of a factory. There are billions of stars in our galaxy, and with odds like that, at least 1 would have life. It just happened to be us.

The section (from about p.36 to p.) Deals with the dinosaurs. Some flaws- The asteroid scientists believe wiped out the dinosaurs crashed in the Yucatan. On p.39,, the author suddenly explores the ludicrous idea of a "Death star" which very few scientists believe (to his credit, he proves this idiotic hypothesis wrong) but then he lumps the Asteroid catastrophe theory in with the death star theory, as a simple way to get that out of the way so he can further the creationist hypothesis.
On pg. 42, the author says "the Flood undoubtedly occurred." BUT GIVES NO EVIDENCE (a common theme throughout the book)! One quote is "Many creationists have pointed out that fossils have been found, jumbled together, as though swept into one place by an overwhelming flood of waters." But he then offers no actual sites of this- just a sentence without evidence. What he does not explain is how we have never found dinosaurs and trilobites, or brachiopods and humans together- or for that matter, Mesozoic ferns and fir trees! (The common creationist response is that the plants lived underwater- but plants are killed by to much water, especially a huge amount of moving, down pouring waters.

On p.49, there is a part against radiometric dating- some of it is accurate, but radiocarbon dating (C14) is not the only way to date things. Dating the half-life of atoms, such as potassium, is another, highly accurate way to date ancient objects.

The rest of this book is similar- filled with backless statements, exaggeration, biases, and information disproved hundreds of times over by real scientists.
This review will probably be ignored by many people interested in this book, but if I could pick up this book and read it, a creationist should pick up Dawkin's The Selfish Gene, or The Origin of Species.

Excellent resource for YOU and your children to understand
If you want to understand why the various "theories" are not sound, this book is for you and your children. It would make an excellent homeschool support group module class for science study. It takes each one of the evolutionary theories one by one and shows why they have been discredited. After it gets done showing the lack of credibility in each of the theories of evolution, there is nothing a rational person could do but see that it couldn't have happened in that way.
This book makes excellent sense!

Confusing the Christians
After having read many different books on creationism, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, Mount St. Helen's, Dating Techniques, Fossil records, etc; I was disappointed that a book claiming to offer biblical answers does not do that. The bible along with scientific evidence offers the answers we need (at least has done a far better job than the Darwinian evolutionists.) Another ploy to cofuse the masses and promote the only religion the schools allow...secular humanism. ... Read more

Book Description

This Strange Quantum World and You is a book for those from 9 to 90 who wish to gain some understanding of this quantum world. This smaller-than-an-atom world can't be seen, but there are ways to gain insight into its workings.

This book is geared toward children and provides a few simple experiments that explain how energy and matter work. It also shows how energy and matter are two different states of the same thing. Learning how information is carred at faster than lightning speeds suggests the conclusion that we are all connected in some way. This leads children to a feeling of belonging. It also illustrates the necessity of watching how we think, speak, and act, so that we do a more responsible job of caring for our Earth and for each other.

"We are, each and every one of us, woven into a great 3-D web of vibrating energies. We are within it, and it is within us. The most unusual thing about this web of energy is that it seems to be conscious like we are. It is able to exchange information within all its parts like we do within our bodies." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Making something complicated extraordinarily simple
Ms.Topp's short book should be on the book list of every 5th grade science teacher, 10 year old kid in love with science and mystery and adult who wishes to understand quantum physics or just the science behind the plot of Michael Crichton book "Timeline". She explains in incredible clear, developmental appropriate language how the world can seem solid yet is really light and energy,and how this is relevant in the world of kids and leading-edge physicist alike. Just 53 pages later adult and child alike will have a "A HA" explanation of why things can happen simultaneously and be related. Elegantly simple yet profoundly rewarding to read. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the best books I've ever owned
My parents bought me this book in hardcover about ten years ago, and it has been indispensible. It covers a broad enough base of information so well, and with enough depth, that it has been a constant and indispensible reference for me through GCSE science in the UK, high school chemistry in the US, and even sometimes during my undergrad chemistry and physics. The illustrations are wonderful, and the explainations lucid. I would definitely recommend this for anyone with a child in school, or anyone who wants to look at a bit of basic science.

Absolutely brilliant.
About 15 years ago, as a 9 year old, I read the three books that make up this Dictionary of Science (the Biology, Physics and Chemistry ones). I was completely captivated by them, and read them over and over again. The science is pitched at exactly the right level for children: the colourful illustrations and short sections retain a child's attention. I went on to take biology, physics and chemistry A-levels at age 17, and went on to study Medicine at Cambridge University in England. Obviously there was more to this achievement than the Usborne books I read as a child, but I honestly do attribute much of my initial interest to them.

This book is excellant, great illustrations!!!!
This book is a wonderful source of science information, the colurful illustrtaions help explain the theorys that are explained in the book. It is a book for all levels. It is not just a dictionary but a true sience resource. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautifully illustrated and photographed
The cover of this book is not shown on Amazon, but it contains a red background with a photo of a strikingly handsome green-eyed Siberian tiger.It's nearly one-and-a-half inches thick and inside contains photography worthy of the name National Geographic Society, which contributed to the book.

This is a general science textbook for fifth-graders.It's probably used in many classrooms, though my experience with it is home educating my 10-year-old.

It's very nicely organized, with vocabulary words at the beginning of each chapter.Also included within each chapter are "explore activities" which can easily be done at home or in a classroom.Questions are sprinkled liberally throughout the text to invite discussion on what was read both for refreshing the topic and thinking further about it.

One of the most valuable parts of the book is at the end of a chapter or unit, entitled "Why It Matters."So often kids ask why it's important to learn certain concepts in various subjects, and this ties in the reading with exactly why it is important to understand.

The photographs and illustrations are simply among the best I've seen in any textbook!This is very important for those who may not be particularly interested in science.To make a confession, I'm not.But the information is presented in such an attractive way that it really does make the reader want to investigate more!In each chapter, as well, are technology links where a student can learn more about a subject with a specific internet link.

There is a teacher's manual to go with this book, but at nearly half the cost, we opted not to purchase it.Thus, there are no answers included in this book.But even science-impaired adults like me can easily find the answers simply by reading the text.

Unit A is entitled "Structures of Plants and Animals" with individual chapters on Plants and Their Parts, Plant Diversity, and Animal Diversity.

Unit B is called "Interactions of Living Things" with individual chapters on Ecosystems and Populations and Ecosystems.

Unit C is named "Earth and Its Resources" with chapters on Rocks and Minerals and Air, Water, and Energy.

Unit D is entitled "Weather and Climate" with chapters on Weather and Weather Patterns and Climate.

Unit E is named "Properties of Matter and Energy" with chapters on Properties and Structure of Matter and Forms of Matter and Energy.

Unit F is called "Motion and Energy" with chapters on Newton's Laws of Motion, Sound Energy, and Light Energy."

The back pages also include a Science handbook with such topics as using a microscope, measuring volume, mass, and many other units, using calculators, making graphs, and several more.Also included is a Health handbook with specifics on the skeletal system, respiratory system, digestive system, the senses, and many other systems.

This is an all-around great science book for anyone learning at the fifth-grade level. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

MILK MAKERS
I understand why this was a reading rainbow book. It is a great experiment activity non-fiction book. This book exaplins how milk is processed. Most children most likely think that the milk in the fridge comes from the store. What they may not realize is that it comes from a farm miles away. This book goes into great detail how milk is made, and the makeup of cattle. it also gives brief descriptions of variuos types of cattle and dairy products. The illustrations use labels and bright colors. I think this is a good non-fiction book for children. It is in a language that they understand and it is easily read. The book is also very accurate as are all, her books. Gibbons was raised on a dairy farm and has made numerous trips to the dairy farm.
In close this is a good book for children, especially for a science unit. I would have this in my classroom library for childen to perhaps complete a report about milk or other products. Gibbons has a great series on the way variuos things are made.

Excellent resource book on farming and dairy production
This book is highly enjoyable and informative for children, and I think that every child with an interest in farming would be happy to own a copy. I strongly recommend this book to parents everywhere!

Excellent book!
this was such a great story for our kids to read - we live near a dairy farm and this book gave them a lot of insight into the real working of a dairy farm - it answered a lot of their questions and ours too! We love this book!

Milk Makers
This is a great book for kids - it is interesting, informational, and fun!

This is a great book to introduce children to milk productio
We took this book out from our local library and found it to be so good we are buying it! My husbands family were dairy farmers and we try to educate our daughters about dairy farming as much as possible. This book give enough educational detail about cows and milk production to be informative for a young child and encourage discussion about cows and the process of milk production. I recommend this book to anyone with a young child interested in cows, milk or farming. ... Read more

Book Description

A is for Atom, B is for Black Hole, C is for Clone—hang on to your test tubes, we’re covering a lot of ground here! But both the science-curious and the science-phobic are in for a treat as the author of one of the wittiest math books around takes on a new topic. Ranging freely from DNA to jet-propelled squid to proof that it’s much easier to prepare dragon tonic using the metric system, this smorgasbord of science topics makes a great classroom resource or gift for the budding scientist. By the time kids plow through all the quirky pictures and funny captions we’re sure they’ll agree that W is for Wow! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

EXCELLENT PEAK AT SCIENCE
An excellent peak at science for both children and adults. Although rather simplistic, it does a good job explaining basic science concepts. I specially liked the parts on T for Think, where the author explains how scientists use the Scientific Method as a tool for testing observations, making inferences and weed out erroneous beliefs; and O for Occam's Razor, again as of useful tool for reasoning. I sure hope there is a sequel.

Only one observation: The publishers should have chosen a more portable book format (paperback) so you can take it anywhere and either enjoy it by yourself or share it with someone else.

AC.CHB ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I find it helpful in our homeschooling
We do a thematic literature approach to homeschooling and I love it when I can find books that bring in science to our studies. We find this series especially helpful. It doesn't go into deep detail, only a general overview, but is a good starting point when studying Ancient Greece. I also like to include "Archimedes and the Door of Science," "Aristotle and Scientific Thought," and "Classical Kids" which includes a lot of Greek science projects. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the guide to the entrance exam for New York City's top public high schools!Every December, thousands of New York City's brightest eighth and ninth graders compete for admission to the Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Technical High School, and Stuyvesant High School--and this teacher-recommended book is the only guide to the entrance exam! Now revised to cover the latest test format, it includes 10 sample tests, explanatory answers for all questions--plus practice tests for the Hunter Junior/Senior High School Entrance Exam.Stephen Krane is a former teacher at Bronx High School of Science. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

SSHSAT Book review
There are a few prep books in the market, I woul rate them as below
1. Barron's How to prepare for SSHSAT ----4 stars
2. Kaplan's SCI-Hi------------------------3 stars
3. Princeton Preview SSHSAT---------------3 stars
4. Arco Specialized science High exam-----2 stars

I GOT INTO STUYVESANT!!!!
I bought this book preparing for another exam. When it was time to prepare for the Specialized High school exam I picked up this book again. My friends thought I had no chance. They were paying $1,000 for courses. While I was just using this book. And now Im in Stuyvesant and they're not. It's all thanks to this book!!!

I MADE IT INTO STUYVESANT JUST BY USING THIS BOOK!
I made it into Stuyvesant High School. I didn't use any other book (I couldn't find any). This book really helped me.

Spend your money wisely
I was accepted to Stuyvesant High school. To prepare for the exam, I used almost all the books available on the market, including Arco.

Do not plan to rely on Arco books as a primary source of test preparation. The questions are not challenging enough. The reading passages do not share the same depth of analysis like those found on the exam. The math questions are much too simple and require almost no thinking skills whatsoever. The logic questions do not encourage the reader to reason through a situation. As a result, the user of Arco books is mislead about the exam's degree of difficulty.

Tried and True
ARCO's Specialized Science High Schools Admissions Test guide was a staple when I was preparing for the big test. It explained the exam format, gave test-taking strategies, and provided ten short sample quizzes. It gives a wide variety of sample questions, and explains why the right answer is correct. Using this resource, I made the Bronx Highschool of Science! If you are serious about the science high schools, the ARCO SSHSAT book is a must. ... Read more