Book Description

With projects ranging from building a basic battery-connected circuit to a do-it -yourself burglar alarm, children will have fun discovering the properties and principles of electricity. ... Read more

Book Description

The sun is essential to life on Earth. Our weather and climate depend upon the sun. Green plants need sunlight to grow. Animals eat plants for food and we need plants and animals to live. Without the sun there would be no life on Earth.

In over twenty dramatic, full-color photographs and a clear, informative text, Seymour Simon describes the sun, from the constant nuclear explosions at its core, to the sea of boiling gases that forms the surface, and the spectacular cloud of superheated gases that makes up the corona.

You will also learn about huge storms called sunspots that erupt on the sun's surface, as well as gigantic prominences-geysers of flaming gas over a hundred thousand miles long that can rise and fall in just a few hours-and fiery explosions called flares that last only a few minutes yet can have the power of ten million hydrogen bombs.

The Sun is a fascinating introduction to the center of our Solar System. ... Read more

Book Description

"[Here is] a charming introduction to the truly amazing octopus [from its intelligence to its ability to change colors to the camouflaging black ink it squirts to escape predators]. Lauber's chatty, fact-filled text makes the book a good read-aloud, and Keller's amusing and colorful drawings enhance it—a perfect match of text and illustration." —SLJ.

Children's Books of 1990 (Library of Congress) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

some amazing facts, but visually dull.
Lauber's _An Octopus is Amazing_ is a decent introductory book on the topic, probably best suited to children aged 4-8. There are no photographs. The book is illustrated on each page with color drawings. The drawing on the book cover is indicative of the quality of the drawings throughout. It's a bit cartoonish.

There is little organization to the subject matter. Instead, the author just presents one (probably "amazing") fact after another, such as: octopuses change color, octopuses can lay 200,000 eggs, etc.

I think most children, if given the opportunity to pick another book on the subject, might not choose this one, simply because there are no color photographs. Still, it's a decent guide to the subject for young readers and the even younger read-to children. The amazing facts in this book just might prompt them to seek out other octopus books. That wouldn't be so very amazing. ... Read more

Book Description

Splitting things in half may seem like an easy thing to do, but when two siblings and a pizza are involved, things can get messy. Children learn about fractions at school but fractions are also an important part of everyday life outside the classroom.In this riotous book, Stuart J. Murphy and G. Brian Karas introduce the simplest of fractions, 1/2.

... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderfully simple look at fractions
This book is an accurate description of how children react to sharing. As the brother and sister learn to share the food each of them have, they are also learning about fractions. Each child is reminded by their parents to divide the pizza, juice, and cupcakes in half to share equally. The children's first instinct is to share unequally. The book introduces new terms (i.e. divide) and gives the reader a fun introduction to fractions and getting along with each other. ... Read more

Book Description

Every day you answer questions-dozens, even hundreds of them. How do you find the answers to questions? How can you be sure your answers are correct?

Scientists use questions to learn about things. Scientists have developed a way of helping make sure they answer questions correctly. It is called the scientific method. The scientific method can help you find answers to many of the questions you are curious about.

What kind of food does your dog like best? Is your sister more likely to help you with your homework if you say please? Can throwing a dead snake over a tree branch make it rain? The scientific method can help you answer these questions and many others.

Amazon.com

In 1987, a skeleton was turned up near a Boy Scout camp in Missouri. A forensic anthropologist was brought and, using clues from the skeleton and some decaying clothes found nearby, determined that the victim was a young Asian woman. From there, police where able to determine the identity first of the victim and then of her killer. Using the Missouri case as a jumping-off point, The Bone Detectives provides an introduction for young readers to the science of forensics. Written for curious readers who are approaching adolescence, this book is sure to appeal to the nearly universal interest that age group exhibits for the macabre and the horrible. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A good place to start
I had the chance to work under Dr. Michael Charney for 5 years before his death. Dr. Charney focused heavily on education and teaching people. That is what this book does. When this book came out he gave me a hard time for buying a copy because it was a "kid's book". All of that aside, the book gives a basic introduction to forensic anthropology on a level that explains it to the reader. It covers the case from start to finish as well as touching on the other aspects of forensic investigation such as forensic entomology and facial reconstruction. So if you have a child that is wanting to learn more about the field or you are looking for a good place to start learning, this is the book to get.

"The Bone Detectives" for the interested 11 year old
Okay, this book was so absolutely basic that I could have written it. I was extremely disappointed with how much I didn't learn from this book. It is 45 pages long, so if you're expecting a good, interesting weekend read--this is not it. There weren't any detailed case studies. There weren't any crime scene pictures. Just basic info on fingerprinting and skull re-construction and a little bit of this-and-that. Extremely basic. Recommended for the interested 11 year old, but not for anyone who wants to really learn the nitty-gritty of Forensic Anthropology.

Great for forensic science fans.
If you like anthropology or forensic science you will love this book. It tells of forensic anthropology, along with several other forensic techniques. It also explains about forensic archeology, and how past mysteries are being solved using forensics.

An exceptional book for exceptional children
The Bone Detectives is a compelling book for young readers. While the subject matter may seem out-of-the-ordinary and even macabre to many adults, pre-teens and teenagers seem facinated with the science and technology involved in solving murder cases. The book can also serve as a way to open a dialogue about the harsh realities bombarding our children from televison, film, and the evening news.
If you know a bright child with an interest in science or police work, or if you just want to foster an interest,this book is a good start. ... Read more

Book Description

Why do lemons give you a buzz? Why does a cornstarch and water mixture behave so strangely? What happens when you put water under pressure and why does it suffer from surface tension? Over 50 experiments show you that science is bubbling away all around us. Science has come out of the laboratory and into the real world. Kids can become scientists in their own homes using everyday ingredients and supplies to carry out experiments. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

50 Fun Kitchen Experiments that teach!
I don't know about you, but cornstarch has always intrigued me. The way when you add water it gets so well, difficult to stir. So, why does it do this?

Aha...so, cornstarch never really dissolves and that is why it forms tiny solid pieces suspended in the water. That is called a colloid. The harder you press them, the firmer they feel, but when you leave them alone..they drip. When mixing cornstarch in water, you will find this to be SO true. However, if you add enough water, you win. ;>

So what fun will the kids be having?

Captain Cook - Eggs science (making meringues), Making Butter
Manic Mixtures - Cornstarch fun...lots of messy "goo"
Double Bubble Trouble - Making huge bubbles
Tower of Strength - Sugar Cement
Moldy Stuff - Yup..Mold!
Sour Power - Lemons as natural batteries
Fizzical Reactions - Volcanic eruptions..watch out kitchen!
Acid Tests - Get the kids to enjoy cleaning the silver...too funny.
Sinking Feeling - An explanation of lava lamps
Chopping Mad - Coloring celery, etc.
On the Move - Making a water wheel
Hot and Cold - Making Ice cream, hey finally something you can really eat!
Farming Crystals - Crystals from salts
Wet, Wet, Wet - Steam, liquid, ice
Under Pressure - Siphoning, etc.
Creating Currents - Electric charges, balloons
Hard and Soft - Boiling eggs, melting chocolate, toasting bread
Light Fantastic - Make a fake rainbow
Making Sense - Five senses, picture of what we taste: bitter, sweet, sour, salty
Seeing Sound - Sound waves and making your own drum
Hearing Things - Make some fun earphones

Each experiment has a bold heading, followed by plenty of pictures. The ingredients
are not listed in order, but are listed in the instructions. I would have liked to see them listed, but there are quite a few experiments on each page, so you can pick one. Most don't have that many ingredients and more than likely, you will have the ingredients
for these recipes or can easily obtain them at the grocery store.

You might want to keep this book in the kitchen so kids can play while you are cooking, soon they will want to be in the kitchen more when they find out how much fun it really is to "play" in the kitchen. If you think about it, children are naturally attracted to the kitchen, that is the only way to explain why all that Tupperware is everywhere again! For babies, playing with regular kitchen items can be really fun.

I myself was often found in a drawer or tossing about the entire contents of the lower kitchen cupboards. That was before they invented those child lock devices to keep kids out of the cupboards. I still think as a child there was no place more fun that the kitchen. When my parents kept me out for a few hours when they were painting, they said I screamed my head off the entire time. ;> Hey, I just wanted to help!

Imagine if I had found this book as a child! Fortunately science teachers do teach some of the fun things in this book. Your kids will LOVE it, and secretly,..I think you will too. ... Read more

Book Description

The American Heritage® Children"s Science Dictionary introduces students in grades 4 to 6 to the language and ideas of science. Clear definitions, stunning color art, and an array of special notes and tables cover the full range of scientific subjects, from earth science, computers, weather, and outer space to basic biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, and mathematics. Key figures in the sciences are showcased in biographical entries and sidebars. "Did You Know?" notes present amazing facts on topics from earthworms to gravity to tornadoes. Delightful to browse in, the book uses a simple cross-referencing system that makes it easy to find and compare information in each subject area.
Together with expert science consultants, the editors of the American Heritage® dictionaries have produced the reference work that parents and educators have been waiting for — one that is sure to spark kids" natural curiosity and inspire a long-lasting interest in science.

• More than 2,600 clear, easy-to-read definitions in all science topics
• 350 full-color photographs and drawings
• More than 150 biographies of notable scientists
• More than 100 notes on key scientific concepts
• In-depth graphic treatment of selected topics
• Easy-to-follow tables and charts, including Planets of the Solar System
and Rock Types
• Simple cross-referencing system ... Read more

Book Description

How many stars do you think you can see on a clear, dark night? Can you see thousands, millions, billions?

Stars are huge balls of hot, glowing gases. Our sun is a star. It is just an ordinary star, not the biggest nor the brightest. But the sun is the star that is nearest to our planet Earth.

In a clear, easy-to-read text and over twenty spectacular, full-color photographs, noted science writer Seymour Simon describes many varieties of stars, from red giants to white dwarfs, from the enormous explosions known as supernovas to tiny, extremely dense neutron stars-a tiny drop of a neutron star would weigh a billion tons on Earth. You will also learn about such fascinating objects as nebulas, black holes, pulsars, and the incredible quasars, each of which gives off more than a hundred times the energy of all the stars in the Milky Way put together.

Stars will introduce young readers to some of the most amazing mysteries in the universe. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good childrens introduction to the stars.
I bought this for my seven year old.He is delighted with it, the book is clearly a hit.The text is perfect for him to practice his reading as he learns about the stars.

He is especially taken with stars he recognises, such as Betegeuse in Orion.And he was very impressed with the drawing of a planet being sucked into a black hole.That sparked a couple of days of discussion about what life would be like in black holes.Kids always love the gruesome stuff!

The photographs of nebulae are very beautiful.I have to admit though, I'll need an adult version to answer some of the questions I am being asked.

This book teaches you alot about stars.
The book teaches you many things about stars.some things it teaches you is about Galaxes, Globuler clusters and clusters. THis book was very intresting and I recomend people that like stars to read this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Not sure how to explain arthroscopy to your curious kids? Do you want tolet them learn (and maybe teach you) on their own? The Scholastic ScienceDictionary is a fantastic reference tool for science- and nature-orientedkids in elementary and middle school. More than 2,400 terms from biology,astronomy, chemistry, physics, psychology, geology, and other fields are definedwith pronunciation guides, cross-references, and clear full-color illustrationsby Hannah Bonner. There might not be enough information included to write areport on a given subject, but the definitions are a great help to youngresearchers and can get the writing process flowing when other sources useunfamiliar words. When you need to know which way a stalagmite points, theScholastic Science Dictionary is there for you. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An upper elementary must have book!
I'm a teacher and ordered this book for my reference library last year. Any parent of a fourth or fifth grader should look into investing in this book - it carefully explains the most confusing scientific concepts thoroughly and uses pictures to help. Although it is designed for older students, my second graders consistently pick the science dictionary to read during free time. This book really attracts the kids attention! But, be warned, especially with younger students, you're going to be blessed by the sound of a lot of how and why questions!

Can't go wrong with this
I saw this at a friend's house, and as soon as I got home ordered a copy for my young nephews. It's a great science primer for kids. Worth getting for Hannah Bonner's wonderful illustrations. Recommended as well to adults who want to brush up on basic science.

Good place to start
We were looking for a book to introduce our 8 year old to science concepts. This book covers a wide range of subjects and helps kids understand more about the world when they complete school units in other subjects such as reading and social studies. Definitely a good choice for elementary age kids. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This book is a winner.
As soon as the book was unwrapped and opened for inspection, my 5 year old wanted to dive right in. A mother can't help but love a book like that. Usborne's many pictures and small paragraphs of information are ideal for children. The content is astonishingly good, and the presentation is even better. I absolutely love the experiments throughout the book. They are easy to do and only require items I normally have around my house. My only regret is that I didn't have this book to read when I was younger. After this book, I believe Usborne could make a book on the anything seem interesting.

a good buy
This has turned into a useful book. I homeschool our five children using a classical approach. Following the recommendation of The Well Trained Mind, I purchased this book. Initially, I was not as thrilled with this as with some of my other school purchases. References to macroevolution, the Big Bang, etc,,, as if those theories are fact don't seem suitable to a science book when you are training children in the beginnings of the scientific method. Unfortunately, this is a common approach. For those concerned about Biblical creation, the evolutionary detail is limited and can be easily skipped or discussed in light of the Bible.

On a practical level, this book is great. On numerous pages it offers little ideas to follow or use as mini-experiments or further research. It is easy enough for my youngest scholar to follow, and my oldest, a third grader, on busy days can read to the others.

We school for six weeks and take a break the seventh. The format of the book fits this perfectly. Each of the six sections can be read in a four-page spread weekly in six weeks, totalling the 36 weeks needed for school. This schedule allows one or two days a week for reading and a second day a week for experiments, field trips, or alternative reading/studying. (I usually read Tues. and Thurs. and do field trips and experiments on Saturday with Dad).

Overall rating of this book is positive. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Earthsearch is just the greatest book on Earth.
This book is not like a regular book. It dosent just have words and photos. Here's the resson: it has alot of the things that it talks about in it (for instince, it talks about ricycling and its cover is a sheet of aluminum.)

Also, it has many things you can do (becides reading it)in it,from a population clock, to a pop can biography. but I'll stop here so I don't give up all it's secrits.

What a great book!
This book is facinating! It's geography (plus a bunch other science stuff) made fun! I really like all of the stuff that you can do with this book... like it says, you can't just read this book, you have to DO this book!(:

Educational, wonderful book!
Earthsearch is the kind of book that educators and parents are always looking for. It's fun for both adults and children. Information packed, plenty of hands-on learning, encourages interaction, and presents very interesting views on how we see our earth. Very easy, enjoyable reading, I finally understood concepts I had never been able to understand when I was younger. Highly recommend.

Want to know how to keep a room full of kids quiet?
Buy this book.

Simply stated, one of the best hands-on books I've come across. Stretched over the span of a summer this book managed to keep an entire neighborhood of kids (ages 5-12) busy and interested in the world around them.

An excellent addition to any library, home or school, this book tends to be more accessible to kids than its companion Explorabook. The experiments are easy for anyone of any age to execute.

Its not just for kids
I originally bought the book for an 11 year old young man as Christmas persent. My son (26) looked it over and asked if I really was going to give it to the 11 year old? Other members of my family have now seen this and asked that I order more for various family members. Its very interactive and contains many interesting and intriguing bits of information. The cover alone is a wonder. I wound up giving the book to my grandson for Christmas and he's 7 years old. Now his dad is enjoying it, as well. I can picture and imagine everyone enjoying this Museum in a book. ... Read more

Book Description

Climb the tallest mountain, dive into the deepest lake, and navigate the longest river in Steve Jenkins' stunning new book that explores the wonders of the natural world. With his striking cut paper collages, Jenkins majestically captures the grand sense of scale, perspective and awe that only mother earth can inspire. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Best Marine Science Text Available
T.F. Greene's "Marine Science" is far and away the best introductory text on the subject I have encountered.It is well written and follows a logical, well written progression through a large body of information.The Units and Chapters are well thought out and each has effective review material.Review questions are in a variety of formats that reenforce without duplicating critical ideas in the text.Supplementary essays (sidebars) are well written, timely and enjoyable.My only conceivable complaint would be the lack of color illustration.Though given the low price, this is understandable.I would recomend this book to any one interested in marine science or marine biology. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Saving Junk, I can do.
Environmental Art for Kids, the sub-title. I like that. But what does it mean? This book takes kids outdoors to collect "stuff" from nature, like leaves and pinecones, or indoors to collect "stuff" like envelopes and newspaper. Once collected, there are about 150 projects for open-ended things to make with them. I especially liked making a "leaf burst" with supple autumn leaves and paint. I tried it and it's beautiful, just like the book says. Easy too. I also like the page layout...one big idea per page, book stays open nicely, great icons to help with other decisions to be made like how difficult and so forth. And can you believe it gives recipes for making your own homemade paste, glue, yarn, and chalk? Even how to build a kiln outside and bake your own clay, dry your own flowers. This is a pretty nice book for parents or teachers, camps, or any one who likes kids. ... Read more

Book Description

Ms. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus crew end up on the other side of the world when they set out on a search for the cackling kookaburra.It¹s a wild walk-about to Australia as they discover all the amazing animals of the outback! ... Read more

Book Description

DK continues its commitment to providing comprehensive reference books for young readers with the Encyclopedia of the Human Body. Perfect for use as a family guide to understanding how the body works and for supporting the science studies of school-age children, this volume is packed with bold illustrations and easy-to-follow text. The most challenging anatomical concepts, from how our skeletons support our body weight to the impact computer imaging is having on the fight against disease, are clearly presented for ease in understanding. Fascinating information on the history of medicine and its pioneers rounds out this must-have compendium. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I SING THE BODY ELECTRIC
I'm constantly amazed by the consistently excellent educational book front-list from British publisher Dorling Kindersley. No other mass-market publisher comes close to producing non-fiction books of such quality, scope, sophistication, visual excitement and sheer readability. When DK Publishing tackles a subject, it's done right, typically by a hand-picked team of editorial professionals and topic experts, as is the case with their latest desk reference book, "DK Encyclopedia of the Human Body." Here a team of medical experts provided the massive data contained in the tome's 300-plus pages. Then a team of authors and editors groomed the text into DK's characteristic style by outlining subject heads and breaking down information into easily-digested sub-sections, each with a corresponding image. There are more than 900 full-color photographs, illustrations, charts and diagrams here, all mesmerizingly revealing the workings of the human body in painstaking detail. Instead of listing subjects alphabetically in the standard style of most encyclopedias, here it is organized into related subject groupings, working parts, moving framework, control and sensation, supply and maintenance, and so on, and designed in concert with DK's uniquely eye-popping visuals. Timelines, charts and illustrated histories help put subjects into perspective and tidbits on leeches, motion sickness, head lice, and toilets will get the attention of even the most reluctant readers. Page after page, the detailed subject is presented clearly and concisely in such a riveting way that young students ages eight and up will not only find and comprehend the information they're seeking, but will become so absorbed that they'll surprisingly discover themselves reading for the sheer fun of it. For high school students, the encyclopedia is a particularly distinct and pleasurable alternative to dull textbooks, making this a must-have for every student's complete home library. ... Read more