Science & Math

BRADLEY, Timothy J. Paleo Bugs: Survival of the Creepiest. illus. by author. 48p. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. CIP. Chronicle. 2008. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-6022-2. LC 2007018174.

Gr 3-7–The author of Paleo Sharks: Survival of the Strangest (2007) turns his attention to insects and other arthropods, introducing unusual creatures from the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras, including giant millipedes and dragonflies. Action-packed pencil drawings enhanced with digital color are electrifying. B

CARSON, Mary Kay. Weather Projects for Young Scientists: Experiments and Science Fair Ideas. 134p. charts. diags. illus. maps. photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Chicago Review. 2007. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-55652-629-9. LC 2006016430.

Gr 4-8–More than 40 interesting and edifying activities explore topics such as air pressure, the seasons, clouds and rain, forecasting, and weather-related environmental problems. The easy-to-follow experiments are supported by brief informational overviews and helpful diagrams, while “Science Fair Spin” suggestions encourage readers to expand projects into larger studies. B

CHERRY, Lynne & Gary Braasch. How We Know What We Know about Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming. 66p. charts. photos. index. Web sites. CIP. Dawn. 2008. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-58469-103-7. LC 2007037255.

MALNOR, Carol. L. A Teacher’s Guide to How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Lessons, Resources, and Guidelines about Global Warming. Dawn. 2008. pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-58469-105-1. LC 2008003007.

Gr 4-8–With clearly presented concepts and inviting photos, this volume explains how data is gathered across the globe, interpreted, and used to understand the causes and effects of climate change. Emphasizing the importance of efforts and observations made by young “citizen scientists,” this empowering book will inspire kids to take positive action. The teacher’s guide offers charts; lesson plans, including experiments; “citizen science projects” of varying durations; and extended differentiated activities. B

DAVIES, Nicola. What’s Eating You?: Parasites—The Inside Story. illus. by Neal Layton. 61p. glossary. index. Candlewick. 2007. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3460-5. LC number unavailable.

Gr 3-8–Davies, a master at distilling relevant—and riveting—information, provides an eew-inspiring look at these body-morphing, host-hitching, ever-adaptable survival specialists. The gotcha text and amusing cartoons cover a plentitude of parasites, their life cycles, and their unique relationships with their (often-unsuspecting) living habitats. B

DIXON, Dougal. Amazing Dinosaurs: More Feathers, More Claws, Big Horns, Wide Jaws! 2nd ed. 128p. diags. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Boyds Mills. 2007. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-537-9. LC 2006038922.

Gr 5-7–An updated edition of Dixon’s Amazing Dinosaurs (2000), this introduction to a perennially popular topic offers a large-print text against a clean white background, and generous full-color drawings. Fact boxes note the pronunciation and meaning of dinosaur names along with facts about the size, weight, and geographic location of these creatures. B

FRADIN, Judy & Dennis Fradin. Hurricanes: Witness to Disaster. 48p. (Witness to Disaster Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. National Geographic. 2007. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4262-0111-0; PLB $26.90. ISBN 978-1-4262-0112-7. LC 2006103003.

Gr 4-7–Top-notch nonfiction authors cover the science of storms, historic disasters including Katrina, and safety tips through a lucid text and dramatic illustrations. Fact boxes and charts, a glossary, an index, and bibliography will aid report writers. B

GARLICK, Mark A. Atlas of the Universe. 128p. (Insiders Series). charts. diags. illus. maps. photos. reprods. glossary. index. S & S. 2008. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-5558-0. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5-7–Divided into four large sections covering the solar system, the universe, stargazing, and space exploration, this handsome volume conveys a wealth of information with visual flair. Eye-catching space photos and detailed, digital illustrations depict planets, nebulas, stars, galaxies, and much more, accompanied by explanatory captions and text blocks. B

JACKSON, Ellen. The Mysterious Universe: Supernovae, Dark Energy, and Black Holes. photos. & illus. by Nic Bishop. 60p. (Scientists in the Field Series). bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Houghton. 2008. RTE $18. ISBN 978-0-618-56325-8. LC 2007041165.

Gr 5-9–Jackson introduces Alex Filippenko, an accomplished and charismatic professor of astronomy, and illuminates some mind-bending astronomical wonders. Accompanied by Bishop’s engaging photos and spectacular NASA images, the text tackles complicated concepts with clarity and easy-to-comprehend metaphors. B

LAIDLAW, Rob. Wild Animals in Captivity. 48p. photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2008. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-025-8. LC C2007-902283-9.

Gr 5-8–The author, the director of a Canadian wildlife advocacy group, describes the negative behavioral and physical effects of captivity. Color photographs of animals in poorly designed, unhealthy environments combined with a passionate, well-written text will lead readers to question many widely accepted zoo practices. B

MELTZER, Milton. Albert Einstein: A Biography. 32p. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. CIP. Holiday House. 2008. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-1966-1. LC 2006043676.

Gr 3-6–Meltzer’s concise, yet in-depth overview of Einstein’s life includes an explanation of his theory of relativity in simple language. The author emphasizes the importance of Einstein’s work in paving the way for such scientific advances as space travel and computer chips, and chronicles the man’s lifelong interest in peace and equality for all people. B

O’NEILL, Michael Patrick. Ocean Magic. ISBN 978-0-9728653-5-7. LC 2007904079.

––––.Shark Encounters. ISBN 978-0-9728653-4-0. LC 2007904078.

ea vol: photos. by author. 45p. Batfish. 2008. Tr $19.95.

Gr 3-6–Through stunning, full-page color photos, an underwater photographer offers spectacular, up-close views of coral reefs, sponges, the Hairy Frogfish, and all manner of sharks, as well as the fish they eat, and nearby denizens. A conversational text provides information and a matter-of-fact look at conservation. B

SILVERSTEIN, Alvin, Virginia Silverstein, & Laura Silverstein Nunn. Adaptation. maps. 112p. (Science Concepts Series). diags. illus. photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. 21st Century Bks. 2007. PLB $31.93. ISBN 978-0-8225-3434-1. LC 2007002862.

Gr 4-8–Animals that exhibit seasonal color changes, and humans, whose skin color is a clue to their country of origin, help explain how living things adjust to their environment. Students will read about habitats and commonalities between exotic animals and their own pets. Color-blocked text, illustrations, sharp photos, and fun facts make this biological concept readily accessible. B

SILVERSTEIN, Alvin, Virginia Silverstein, & Laura Silverstein Nunn. Growth and Development. 112p. (Science Concepts Series). diags. illus. photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. 21st Century Bks. 2007. PLB $31.93. ISBN 978-0-8225-6057-9. LC 2006030299.

Gr 4-8–Life processes, such as photosynthesis and mitosis, are organized into manageable segments with simple chapter headings such as “How Do Things Grow?” Nearly every page has attention-grabbing sidebars about nature’s oddities and other trivia. Sections on embryonic development, puberty, and stem-cell regeneration contain a more advanced vocabulary. B

SIMON, Seymour. Hurricanes. rev. ed. 32p. CIP. HarperCollins/Collins. 2007. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-117072-0; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-06-117071-3. LC 2002151603.

Gr 3-6–The author’s signature approach to nonfiction topics—easy-to-understand information delivered in clear language and accompanied by full-page color photographs—is on display in this updated edition, which includes coverage of Katrina and ends with a list of tips for staying safe in a storm. B

STEFOFF, Rebecca. The Amphibian Class. ISBN 978-0-7614-2692-9.LC 2007003487.

––––. The Bird Class. ISBN 978-0-7614-2693-6. LC 2007007706.

––––. The Fish Classes. ISBN 978-0-7614-2695-0. LC 2007003483.

––––. The Marsupial Order. ISBN 978-0-7614-2697-4. LC number unavailable.

ea vol: 96p. (Family Trees Series). charts. diags. illus. photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2007. PLB $22.95.

Gr 6-9–Each volume begins with an overview of the classification of life and ends with a chapter on threats and conservation. In between, readers will find sophisticated, well-researched introductions to the different animal groups highlighted with splendid full-color photos, charts, and diagrams. B

TURNER, Pamela S. Life on Earth—and Beyond: An Astrobiologist’s Quest. 109p. maps. photos. reprods. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2008. RTE $19.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-133-2; pap. $11.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-134-9. LC 2007001475.

Gr 5-7–NASA scientist Chris McKay takes readers to Antarctica, Chile, Siberia, and the Sahara Desert, as he studies microbes to see if they can sustain life in the most inhospitable environments. Color photographs fill each page and chronicle the scientist at work around the world, as he speculates about the possibility of life on Mars and generates excitement about future investigations in microbiology and astronomy. B

WOODFORD, Chris & Jon Woodcock. Cool Stuff 2.0 and How It Works. illus. by Darren Awuah, et al. 256p. diags. photos. glossary. index. DK. 2007. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-0-7566-3207-6. LC number unavailable.

Gr 4-8–Following the format of Cool Stuff and How It Works (DK, 2005), this oversize, browser’s delight features colorful, detailed spreads that explain, illustrate, and explore more than 100 modern devices that impact the way we live, work, play, communicate, and travel. B

Eco=Kids (Middle School Series). 3 videos or 3 DVDs. approx. 15 min. ea. Prod. by The Entertainment Group. Dist. by Landmark Media (landmarkmedia.com). 2008. $525 ser., $195.95 ea. Includes: The Earth Needs Your Help; How “Eco” Are You?; The Things You Can Do.

Gr 7-9–This series, narrated by two students, addresses the problems that endanger the Earth’s environments and suggests simple conservation steps. The Earth Needs Your Help discusses air pollution, the depletion of the ozone layer, the disappearance of rain forests, and global warming. It explains how to conduct an eco-investigation and create a step-by-step conservation checklist. In How “Eco” Are You?, home, school, and community are focal points for examination and assessment. Things You Can Do reviews eco-investigation notes and possible actions. V D

Soil: Kids Go Green (Kids in the Garden Series). DVD. 6 min. (closed captioned). Prod. by ABC Australia. Dist. by Film Ideas (filmideas.com). 2007. ISBN 1-57557-952-9. $99.

Gr 1-5–Nick Hardcastle’s sense of humor shines through in this hands-on horticulture series. The first chapter presents basic facts about the characteristics of sandy and clay soil. The soil’s role in growing plants is described, air and hydroponic plants are explained, and composting and amending garden soil is demonstrated. In the second segment, two youngsters help Hardcastle create a worm farm using readily available materials. D

The Water Cycle. video or DVD. 14 min. with tchr’s. guide, reproducibles. Visual Learning Co. (visuallearningco.com). 2007. video: ISBN 978-1-59234-190-0, DVD: ISBN 978-1-59234-191-7. $79.95.

Gr 3-6–This terrific introduction to the water cycle is divided into six brief chapters covering various water sources. Segments introduce the water cycle, evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. In each section, the video pauses briefly to pose a question or ask for a prediction. V D

Water Detectives. DVD. 11:32 min. (closed captioned). with tchr’s guide. National Film Board of Canada (nfb.ca). 2007. $95.

Gr 4-7–A severe water shortage in Matamoros, Mexico, prompted the city to begin a unique program: thousands of children were enlisted to become “Water Detectives.” The children were educated about water conservation, trained to discover ways to limit its use, and charged with changing the attitudes of adults about water consumption. The youngsters are seen inspecting leaky faucets, conversing with adults about the severity of the problem, and teaching their peers about the issue. After one year, the community lowered its water consumption by nearly 20 percent. D

Who Wants to Be an Entomologist? DVD. 35 min. Creepy Crawly Zoo (creepycrawlyzoo.com). 2008. $19.99.

Gr 2-6–Tony Gustin, “The Bug Whisperer,” has produced a hilarious, occasionally repulsive, and always fascinating introduction to entomology featuring amusing graphics, special effects, and fast-paced dialogue. Insects and arthropods are clearly defined, scientific terms are explained, and tools and methods are explored. This is science at its best—interesting, fun, and accessible. D

When Is a Planet Not a Planet? (unabr.). CD. 43 min. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape (library.booksontape.com). 2007. ISBN 978-0-7393-6335-5. $20.

Gr 3-6–In her exceptional book (Clarion, 2007), Elaine Scott explains why Pluto was demoted to a dwarf planet. The author provides a brief history of astronomy, starting with the ancient Greeks and moving through Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, Isaac Newton, and modern astronomers. Pete Larkin reads the informative text, while “Space Fact” boxes and the glossary are read by another narrator. A

Moon Landing (Graphic History Series). CD-ROM. Systems: Win 98 & later; Macintosh Power PC. ABDO Books (abdopub.com). 2008. ISBN 978-1-60270-166-3. $18.95.

Gr 3-6–Joe Dunn’s book (ABDO, 2008), in graphic-novel format, offers information on the 1969 moon landing. It introduces the Cold War, the Soviet Union’s successful launch of Sputnik, and the U.S.’s resolve to lead in the space race. Readers learn about NASA and the successful Apollo 11 space mission. On/off narration is featured, words are highlighted as they are read, and a spoken definition is provided for some terms. CD

Exploring Time. www.exploringtime.org/. Twin Cities Public Television and Red Hill Studios. (Accessed 8/04/08).

Gr 5 Up–Segments from the two-hour Science Channel program of the same name combine with time-lapse video activities to challenge students to understand change and the passage of time. From 18 minutes in New York’s bustling Times Square to 35 days for a 12,000-year-old ice shelf to melt to 9 months of pregnancy, the short videos will spur discussion. Links to information on creating time-lapse films are included. W