Do It Yourself
RSSReviewed by Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA -- School Library Journal, 11/01/2009
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Also in this article:
Science Projects - 500 |
Science Projects - 500
“Science fair” is a phrase that often strikes fear in students and their parents. Where do you get an idea? How do you do an experiment? What steps are required? But science projects are not limited to science fairs. What are students, parents, or teachers to do in order to learn more about the world around them? Luckily, some new series provide activities related to a variety of topics ranging from sports to plants.
BONNET, Robert L. & Dan Keen. Home Run!: Science Projects with Baseball and Softball chart. photos. reprods. ISBN 978-0-7660-3365-8. LC 2008003005.GARDNER, Robert & Dennis Shortelle. Slam Dunk!: Science Projects with Basketball charts. photos. reprods. ISBN 978-0-7660-3366-5. LC 2008024879.
GOODSTEIN, Madeline. Goal!: Science Projects with Soccer charts. reprods. ISBN 978-0-7660-3106-7. LC 2008002999.
GOODSTEIN, Madeline. Wheels!: Science Projects with Bycycles, Skateboards, and Skates photos. ISBN 978-0-7660-3107-4. LC 2008024880. ea vol: 104p. (Score!: Sports Science Projects Series). diags. illus. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow 2009. PLB $31.93.
Gr 6-10–This series ties science experiments to a variety of sports, capitalizing on their popularity. The books’ introductions include information about the history of the sport, safety steps to follow, and the scientific method. A trophy symbol shows which experiments include science-fair ideas. Each chapter begins with detailed information about the topic. Experiments include materials list (noting when an adult’s help is necessary), step-by-step instructions, questions to think about, and conclusions. Detailed diagrams help clarify many of the directions. Sidebars within the experiments include facts about the sports. Young researchers will find that these books meet their needs.
FRANCHINO, Vicky. Soil ISBN 978-1-60279-526-6. LC 2009002693.GRAY, Susan H. Bugs ISBN 978-1-60279-521-1. LC 2009006007.
GRAY, Susan H. Plants ISBN 978-1-60279-522-8. LC 2009004312.
GRAY, Susan H. Seeds ISBN 978-1-60279-514-3. LC 2008050538.
KAZUNAS, Ariel & Charnan Simon. Erosion ISBN 978-1-60279-525-9. LC 2009009356.
LOCKWOOD, Sophie. Electricity ISBN 978-1-60279-533-4. LC 2009001163.
LOCKWOOD, Sophie. Heat ISBN 978-1-60279-534-1. LC 2009001164.
LOCKWOOD, Sophie. Minerals ISBN 978-1-60279-524-2. LC 2009004313.
LOCKWOOD, Sophie. Rocks ISBN 978-1-60279-523-5. LC 2009003321.
MULLINS, Matt. Cells ISBN 978-1-60279-517-4. LC 2009004770.
MULLINS, Matt. Ecosystems ISBN 978-1-60279-516-7. LC 2009004582.
MULLINS, Matt. Planet Earth ISBN 978-1-60279-515-0. LC 2009011183.
MULLINS, Matt. States of Matter ISBN 978-1-60279-535-8. LC 2009011577.
ORR, Tamra B. Circulation ISBN 978-1-60279-520-4. LC 2009004309.
ORR, Tamra B. Digestion ISBN 978-1-60279-518-1. LC 2009004775.
ORR, Tamra B. Respiration ISBN 978-1-60279-519-8. LC 2009005324.
ORR, Tamra B. Weather ISBN 978-1-60279-528-0. LC 2009004310.
RAU, Dana Meachen. Levers and Pulleys ISBN 978-1-60279-537-2. LC 2009002699.
RAU, Dana Meachen. Light ISBN 978-1-60279-531-0. LC 2009002701.
SIMON, Charnan. Compounds and Mixtures ISBN 978-1-60279-536-5. LC 2009008680.
SIMON, Charnan. Water ISBN 978-1-60279-529-7. LC 2009008082.
TAYLOR-BUTLER, Christine. Magnets ISBN 978-1-60279-530-3. LC 2009004771.
TAYLOR-BUTLER, Christine. Solar Energy ISBN 978-1-60279-527-3. LC 2009006837.
TAYLOR-BUTLER, Christine. Sound ISBN 978-1-60279-532-7. LC 2009006010. ea vol: 32p. (Science Explorer Series). illus. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. Cherry Lake 2009. PLB $27.07.
Gr 3-6–This visually appealing series encourages readers to explore the world around them. Each volume introduces its overarching concept and discusses the scientific method and the steps involved in using it. Then, six experiments each include an introduction to the principle being explored, questions to think about, a hypothesis, a materials list, step-by-step instructions, and a conclusion. Along the way there are reminders to record observations, and some additional questions to consider. Colorful splashes contain additional details. The books end with ideas for additional experiments. A note of caution: some of the activities include potentially dangerous materials such as ammonia or nails.
GIBSON, Gary. Hearing Sounds ISBN 978-1-59604-187-5. LC 2008016394.GIBSON, Gary. Light and Color ISBN 978-1-59604-188-2. LC 2008016395.
GIBSON, Gary. Making Shapes ISBN 978-1-59604-189-9. LC 2008016396.
GIBSON, Gary. Making Things Change ISBN 978-1-59604-190-5. LC 2008016397.
GIBSON, Gary. Making Things Float and Sink ISBN 978-1-59604-191-2. LC 2008016398.
GIBSON, Gary. Playing with Magnets ISBN 978-1-59604-192-9. LC 2008016399.
GIBSON, Gary. Pushing and Pulling ISBN 978-1-59604-193-6. LC 2008016400.
GIBSON, Gary. Understanding Electricity ISBN 978-1-59604-194-3. LC 2008016401. ea vol: 32p. (Fun Science Projects Series). illus. photos. glossary. index. CIP. Stargazer 2009. PLB $27.10.
Gr 2-5–This colorful series will appeal to young scientists. The 12 experiments per title demonstrate a variety of basic science principles and include a short description of the principle, illustrated directions, a section explaining “Why It Works,” and ideas for further exploration. The older children in the grade range could try many experiments on their own. Experiments in which adult help is required are clearly marked. Unfortunately, there are no materials lists, and some of the directions, for example Sound’s “Add a little paper to the inner box,” are imprecise.
GARDNER, Robert, David Webster, Kenneth G. Rainis, & Barbara Gardner Conklin. Ace Your Animal Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas 104p. ISBN 978-0-7660-3220-0. LC 2008004234.GARDNER, Robert, David Webster, Kenneth G. Rainis, & Barbara Gardner Conklin. Ace Your Exercise and Nutrition Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas 128p. ISBN 978-0-7660-3218-7. LC 2008030798.
GARDNER, Robert, David Webster, Kenneth G. Rainis, & Barbara Gardner Conklin. Ace Your Human Biology Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas 128p. ISBN 978-0-7660-3219-4. LC 2008030799.
GARDNER, Robert, David Webster, Kenneth G. Rainis, & Barbara Gardner Conklin. Ace Your Plant Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas 128p. map. ISBN 978-0-7660-3221-7. LC 2008004687.
GARDNER, Robert, David Webster, Kenneth G. Rainis, & Barbara Gardner Conklin. Ace Your Science Project About the Senses: Great Science Fair Ideas 112p. ISBN 978-0-7660-3217-0. LC 2008030797. ea vol: (Ace Your Biology Science Project Series). charts. diags. illus. photos. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow 2009. PLB $31.93.
GARDNER, Robert, Salvatore Tocci, & Kenneth G. Rainis. Ace Your Chemistry Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas 112p. ISBN 978-0-7660-3227-9. LC 2008030800.
GARDNER, Robert, Salvatore Tocci, & Kenneth G. Rainis. Ace Your Ecology and Environmental Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas 112p. photos. ISBN 978-0-7660-3216-3. LC 2008004683.
GARDNER, Robert, Salvatore Tocci, & Kenneth G. Rainis. Ace Your Food Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas 128p. photos. ISBN 978-0-7660-3228-6. LC 2008049780.
GARDNER, Robert, Salvatore Tocci, & Kenneth G. Rainis. Ace Your Science Project Using Chemistry Magic and Toys: Great Science Fair Ideas 128p. photos. ISBN 978-0-7660-3226-2. LC 2008004685.
GARDNER, Robert, Salvatore Tocci, & Kenneth G. Rainis. Ace Your Space Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas 128p. photos. reprods. ISBN 978-0-7660-3230-9. LC 2008004688. ea vol: (Ace Your Science Project Series). charts. diags. illus. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2009. PLB $31.93.
GARDNER, Robert & Madeline Goodstein. Ace Your Forces and Motion Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas ISBN 978-0-7660-3222-4. LC 2008049778.
GARDNER, Robert & Madeline Goodstein. Ace Your Math and Measuring Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas ISBN 978-0-7660-3224-8. LC 2008023926.
GARDNER, Robert & Madeline Goodstein. Ace Your Physical Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas ISBN 978-0-7660-3225-5. LC 2008029637.
GARDNER, Robert & Madeline Goodstein. Ace your Sports Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas ISBN 978-0-7660-3229-3. LC 2008004689.
GARDNER, Robert & Madeline Goodstein. Ace Your Weather Science Project: Great Science Fair Ideas reprods. ISBN 978-0-7660-3223-1. LC 2008049779. ea vol: 128p. (Ace Your Physics Science Project Series). charts. diags. illus. photos. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow 2009. PLB $31.93.
Gr 4-8–These three series offer a wealth of information and differ only in the topics they include. All begin with an introduction that discusses science-fair projects and the scientific method and lists safety tips. The texts consist of five chapters of themed experiments–for example, some of those in Animal Science Project are “Clever Lab and Field Studies” and “Studying Human Behavior.” The chapters introduce the concepts and the experiments that follow demonstrate them. Many entries conclude with ideas for science-fair projects; as in the publisher’s “Score! Sports Science Projects” series, they are indicated by a trophy symbol. Each experiment includes a materials list, steps to follow, questions to consider, and diagrams that clarify the directions. When something potentially dangerous is involved, an adult is listed as the first material in the list and a reminder is included in the experiment. Worthwhile purchases.
With the range of topics addressed in these books, the interest of most young scientists will be met. For young scientists, Cherry Lake’s “Science Explorer” series offers a variety of simple experiments in an appealing format. Stargazer’s “Fun Science Project” series also provides simple ideas, but the directions are not as precise. Enslow’s “Ace Your Science Project” and “Score! Sports Science Projects” books address the needs of older students by providing background information on the topics, numerous questions to help shape each experiment, and ideas to extend the entries into science fair projects.
