Screws, Nuts, and Bolts

K-Gr 1–Each book covers a simple machine and reveals how it works, such as utilizing a screw or nut and bolt to hold a toy car or a jungle gym together. Pulleys are used to lift things and can be found on cranes and tow trucks. Ramps and wedges can be found in toys that move things up or down. Wedges are also found in darts, plastic sand shovels, and scissors. Similarities of toys and machines used for big jobs are compared. Each title contains a multiple-choice question with the answer, a small picture glossary, and suggestions for adults on how to use the books on the end pages. Helping to emphasize the concept are clear, color close-up photos of toys with labels. The featured toys are popular today but also have stood the test of time such as Mr. Potato Head, skateboards, and toy cars. These books make relating scientific concepts easy when children can see a photo of a toy opposite one of a full-sized object, e.g., a ramp made of blocks facing a playground slide. Good resources for early childhood sections to help youngsters grasp the basics of simple machines.–Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX