Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-These titles offer just enough substance for the target audience. The projects are fairly simple to do, but not so basic that the desired results will be obvious. Organization is consistent, with a starting question or two to nudge readers toward a hypothesis; a clear list of supplies that suggests adult help when needed; and numbered instructions. An explanation of the science concept follows, along with an extra fact or two. Many projects also include starting ideas for expanding the simple experiment into a full-fledged science-fair entry. The language is intentionally simplified, stating that air "pushes on things" and light "bends" rather than introducing more daunting terms such as "air pressure" or "refraction." Double-spaced lines and neatly framed instructions give the pages an uncluttered and inviting look. The experiments feature one or two cartoon illustrations that show the main action, rather than multiple visual references for each individual step, which works fine given the beginning level. These projects may not be dazzling enough to excite science-fair veterans, but they may be just right for students with limited experience looking for projects that are fairly interesting and manageable.-Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Packaged as ideas for science fair projects, these earth science activities encourage detailed and sometimes long-term observation, careful planning, and consideration of core scientific concepts. Although explanations of the scientific principles in each activity are provided, they enhance rather than replace the experiments themselves (though some of the activities across the books are similar). Each is accompanied by cheery cartoonlike illustrations. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Rockin' Earth Science Experiments titles: Earth-Shaking Science Projects about Planet Earth, Far-Out Science Projects about Earth's Sun and Moon, Stellar Science Projects about Earth's Sky, Super Science Projects about Earth's Soil and Water, and Wild Science Projects about Earth's Weather.] (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
