Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library) [Paperback]

Jeanne Bendick (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.
Illustrated by the author.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Bethlehem Books; Revised edition (August 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883937124
• ISBN-13: 978-1883937126
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > Ancient Civilizations

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

155 of 158 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful AND Entertaining - a rare mix, May 30, 2003

By 

Valerie L. Criswell "valc" (Florence, SC United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library) (Paperback)

I just got done reading this aloud to my homeschooled 6th grade twins. What a treasure! The author weaves together mathematical and scientific principles into a delightful story format. My kids had no trouble understanding the well-illustrated concepts.

We used this book in our unit study on Ancient Greece. It just so happened, that during the reading, our Science lesson was on the six simple machines, a few of which Archimedes was the founder! As if all this isn't enough, my children took away with them an interesting outlook. We take the principles such as the center of gravity, buoyancy, pi, exponents, all that we know about geometry, etc. for granted. It's so much a part of our lives. This book helped us to imagine a time when these concepts were yet to be uncovered, an exciting time in the development of applied science and technology. It also helped us see Archimedes as a real man, and not just another boring scientist to learn about.

Even though my kids are homeschooled, they moan and groan about their work just like any other kids. This book was still able to capture them. It was a great selection that complemented our studies very well, and was a good investment of time and money.

71 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Exceptionally Written Book!, November 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library) (Paperback)

As a blind buy, but still needing an upper-elementary level book on Archimedes, I was more than happily surprised to see what an absolute gem this book was! Well written, easily understood, yet not too basic, the author weaves and explains scientific and mathematical principles in a story-like form that entranced my homeschooled fifth-grader. This is one he'll want to read over and over--not a book he felt he "had" to read. I highly recommend its purchase.

58 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do Not Hesitate to Buy This Book!, September 29, 2005

By 

CD "devotedmomof7" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library) (Paperback)

I have had an interest in buying this book for many years. It is recommended in virtually every reputable catalog. It just always seemed like when essential schoolbooks were purchased, it didn't make sense to purchase a book about just ONE person. Well, that was a gigantic mistake on my part. The accomplishments of Archimedes made him one of the most important founders of science. This captivating book tells the story of Archimedes life AND gives vivid imagery to his accomplishments through simple, effective text and delightful illustrations. From my 3rd grader to my 10th grader, they all eagerly finished the book with enthusiastic comprehension. Of course, the "Eureka" story stood out to all, but other concepts such as levers and water displacement were covered in a way that brought clarity to those scientific principles. So this book is not about one man, but a plethora of important scientific observations.