Backyard Science [Hardcover]

Shar Levine (Author), Leslie Johnstone (Author), Dave Garbot (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up

Award-winning author Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone have cooked up a science success in the kitchen and made a splash in the bathroom, all by showing kids how to transform their homes into exciting science labs. Next step: the backyard, where budding ecologists can begin their study of nature. Whether they're examining slug slime (testing a garden slug's slime to see how sticky it is), finding and germinating fern spores, or getting down and dirty in the earth to see soil critters, youngsters will love this array of fun outdoor science activities. Brightly colored photographs and illustrations help kids carry out each experiment perfectly.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-5–Seeing backyards as laboratories will enliven the teaching of science, enhance parent-child interaction, and awaken curiosity about the natural world. This book has the potential to do all that and more. The authors encourage children to use their senses to learn as much as possible about the outdoors. Projects include building a home for ladybugs, making bird nests and looking closely at those that might be found (with warnings not to disturb them), and identifying footprints. The attractive layout includes full-color photos and drawings. The text clearly outlines what is needed for each experiment, and the concise explanations will satisfy budding scientists. Students could easily follow the instructions to listen to sounds the worms make after getting them to the surface in a worm roundup. Make sure your science teachers know about this one.–Myrna Livesay, Carter's Valley Elementary School, Church Hill, TN
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5. Whether the project is making a sundial, finding spirals in plants, mollusks, and the Milky Way, calculating the Fibonacci sequence, or observing ants on a log, the thrill of discovering science in daily life will draw children to this illustrated, hands-on guide, which moves from the small things in the backyard to the sweep of biology, chemistry, and even some physics. The clear, attractive design is accessible without being condescending, and the generous double-page spreads include captioned color photos of kids doing the experiments, occasional comic cartoons, and boxed information. Each project is broken down into procedure and results. Several experiments center on ecology, including information on how to be friendly to the environment and protect biodiversity. Although this is probably more than most kids will want to tackle on their own, it's a great source for group projects. A useful note to parents and teachers, as well as warnings about safety round out the text. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402715196
• ISBN-13: 978-1402715198
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,213,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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