Creepy Crawlies and the Scientific Method: More Than 100 Hands-On Science Experiments for Children [Paperback]

Sally Kneidel (Author)

Book Description

From beetles to bugs, ant lions to slime molds, praying mantises to earthworms, Creepy Crawlies and the Scientific Method shows teachers and parents how to use a full spectrum of insects and other crawling creatures to teach children the five steps of the scientific method: question, hypothesis, methods, result, and conclusion. Focusing on fun as well as education, and operating on the premise that doing is learning, Creepy Crawlies offers more than 100 different experiments. This classroom-tested collection of experiments and discussions on crawling creatures and scientific methodology is a perfect resource for teachers or just an afternoon of educational fun at home.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...quite simply the best science resource book I have discovered." —Kidsphere

"Sally Kneidel, through her 'map into a tiny wonderland,' takes learners on many (114) exciting adventures." —Science Books & Films

"...made me want to do science experiments with my students and had me exploring under rocks and dead leaves to find some of the fascinating creatures she profiles." —NJEA Review

Science Books and Films Best Books Award

About the Author

Sally Kneidel, PhD, grew up next to a small creek and experienced crawling creatures at an early age. Her interest led her to pursue a Ph.D. in biology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She currently works as a reading and writing teacher and as a natural science presenter at various conventions. Sally is the author of 11 books on various topics involving wildlife, science education, sustainable living, and social responsibility, including coauthor of Veggie Revolution and Going Green. (Fulcrum). She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Fulcrum Publishing (April 6, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555911188
• ISBN-13: 978-1555911188
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #154,057 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #87 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Experiments & Projects

More About the Author

Sally Kneidel, PhD, is the author of 11 books on sustainable living, wildlife, and science education. Her most recent two books were co-authored with her daughter, Sadie Kneidel. She and Sadie speak at colleges and environmental conferences primarily on how our diet choices impact our fragile planet. Sally spends most of her "down" time blogging on her new website, http://sallykneidel.com and on the blog she and Sadie share, http://veggierevolution.blogspot.com. Sally is passionate about eco-travel and supporting communities in Africa and South America that are trying to transition to sustainable livelihoods. Sally's co-author Sadie is currently an English to Speakers of Other Languages teacher and community activist in central North Carolina. She lives in a collective household and concentrates her efforts on biking, community gardening, and neighborhood organizing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I highly recommend this book to k-12 science teachers!, July 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Creepy Crawlies and the Scientific Method: More Than 100 Hands-On Science Experiments for Children (Paperback)

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in science experiments and the scientific method. It is appropriate for any child grades k-12, with minor adaptations. The writing is clear, concise and accurate. Most of the experiments involve insects. Materials are inexpensive and easy to obtain. The book contains lists of suppliers and references. Data charts and tables are included and need only be copied by a teacher.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a MUST-HAVE for teachers!!, July 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Creepy Crawlies and the Scientific Method: More Than 100 Hands-On Science Experiments for Children (Paperback)

This book offers detailed information about different critters that are "common" to a classroom in an interesting and "easy to read" way. It provides terrific experiements to conduct, and values following the chid's lead and interests- creating experiments from their questions! WONDERFUL!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best experiments-for-kids book there is!, May 7, 2010

By 

Corraleno (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Creepy Crawlies and the Scientific Method: More Than 100 Hands-On Science Experiments for Children (Paperback)

Sally Kneidel says in her preface that "Children can learn scientific methodology with living things, just as well as with physical or mechanical systems. It makes sense to take advantage of their natural fascination with animals."

That's why this is hands-down my favorite book of science experiments for kids - it's filled with *real* experiments, with hypotheses, variables, lab sheets, etc., as opposed to the "demonstrations" in most science books for kids. Forget the baking-soda-&-vinegar fake volcano, your kids can do real research to discover if crickets prefer damp or dry substrates, dark cardboard houses or light ones, hides with one entrance or two. How often do ant lions change the location of their pit? Are hungry ant lions more likely to change locations or stay put? Will mantises molt sooner if they are kept warmer? What if they're fed more? Does darkness affect the reproduction of fruit flies? Will slime mold really crawl over the side of a petri dish to get to an oatmeal flake???

These are just a few of the 100+ experiments in this book, which also includes detailed information about catching, housing, feeding, and maintaining your critters. Most of the supplies are things you would have lying around the house, and most of the experimental "subjects" are critters you would find in your backyard. Highly recommended for parents, teachers, homeschoolers, and anyone who likes studying "creepy crawlies."