Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities (For Kids series) [Paperback]

Kerrie Logan Hollihan (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: For Kids series

Isaac Newton was as strange as he was intelligent. In a few short years, he made astounding discoveries in physics, astronomy, optics, and mathematics— yet never told a soul. Though isolated, snobbish, and jealous, he almost single-handedly changed the course of scientific advancement and ushered in the Enlightenment. Newton invented the refracting telescope, explained the motion of planets and comets, discovered the multicolored nature of light, and created an entirely new field of mathematical understanding: calculus. The world might have been a very different place had Netwon’s theories and observations not been coaxed out of him by his colleagues.

 

Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids paints a rich portrait of this brilliant and complex man, including 21 hands-on projects that explore the scientific concepts Newton developed and the times in which he lived. Readers will build a simple waterwheel, create a 17thcentury plague mask, track the phases of the moon, and test Newton’s Three Laws of Motion using coins, a skateboard, and a model boat they construct themselves. The text includes a time line, online resources, and reading list for further study. And through it all, readers will learn how the son of a Woolsthorpe sheep farmer grew to become the most influential physicist in history.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–7—An opening time line commences with the 1642 marriage of Newton's parents and closes with his death in 1727, and a general introduction describes the man and the times in which he lived. The text touches on Newton's childhood in Woolsthorpe, his studies at Cambridge, which led to his three laws of motion, and his time as master of the Royal Mint and president of the Royal Society. The activities elucidate, for example, concepts in mathematics ("What Are the Odds?") and physics ("Create Optical Illusions"), and reveal more historical details. For example, in a section on the 17th-century plague, readers are provided with instructions on how to make a mask like those worn by doctors of the time. The activities will generally not be suitable for science fairs, but are likely to engage readers. Lengthy sidebars provide additional information about pertinent subjects ("Comets," "Churches, Kings, and Freedom of Speech") as well as individuals and events that influenced Newton's work. The writing is clear and detailed, but is best suited for motivated readers. Black-and-white illustrations on every spread consist primarily of reproductions of art and of scientific diagrams. Some of the further-reading suggestions, including two tiles by Newton, are for adults. This will be a handy supplement to a physics curriculum and would be a useful selection for school and public libraries.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA
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Review

"Hollihan introduces readers to the scientific brilliance, as well as the social isolation, of this giant figure, blending a readable narrative with an attractive format that incorporates maps, diagrams, historical photographs, and physics activities."  —Booklist

"Written for children, this book is also a great resource for teachers and parents."  —Connect

"Sanitized, sculpted, and politically correct stories of human luminaries are typically fed to schoolchildren. Author Kerrie Logan Hollihan, however, offers middle-grade readers a refreshing and comprehensive look at the man touted as the greatest scientist who ever lived."  —BookLoons

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press (July 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556527780
• ISBN-13: 978-1556527784
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,709 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Physics
  • #45 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Experiments & Projects
  • #48 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Science & Technology

More About the Author

Author Biography

Kerrie Logan Hollihan writes award-winning nonfiction for young people. Her books have been honored by Smithsonian magazine, the National Science Teachers Association, the Chicago Public Library, and the Junior Library Guild. She holds degrees in history from Allegheny College, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and the Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University.

Hollihan decided to channel her "inner sixth grade girl who read Compton's encyclopedia for fun" and started writing for kids in 2005. From 38,000 word biography/activity books about Isaac Newton, Theodore Roosevelt, and Queen Elizabeth I, Hollihan also enjoyed the challenge of "writing short" for an early reader series on Latin American celebrations.

"Kids don't get enough credit for being able to understand history as it actually happened. As I write, I try to explain the 'whys' of situations as well as the 'whats.' History is filled with great yet fully human men and women with faults and foibles. When I tell the stories of famous people, there are tough issues to address -- segregated America and religious persecution in England are topics I've tackled as I write for young people."

Hollihan, mother of two grown children, lives with her pilot husband Bill in Blue Ash, Ohio.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun activities but recommended for grades 7-12, March 12, 2010

By 

Cynthia E. Downes "Cindy Downes" (Broken Arrow, OK, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities (For Kids series) (Paperback)

I really enjoy the 21 Activities series by Chicago Review Press. I've read and recommended many of them, including Archeology for Kids, Civil War for Kids, and World War II for Kids. Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids is another in the series.

What I like about them is the easy-to-read text and the activities included that help kids put what they read into perspective. This particular book has kids building waterwheels, testing pendulum swings, and investigating Newton's three laws of motion. Lots of fun activities!

What I didn't like in this particular book is that, although it was written for grades 4-7, the text (especially in the last half of the book) was more appropriate for grades 7-12. The information provided about Newton includes his battles with depression and the possibility that Newton hid a homosexual relationship. I don't think many 4th graders are going to be very interested in these topics.

However, I still recommend the book as a family read aloud with discussion. All ages will enjoy the activity suggestions.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating man! Fascinating book!, July 20, 2009

By 

Diana - See all my reviews

This review is from: Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities (For Kids series) (Paperback)

Kerrie Logan Hollihan has written an amazing book about a fascinating and complex man. She brings Newton to life and makes his ideas accessible to young readers. Excellent visuals and fun activities add to this already rich work, making the book a great resource for teachers, parents, and home-schoolers!

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stories for Children Magazine 5 Star Review, September 30, 2009

By 

Virginia S. Grenier "Children's Author & Stor... (Ivins, Utah USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities (For Kids series) (Paperback)

Who do you think is the greatest scientist of all time? Various people will likely have different opinions in answer to that question, but certainly everyone should be able to agree that one of them is Sir Isaac Newton. Born in 1642, Newton is perhaps best remembered for the story, which may or may not be true, of how he developed the law of gravity after watching an apple fall to the ground. However, Newton was truly a phenomenal figure in the history of science who contributed to the study of optics, calculus, astronomy, and chemistry in addition to the study of physics. Additionally, he served his country both as a Member of Parliament and first Warden and then Master of the Mint.

Author Kerrie Logan Hollihan not only chronicles the history of Newton's life and work but also introduces students to the methods of scientific discovery, including rational questioning, systematic experimentation, and rigorous exploration, by including 21 activities with step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations to help stimulate interest in science. Some of the activities include building a sextant, conducting a series of tests with a pendulum, and mixing up a batch of homemade ink. There is also information about many of Newton's Enlightenment contemporaries and friends, such as mathematician Galileo Galilei and architect Christopher Wren. Newton was certainly not a "perfect" human being, and this book does not gloss over his faults.

Two things stand out about Newton: First, "he firmly believed that God was the creator of all things" (p. 70). Also, in spite of what some revisionist historians have concluded, "Newton's reputation as a great man of science stands firm" (p. 120). [...] Otherwise, Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids is a fascinating look at a great scientist who, despite his personal weaknesses and failings, contributed much to our understanding of the physical universe.