The Science of Life: Projects and Principles for Beginning Biologists [Paperback]

Frank G. Bottone Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

This activity book for budding biologists introduces kids to the five kingdoms of life through 25 engaging projects using materials commonly found around the house, yard, or classroom. Kids will learn how to conduct experiments using the scientific method in a carefully controlled environment. They’ll make their own culture media and determine which is more effective at inhibiting the growth of bacteria: an antiseptic, a disinfectant, or plain soap and water. They will delight in collecting and comparing night-flying versus day-flying insects and learn how to clone a mushroom from a piece of its own tissue. Plenty of background information is provided, along with fun facts, a glossary, and wonderful Web sites to explore.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-An introduction to the fundamentals of biology through different activities. Arranged by the five kingdoms of life, the text includes 25 projects. The book begins with a thorough section on safety and an introduction to the scientific method. The experiments range from creating a compost bin to observing and growing carnivorous plants to growing mushroom spores on a potato medium. Most of the activities are somewhat complicated and would require adult supervision, but students should find them intriguing. For example, all of the projects in one chapter begin with creating a bacteria-growth medium and range from attempting to grow bacteria to then attempting to inhibit that growth with a variety of different materials. Each activity includes an objective, a list of required materials, and information about results and variations. Black-and-white line drawings supplement the text. While the activities are fascinating and educational, some of the items may be difficult to track down, so Bottone has provided a list of suppliers. The volume provides a thorough introduction to this area of science and would be useful in most collections.-Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WABRANCH, Muriel Miller. Fine Arts and Crafts. 96p. (African-American Arts Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. 21st Century Bks. 2001. PLB $28.90. ISBN 0-7613-1868-2. LC 2001027166. Gr 7 Up-An introduction to African-American contributions to the fine arts. The author traces the origins of these arts back to their roots and, artist by artist, brings the diverse contributions up-to-date. Mary Todd Lincoln's dressmaker Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, quilter Harriet Powers, landscape artist Edward Mitchell Bannister, sculptors (Mary) Edmonia Lewis and Augusta Fells Savage, and photographers James Augustus Van Der Zee and Gordon Parks are among the individuals featured. Good reproductions of representative art both in color and black and white are included. The political and social atmosphere of each era is covered in relationship to the artists' opportunities and selection of subject matter. Although the writing is occasionally stilted, the author is passionate about her subject matter and ends with a plea for both conservation and restoration of African-American art. A helpful glossary of art terms and an excellent list for further reading are appended.

Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Frank G. Bottone, Jr., works as a molecular biologist researching cancer for the National Institutes of Health. He is also a freelance writer for Men’s Health magazine and Muscle and Fitness magazine. He lives in Carrboro, North Carolina.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556523823
• ISBN-13: 978-1556523823
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #711,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Frank G. Bottone, Jr., B.A., M.S., Ph.D. is a freelance medical writer and owner of Scriptorium Medica Medical Writing, Inc. Dr. Bottone received his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in nutrition from the interdepartmental program in nutrition at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC where his research focused on cancer chemo-preventive such as by dietary compounds in red wine, soy, and garlic, and various pharmaceutical compounds. Before receiving his Ph.D. degree, Frank graduated with his Master of Science degree in Biology from Old Dominion University, in Norfolk, VA, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Virginia Wesleyan College, in Virginia Beach, VA. He has published numerous scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, numerous magazine and newspaper articles in the popular press including a feature in Muscle and Fitness Magazine. He is the author of three books titled: The Science of Life: projects and principles for beginning biologist (ISBN-10: 1-55652-382-3), The Diet Denominator: Fill Your Tank for Less. A Practical Guide to Choosing Low Energy Density Foods (ISBN-13: 978-0-615-29422-3) and All About Pugs: A Collection of Color Photos and Short Stories (978-0-615-53681-1).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun science experiments for children, June 4, 2001

By 

"bionotes" (Chapel Hill, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Science of Life: Projects and Principles for Beginning Biologists (Paperback)

The Science of life: Projects and Principles for Beginning Biologists is an interactive and educational children's book suitable for children ages 9 and up. This book is based on the most fundamental principle of science known as the scientific method and is organized according to the five kingdoms of life. It teaches real-life science such as how antibiotics work, how bread molds, and how insects communicate. If you would like to speak to me regarding this work, contact me at the address above. Also, please feel free to promote this book in any positive way as your institution had a significant influence on this book.