Customer Reviews

Science Is...: A source book of fascinating facts, projects and activities

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am so glad to discover this book is still available. It's far more comprehensive and intelligent than so many other activity books. Laid out clearly, with activities in various realms of knowledge that offer numerous variations so a parent could conceivably use this one book throughout a child's school years. I can't imagine a child not discovering the joys of science (broadly defined) when a parent introduces him or her to some of these delightful activities. The best thing about the book is that so many of the ideas don't require vast preparation, but can be done spur-of-the-moment.

I have used this book a thousand times!! It spans ages, learning styles, and settings. Chances are, you will see that science is fun. As an educator, I HIGHLY recommend it to other educators, especially those who would like stronger science component.

Unlike most other reviewers, I focus on the content of this book. There are several activities in this book which are unusual in that they are seldom mentioned in other books of this type. This includes backwards tic-tac-toe (where you try to prevent your opponent from getting three in a row), a demonstration of why astrology is not science, measuring the drying of a sponge by attaching it to a meter-as-lever, the construction of dinosaur-skeleton models out of pipe cleaners, and the development of estimation skills by having children estimate the number of chocolate bits in a chocolate-chip cookie and the number of dots on a page. There is a section on science-art that includes the use of squares to help children draw accurate sketches of the major anatomical parts of insects and birds.

More familiar experiments include those on magnets, batteries, sundials, soap bubbles, yeast feasts, marbles sunk into liquids of different viscosities, etc. Ready-to-use tabulated information is provided on such things as minerals, the constellations, the solar system, and the animal kingdom. World-search puzzles are also included. A page contains sketches of many types of animal tracks. Still another gives advice on attracting birds to a feeder. There is a whole section on activities related to recycling and the environment.

As if all the foregoing, and much more (literally hundreds of different activities), were not enough, there is also an extensive bibliography provided for further reading. I love creative teaching, and this book certainly fits the bill. As an experienced science teacher, I found this book to be one of the most comprehensive sources of information for science teachers.

I've used many of the activities. Either as a demo, as a "set" or for students to do. The materials needed for the activities are inexpensive. The ideas presented in the book are creative and allow you to spend more "brain power" on other things. It includes all areas of science, no matter what you teach, it can fit in. I've used it for 9th and 10th and don't feel it is too "elementary". It's worth the money.

I've used this book for several years as a teacher, and found it gone from my bookshelf. It's great. It has everything. And it's written well and clearly. A very eclectic collection, but sound.

I used this book for Science Club for years and found it invaluable. I would highly recommend it for any teacher who runs Science Club or needs a supply of demos. Invaluable!

This is a great book of lots of projects that can be used throughout your child's elementary years. Possibly even middle school years also.

Just what we wanted. Fabulous for summer activities to pass the days. Great for girl scout troops, summer camps, and classrooms of varying ages.

This book actually came recommended to me for use in the high school, but it is advertised for a younger group (ages 9-12). I took a chance ordering it and agree with the publisher! It has some great activities included in it for middle school / late elementary school age students. It has a great matrix where the activities are cross referenced with their corresponding science topics, making it easy to find projects relating to specific biology, physics, chemistry, etc topics. Some of the activities I've seen before, but many are new to me and I think students would learn something while enjoy doing them at the same time.

This book is packed FULL of wonderful activities to help children and adults of all ages learn about science through fun and simple hands-on activities.