Donna LathamResenhas

I loved the 25 different experiments that were included in this book, but this has a lot of information in it so it may be overwhelming to a child. There are labeled diagrams, vocabulary words, procedures, questions, and lots of fun ahead with this book. I could see the vocabulary being a space that children usually get tripped up on, but with the help of a teacher or the glossary in the back, this could help. There is almost an information overload but in a good way. This book was a great source of experiment ideas and just good questions for students to ask!

574.4

574.5

Bridges and Tunnels: Investigate Feats of Engineering invites children ages 9 and up to explore the innovation and physical science behind structures our world depends on. Trivia and fun facts illustrate engineering ingenuity and achievements. Activities and projects encourage children to learn about the engineering process and to embrace trial and error. Children will engage in a hands-on exploration of Newton’s Third Law of Motion and of forces that push and pull on structures. They'll make an egg bungee jump and a soda pop can engine. They'll experiment with a triangular toothpick dome, liquefaction, and corrosion. In Bridges and Tunnels: Investigate Feats of Engineering, children will explore their own engineering and building skills as they create several bridge models.

Latham, Donna. Edited by Adam Miller, Andrew Farrow, and Adrian Vigliano. Sci-Hi Series: Ecology. Chicago, IL: Raintree, 2009.

Characters: N/A

Setting: N/A

Theme: earth science, ecology, environment, ecosystems, pollution, competition among living species, extinction, symbiosis

Genre: Youth nonfiction; juvenile literature; earth science

Golden Quote: N/A

Summary: A comprehensive media rich into the study of ecology. Complete with colorful photographs, fun and interesting facts, including lab experiments, assessments, definitions, as well as information and resources on how to find about more about ecology

Audience: grade level: 7th and up

Curriculum ties: supplemental resource to tie into a variety of earth science ecology science units for middle school and high school curriculums; teachers can use this book in addition to conducting lab experiments such as planting and growing a class garden, examining soil samples, etc.

Awards: None

Personal response: This Sci-Hi series reminds me a lot of National Geographic Kids. It delivers complex content in a media rich format that is appealing for young readers. There is a vast array of fun, interesting, and “gross” facts accompanied with high quality photographs that clearly explains the concepts behind each scientific subject. Each book contains a table of contents, a glossary, and a “Find Out More” section (additional resources for children to go more in-depth with the particular topic/subject at hand). Furthermore, each book is written by educators with subject consultant experts in the specific field. Highly recommended to supplement any science curriculum in subjects that may need further knowledge and understanding or for students who have a specific interest in a particular area of scientific study.

The building of bridges and tunnels is a fascinating feat for engineers. Young readers curious about how these man made monstrosities are built will learn all about them. An engineer is a person who uses science and math to build. Some of the tools they use to draw an idea are levels, planes, protractors and geometry. Young readers will learn all the terminology engineers use every day. Each page has a “words to know” box that explains definitions for any young reader can easily understand. The “did you know” box shares fun facts about how engineers use their keen insights to avoid disasters. The history of bridges and tunnels can also be found along with the workers stories and how they survived and died building these massive projects. In the case of many bridges, readers will learn how war, wind, fire and ice have caused them to collapse. For example: the London Bridge was originally a crude Roman bridge built in 52 CE. The bridge spanned the River Thames in England for centuries, but it fell many times. Experiments are listed with detail instructions so that readers can put what they've learned to the test. Simple structures can be made with things found at home, such as marshmallows and toothpicks. Homemade paper wheels can teach young minds how steam works. Various pages have “notable quotes” which provide inspiration from famous people. There are 25 different projects in all. The back pages list other books, sites, a glossary and index to help readers find more information about engineering and to become better equipped with the terms used. Teachers and parents will enjoy sharing and learning with this handy tool that will inspire any math or science student.

$15.95