Bouncing Science: All You Need Is a Ball!

Children's Literature

This book is a collection of science projects that use a variety of kinds of balls to illustrate science principles. But it is more than that. It is also a "how-to" manual for writing reports or doing formal research of any kind. Further, this book is part of a series of "No Sweat" science books that explore everyday materials (shadows, thumbs and hair are already in the series along with balls) and use popular cartoon characters to draw young readers into the books. Clearly written, easy to follow directions and explanations characterize the projects outlined in 64 pages. Other interesting information about balls is included, as are recipes for popcorn balls and sources to look for more information about balls. It is a book just like the readers it will captivate—all over the place but with a unifying goal in mind. Because of that, this is an excellent choice for middle graders looking for a science project, a research topic or a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. 2000, Planet Dexter/Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, $13.89 and $5.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Judy Katsh

VOYA

The No Sweat Projects series assists young people, their parents, and their teachers in the often exciting and sometimes stressful world of science experiments, offering a thorough presentation of what might be expected for a successful effort. Group projects, written and oral reports, and posters or exhibits are presented with helpful tips on how to proceed from thinking and planning to final presentation. Sample note cards contain scientific facts as well as interesting trivia about a subject, which can be helpful when thinking about the topic as well as preparing the final report. The eight to ten experiments included in each book use readily available objects. These simple experiments are outlined in detail and are accompanied by whimsical illustrations and more interesting facts that can make the topics more lively. Bouncing Science uses balls to illustrate scientific concepts primarily in the field of physics. Young scientists are encouraged to explore the ideas of speed and mass as well as the effects of temperature on the ability of an object to pass through space. Sample experiments include comparing the bounce of various balls, comparing the forces of gravity on balls of different weight and mass, and using balls to explore potential and kinetic energy. Other titles include Thumbs Up Science, Hairy Science and Shadowy Science. With fun illustrations and a comic book format, these books are a great choice for reluctant readers or reluctant scientists. Although the simple experiments do not require the purchase of many items, they might be too simplistic for some school science fairs. Additional materials that add more useful information might make the experiments ready for amore serious science fair participant. Nevertheless this colorful series will make the topics accessible for even the most reluctant young scientist, Trade pb. Index. Illus. Photos. Further Reading. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2000, Planet Dexter/Penguin, 64p. PLB . Ages 12 to 14. Reviewer: Heather Hepler SOURCE: VOYA, April 2001 (Vol. 24, No.1)