Rocks, Minerals & Metals, Environmental Conservation & Protection, Agriculture, Farming & Ranching
![Down to Earth by Melissa Stewart; [illustrator, Jeffrey Scherer] — book cover](/cover/9780756505950)
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Overview
Note to Readers: To learn about rocks and soil, scientists observe them closely. They draw and write about everything they see. Laten they use their drawings and notes to help them remember exactly what they observed. This book will help you study rocks and soil like a scientist. To get started, you will need to get a notebook and a pencil. Before you start collecting rocks or digging up soil, make sure you get permission from an adult. Also get permission from the person who owns the land. In the Doing More section in the back of the book, you will find step-by-step instructions for more fun science experiments and activities. In this book, words that are defined in the glossary are in bold the first time they appear in the text.Introduces the components of soil, patterns of change, and erosion.
Editorials
Children's Literature
Have you ever wondered what soil is made of? Or how it was created? Have you taken a really close look at rocks? This book encourages kids to observe, take notes, compare and carry out simple experiments that will help them answer these questions and others. Written by a former editor of children's science books and one who has academic degrees in biology, science and environmental journalism, the book is informative, accurate and engaging. Words defined in the glossary are highlighted in bold orange letters and throughout the text special symbols alert readers when it is time to read directions very carefully or to ask an adult for help. The "To Find Out More" page lists books, places to visit and the publisher's website which can be used to track down more information on soil. An excellent addition to classroom and school libraries and a book that parents and younger kids will have fun sharing. 2004, Compass Point Books, Ages 5 to 8.—Anita Barnes Lowen
School Library Journal
Gr 2-4-Large color photographs; clear, precise sentences; and carefully chosen questions introduce the techniques of scientific observation. Readers are encouraged to use a notebook to write down what they see and to include sketches of the wildlife or layers of rocks and soil that they observe. Emphasis is placed on looking at, but not disturbing one's natural surroundings. Experiments are clearly marked with icons for reading directions carefully, seeking adult help, and turning to the "Doing More" section at the end of each book. Many of the photographs are placed at angles; captions reinforce the scientific method, for example, "Try to collect soil samples from places with different types of plants and soil" (Earth). Working independently is encouraged, although younger children will need assistance in setting up a notebook and making sketches. Readers will find that following the suggestions will sharpen their observation skills while providing additional fun.-Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.Book Details
Published
January 1, 2004
Publisher
Minneapolis, Minn. : Compass Point Books, c2004.
Pages
32
Format
Binding
ISBN
9780756505950