Earth Science

Carolyn Phelan

The Science Fair series, of which "Earth Science" is a part, does not just show a sequence of experiments, but, rather, introduces students to the process of doing a science fair project. While the individual titles take examples from their respective disciplines, their overall guidance is so general that the books are like different flavors of the same brand of lollipop: they vary in color, but the form and ingredients are pretty much the same. While the illustrations, examples, and (sometimes) authors differ, the books' main ideas, organization, tone, and, sometimes, even wording are the same. Well organized and laid out, the books feature colorful photographs of students' charts and graphs that show different ways of presenting information. Typical of the series, "Earth Science" includes sections on scientific method, suggested projects, experimental design, safety, and presentation. While other books offer a more cost-effective approach to the subject, this series may have a place in libraries with a high demand for books on science fair projects.