Exploring the Sky: 100 Projects for Beginning Astronomers

School Library Journal

Gr 7-12 One hundred ingenious projects are interspersed throughout this lucid narrative, which itself could stand alone as a comprehensive outline of the universe. Subjects covered include seasons and celebrations; sundials and calendars; cosmology from Babylon to the Big Bang; the Zodiac; constellations; maps and navigation; poles and magnetism; the sun, moon, and solar system (including earth science); telescopes and stellar photography; space and time; stellar evolution; comets, meteors, quasars, and pulsars; and space flight. The science is enriched by references to art, literature, language, history, religion, and mythology. Culled from many sources as well as invented, and refined through classroom use, the projects add an exciting dimension to the presentation. They are designed to allow readers to discover some natural facts through experience while confirming the ideas presented. The application of simple materials and homemade devices to illustrate complex and advanced concepts is amazing; however, some projects may be too crude and simple for older students. A useful handbook for students and teachers. Dennis Ford, Canandaigua Junior Academy, N.Y.