Minerals

Children's Literature - Sylvia Firth

Today's students know nothing of a world without technology, so this title in the "Earth Science" series is certain to be of great interest to middle graders and their science teachers. It combines the world of print with the latest available technology. Basics about minerals, such as how they are used, what types there are and where they are found are explained in the text. Additional sections cover how to identify minerals, how to determine their hardness, define the work of a mineralogist, relate a myth about the amethyst, provide a quiz and an experiment. Completing the book are a glossary and index. All the segments are briefly presented on a page or two with clear, brightly colored photos, charts, a world map that identifies the source of minerals and brief eco notes. Information is also given about Friedrich Mohs, who invented the Scale of Hardness for minerals. On the reverse of the title page is a book code that provides the reader with the means to log on to a special web site created for this volume. The site presents audio sections of the book, video clips, slide shows, web links, more experiments and activities. Science teachers and students are sure to find this new way of learning very useful. Reviewer: Sylvia Firth

Children's Literature

Did you know that in ancient Rome soldiers were paid in salt? Or that liquid water is not a mineral but frozen water is? These and other interesting facts are in this book, part of the "Science Matters" series. Do not let the book's size fool you. A wealth of information is packed into its mere twenty-four pages. Readers will learn the basics, like how to identify minerals, what they are used for, their value and why they are important to our lives. They will also learn how to grow crystals and pan for gold. The information is presented in clear, well-written, yet spare language, and is accompanied by colorful photographs and drawings. All the elements of a good nonfiction book are here: table of contents, index, glossary ("Words to Know") and where to find further information (Surfing Our Earth), but this series goes a step further to include a "Science in Action" section—in this case panning for gold and other minerals—which gives students some hands-on opportunities to apply and expand what they have learned. It also includes a "What Have You Learned?" section which helps reinforce the information by asking readers ten simple questions on the material presented in the book. This book is a must have for elementary science students and their teachers, and would be a great addition to a home-schooling parent's library. 2005, Weigl Publishers, Ages 8 to 12.
—Pat Trattles