Science And History Project Book

Children's Literature

Teachers of young children have a favorite saying: if it is not in their hands, it is not in their heads. This enormous volume, full of colorful illustrations, simple text and well-written instructions will help the enterprising educator fill heads with knowledge and excitement about learning. The book is divided into eight categories. "Our Restless Earth" deals with earthquakes, volcanoes, natural forces such as wind erosion, rivers and mountain formation. "Natural Wonders Close to Home" features natural nearby habitats of birds, plants and insects. "Physical and Material Marvels" includes projects that explain technology and how it has changed our lives and world. "Travel and Transportation" helps students learn about the forces of jet propulsion, thrust and lift plus how boats, trains, cars and spacecraft work. "Houses and Homes" includes projects for a variety of homes based on the diversity of cultures and variety of available building materials. "Fashion and Accessories" is about making wearables—practical to royal—from cultures around the world. "Science and Technology" demonstrates how discoveries and inventions in writing, weights and measures, and currency plus communications have changed civilization. Finally, "Customs, Arts and Entertainment" helps students discover how spiritual and creative customs have resulted in early versions of sports, games, toys and entertainments still popular today. Projects are generally inexpensive, requiring readily available materials. The experiment using a large plastic bowl, water and a plastic ball explained the rising and falling of tides more effectively than any textbook I remember studying. And that is just one double-pageoffering. The book includes introductory information, a world map and an extensive glossary and index. This is a book well worth having for teachers, students or hands-on learners of any age. 2004, Lorenze Books, Ages 12 up.
—Judy Crowder