Understanding Electricity

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5–This colorful series will appeal to young scientists. The 12 experiments per title demonstrate a variety of basic science principles and include a short description of the principle, illustrated directions, a section explaining “Why It Works,” and ideas for further exploration. The older children in the grade range could try many experiments on their own. Experiments in which adult help is required are clearly marked. Unfortunately, there are no materials lists, and some of the directions, for example Sound’s “Add a little paper to the inner box,” are imprecise.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5Entertaining and instructional series entries. Double-page experiments consist of illustrated step-by-step directions with proper safety cautions, explanations of how or why they work, and suggestions for further exploration. Making Shapes uses shape making and shifting to illustrate concepts from different branches of science. Pushing and Pulling introduces gravity, weight, friction, hydraulic forces, fluid drag, and pulleys. Understanding Electricity uses a 6-volt battery and 6-volt lightbulb along with other simple household products to explain resistance and electroplating as well as the parts of an electric circuit itself. There are also projects showing the effects of static electricity and how batteries work. All three books have full-color photographs and cartoon drawings that are appealing and informative. Youngsters will pursue these titles for fun as well as for assignments.Margaret M. Hagel, Norfolk Public Library System, VA

Children's Literature - Susan Borges

Attention hands-on learners and science enthusiasts! This dynamic and appealing book about electricity offers direct, easy to understand text with colorful supportive photographs and illustrations that will make learning about physical science fun and exciting. This text is well organized by chapters, each representing a specific topic about electricity such as battery power, simple circuits, and conductors and insulators. Included in the two page chapter for each specific topic, there is a section called ?why it works' as well as a section called ?further ideas.' The content is supported or extended by clear illustrations and other attractive graphics such as diagrams with labels and real life photographs of children performing the described experiments. Important text features such as a table of contents, sidebars, an index, and a glossary make this text very user friendly for young readers who use this book as a resource or reference for science fair activities in their elementary school classroom. In or out of the classroom, this engaging informative nonfiction text about electricity will be enjoyed by young readers because it is attractive, informative, and totally engaging. Reviewer: Susan Borges