Volcanoes

Children's Literature - Sylvia Firth

Science teachers and their middle grade students will welcome this title from the "Earth Science" series as an exceptional tool for learning. It combines the usual printed format with many technology sources that are obtained through a special online code that is printed on the back of the title page. Various short chapters explain what a volcano is, define types of volcanoes and eruptions, discuss the dangers of volcanoes and earth movements. Page eighteen relates a myth about the Roman God Vulcan. Other sections present basic volcano facts, provide a quiz and instructions for making a volcano, a timeline and world maps. A brief introduction to French volcanologist Haroun Tazieff, and what this type of scientist does is also included. Rounding out the text are an index and a glossary. Bright, clear, color photos, as well as eco notes compliment the basic text. The final page describes what is available online. The digital information covers audio introductions for each page, video clips, a slide show, web sites for research and games, related tests for the print matter and vocabulary exercises. Because today's youngsters are perfectly at home with technology, they should easily relate to this new approach. Reviewer: Sylvia Firth

Children's Literature

Did you know that most of the world's volcanoes are under the ocean? Or that lava can travel 120 miles per hour? 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 presented in its mere twenty-four pages. Readers will learn what a volcano is, how it erupts, volcano myths, and more. The information is presented in clear, well-written, yet spare language, and is accompanied by colorful photographs and drawings. All the traditional elements of a good nonfiction book are here: table of contents, index, glossary, ("Words to Know") and where to look for further information, ("Surfing our Earth"), but this series goes a step beyond to include a "Science in Action" section—in this case, creating a volcano model—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 Inc, Ages 8 to 12.
—Pat Trattles