Living Things (Starting with Science) - Hardcover

K-Gr 3--Each of these titles presents 13 simple activities. In Living Things, projects include starting a worm farm, growing sprouts, tattooing a plant, and creating a soda-bottle habitat to demonstrate principles of sustaining life. Adaptation is also introduced by showing that animals need different kinds of mouths in order to eat foods specific to their habitats. In Plants, activities include using colored water with celery in order to see the veins in plants, imitating the effects of acid rain by watering a plant with a vinegar-water mixture, making a leaf scrapbook, and growing a plant from a potato eye. Both books offer explanations of each activity; three boldfaced sections clearly outline materials needed, procedures, and what is happening. Most activities also include a fourth section that offers further explanation. Texts are accompanied by bright, full-colorful photos of children doing each activity. A parent/teacher page gives ideas on expanding the activities. If you have need for simple science experiments, these books are acceptable.

Katherine Borchert, Arlington Central Library, VA

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.