Physics

"Many simple experiments with balloons (Grades 1+)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).

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DiSpezio, Michael. Flying Things : Simple Experiments / Michael DiSpezio. Dale Seymour Publications, 2000. ISBN: 1572328649. Favorably reviewed. Flying Things on Amazon.com

"Build a prototop, balloon rocket and others (Grades 2+)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student. (12-03)

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Farndon, John. Flight / by John Farndon. New York : Benchmark Books, 2002. Favorably Reviewed. Flight on Amzazon.com

"Offers explanation of several phenomenon (thrust, etc.) and photos of children conducting experiments. (Grades 3+)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).

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Lessen, Ann. A rainbow balloon : a book of concepts / written and photographed by Ann Lenssen. New York : Cobblehill Books, c1992. ISBN: 0525650938 Favorably reviewed. A Rainbow Balloon on Amazon.com

"(a Book of Concepts) Full color photos illustrate basic concepts as well as the the mechanics of hot air ballooning (Grades K-1)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).

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Lilly, Melinda. Color / written by Melinda Lilly ; photos by Scott M. Thompson. Vero Beach, Fla. : Rourke Pub., 2004. ISBN: 1589526465 Grade: C+

Simple book discussing color in light and pigment. The primary colors in light (red, blue, green) and pigment (cyan, magenta, yellow) are noted, but what makes the colors primary is not explained well. So while the information was correct, the book left me with questions (especially the pigment section) that I had to answer from outside sources.

Includes three activities to "try at home":

1. Requiring three flashlights and cellophane to show what colors are formed by mixing light
2. Requires brown marker, a coffee filter, and water to separate the pigment colors
3. Requires colored water, balloons, and freezing. The directions are unclear....am I suppose to pop the balloons to mix the colors or what?

Has a Glossary and Index. Karen Woodworth-Roman, UIUC MLIS (12-03)

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Loves, June. Balloons, kites, airships, and gliders / June Loves. Broomall, PA : Chelsea House Publishers, 2002, 2000. Favorably reviewed. Balloons, Kites, Airships, and Gliders on Amazon.com

"Simple diagrams, glossary and timeline (1+)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).

Spotlight long review: Macaulay, David. The way things work / David Macaulay. Boston : Houghton Mifflin, 1988. See the Review Here by Vicki Herschberger, B.S. in Elementary Education, MLIS Student UIUC (Reviewed 12-03)

The Magic School Bus taking flight : a book about flight / [based on the Magic School Bus books written by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Degen] New York : Scholastic, c1997. ISBN: 0590738712 Favorably reviewed. Magic School Bus Taking Flight on Amazon.com.

"[B]ased on books by Joanna Cole. Ms. Frizzle's class learns about flight when they shrink to the size for a model airplane. [Also a] 25 minute video. (Grades 1+ for both)." Reviewed by a UIUC MLIS Student (12-03).

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Matter / writers, Jackie Ball ... [et al.] ; editor, Sharon Yates ; illustration, Lee MacLeod. Milwaukee, WI : Gareth Stevens Pub., 2003. Milwaukee, WI : Gareth Stevens Pub., 2003. 0836833619 (lib. bdg.) [ Discovery Channel school science. Physical science ] Ages 9-12 Grade: A

This is one colorful and busy looking book. It is almost like watching a video as it presents each topic in small chunks. Matter looks at the four states of matter: gas, liquid, solid, and plasma. Explains how matter can change into different states. Provides lots of historical information. Contains some activities, a mystery to solve, and some questions to answer. KWR (02-04).

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Riley, Peter. Changing forms / written by Peter Riley. Milwaukee, Wis. : G. Stevens, 2002. [Everyday Science Series] ISBN: 0836832469. (12-03) Grade: A

Clearly written introduction to basic concepts that will prepare a student for her first chemistry and physics classes. While discussing solids, liquids, and gasses, this book tests various materials for malleability and dissipation and also discusses force. Changing forms encourages readers to start an experiment notebook and suggests simple experiments. [See index for other titles in this series by Peter Riley.] Karen Woodworth-Roman, UIUC MLIS (12-03).

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Walker, Sally M. Matter / by Sally M. Walker ; [photographs by Andy King].Minneapolis : Lerner Publications Co., c2006. 0822551314. Ages 4-8 (11-05). Grade: A

Sally M. Walker clearly explains what matter is and the three states of matter. For example, “Matter is made of tiny particles called atoms. Billions of atoms can fit on the period at the end of this sentence.” MATTER also explains how matter can change forms when heated or cooled. Pronunciation of difficult words is given in text. Various simple experiments are described in detail and can be tried at home or school. Most of the photos were taken specifically for this book and are very good. The illustrations are excellent. The book design is colorful and has a clean layout. There is a note to adults on “sharing a book” that encourages reading and discussing the text. There is a list of books and websites for further study, a glossary, and an index. KWR

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Whyman, Kathryn. Forces in action / Kathryn Whyman ; [illustrator, Louise Nevett]. Mankato, Minn. : Stargazer Books, 2005. Ages 9-12. 1932799206. 02-05. Grade: B+

Covers such topics as natural forces, friction, gravity, centipetal forces, pulleys and gears, etc. Book design is colorful. Illustrations are good, but some photos are too obviously stock. Has a glossary and an index. KWR.