The starts with a puzzle involving magnetism and electricity and ends with its solution. The book is clearly written and illustrated to explain the topics and grabs the interest of the reader. Experiments are included with step-by-step instructions and an explanation of what is shown by the experiment. Glossary, index, and list of other sources are included. This could be used by a teacher to enhance curriculum or as a good resource for students preparing reports.
Book Buzz
This book takes readers on a fascinating journey to learn how magnets work; they also learn about the relationship between magnets and electricity. The informational text begins with a broken toy car, and the reader is asked which of the three ideas presented is the best solution to fix the problem.
The book includes hands-on experiments, data tables, information about the history of the first Chinese compass, a story about Hans Christian Orsted, and photographs of jobs dealing with electricity and magnetism. These elements give the book a full range of possibilities for an elementary classroom teacher. Children will enjoy the colorful and detailed illustrations on each page. Key vocabulary words are printed in bold font, which prompts students and teachers to consult the extensive glossary for more information.
Readers will find key elements of a nonfiction text, such as a table of contents, an index, a glossary, additional notes, and resources for further reading. Inquiry science is the backbone of this entire Norwood House Press series. The authors use questions and activities based on real-life situations to make the books relevant to young readers.
National Science Teachers Association
This series of iScience readers for the elementary grades offers clear descriptions of key scientific concepts and also discusses the usefulness of the scientific method in finding answers to questions. Each title gives readers activities to follow, puzzles to solve, and questions to answer using the information found in texts.
PSLA's Top Ten or so Nonfiction Titles 2011
