Alexandra Parsons

Electricity: A Creative, Hands-On Approach to Science is one of the books I chose for my upper elementary science content/genre study. It introduces the fascinating world of electricity and magnetism-from the natural power of a bolt of lightning, to simple circuits and switches, to the complex mechanics of an electromagnetic crane. I like this book because it allows the students to become scientists by conducting their own experiments and projects. It allows for a hands-on approach to show more learning with easy-to-follow directions and instructions. My favorite activity was producing static electricity with balloons. show less

This series is absolutely fabulous. Not only does it answer questions that most all kids (and even adults have), but it provokes our students to think logically and critically. They begin to think “oh, I never thought of that” and “well, hmmm… then why/how does…?” By asking and answering these intriguing and interesting questions, this book indirectly teaches children tons of concepts about science that can be applied to other areas as well! This book, in particular, asks show more questions about how and why things work, such as “how does a kaleidoscope work?”, “how does a ventriloquist make a dummy speak?”, “how do tightrope walkers stay on the tightrope?” and more! show less

A book about cats. Although I would not probably use it as a class book, I would love to have it because it is informational and students who are interested in cats would learn alot. The book discusses cats from the household variety to lions which are found in the wild. And a large variety in between. I think the age group would start around 3rd grade and beyond.

Royston, Angela. What’s Inside My Body? A First Guide to the Wonders and Workings of the Human Body. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1991. Specialized

Angela Royston’s What’s Inside My Body? is a children’s specialty book, for ages 4-8. The title of the book was designed to capture a child’s interest and natural curiosity. It is formatted with simple text, annotations, and excellent pictures of the human body, using real children models. The great thing about the illustrations is show more that they start out with a real photo of a real child, followed by an image of an interior body part super-imposed over the child’s body. So each page a child can see a part of a person’s body on the outside, and what organs, or bones or veins are like on the inside. This is an outstanding introduction to the human anatomy that is completely child friendly. This would be a great book for a pediatrician to keep in the waiting room! show less