Area, Distance, and Volume (Measure Up!)

"Discusses area, distance, and volume, the science behind measuring area, distance, and volume, and the different devices used to measure them"--Provided by publisher.

Grade 4–7—These engaging and informative titles provide readers with a history of measurement, interspersed with related facts. Both Area and Temperature include fun experiments that kids can do on their own. Time is current, with reference to the new standard for Daylight Saving Time. The excellent blend of photographs, charts, and diagrams complements the texts. Conversion charts for customary and metric measurement are clear and easy to understand. A thorough glossary, recommended additional reading, and answers to questions posed throughout the text (Area) round out the well-thought-out and organized presentations. Unfortunately, the Internet resources in Area are disappointing. Of the two sites given, one is already down, and the other is a lesson-plan page—great for teachers, but not for students. Despite that flaw, these titles are solid additions.—Colleen D. Bocka, Nathaniel Rochester Community School, Rochester, NY
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From the Measure Up series, this book opens with a chapter on the history of customary measurement and the metric system. After introducing a few physical and conceptual tools used in measuring, Sullivan explains how to determine distances (mainly perimeters and circumferences), areas of common two-dimensional geometric shapes, and volumes of three-dimensional objects. The presentation concludes with a glossary, very short lists of books and Web sites, a couple of experiments, and answer pages for problems posed earlier. Colorful lettering, photos, and diagrams give the book an accessible look, though the subject matter goes beyond what is usually taught about measurement at the elementary-school level, at least in the U.S. Brief and succinct, though not necessarily easy to read, the book might support the math curriculum and could be used as a print resource for certain science projects. For larger collections. Carolyn Phelan
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