Me and My Body (Let's Explore Science)

Uses simple observations and experiments to explore the human body and how it works.

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- The first portion of each book poses questions related to the general subject: "Can you balance on tiptoe?" ( Balance) , "How fast can you run?" ( Body ). Though intended to stimulate thought and discussion, most of these questions are too obvious to generate much interest. The simple, science-based activities that follow, however, are more successful. Most are easy to do, require common household materials, and effectively introduce ideas about the concepts involved. Making a mobile with a hanger and cardboard cut-outs, for example, is a fun project that neatly incorporates ideas of balance that are raised in the opening section. A few projects are more difficult (making a playing card tower). Possible results are intentionally not mentioned in the descriptions, so youngsters can come to their own conclusions. The books are large and attractively laid out. The children demonstrating the actions represent various ethnic backgrounds, and one takes part from a wheelchair. The clear photos, full of bright colors against a white background, help make the projects look enjoyable, although the spotless clothes worn by each child lend a feeling of artificiality to the poses. The "guide to experiments" at the end of each volume is aimed at parents and teachers. It gives the expected results, as well as the concepts involved. --Steven Engelfried, Alameda County Library, CA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.