The Case of the Soda Explosion and Other True Science Mysteries for You to Solve by Darlene R. Stille is part of a fascinating new series that allows child detectives to read, think about, and solve real world mysteries.
For the first challenge, the author presents the details of an actual weather mystery using controlled vocabulary. Children are encouraged to spend some time evaluating what the storm might be, as well as investigating what might have caused it, before turning the page to find the answer.
Darlene Stille has done a great job of picking twelve mysteries that will definitely capture a child’s interest. A few are straightforward enough that a child will have a good chance of figuring out the answer without having to do a lot of extra research. Others require quite a bit of thinking, and the answers might even surprise a few adults. Mixing it up helps keep the child engaged.
Each mystery is illustrated in a novel way that highlights aspects of that particular mystery, and also helps define and separate each case from the others.
The mystery format is wonderful because children tend to retain information more fully when they have a question to be answered in mind.
The Case of the Soda Explosion is perfect for either the school or home library because it is entertaining and enlightening. Both fans of mysteries and budding scientists are sure to find it very appealing.
Ages: 8-10
Publisher: Capstone Press (January 1, 2012)
ISBN-10: 142967623X
ISBN-13: 978-1429676236
The book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.
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I LOVE the sound of this, and am always happy for an excuse to play with coke and methos sweets!