Science Archives - Page 25 of 30

May 22, 2011May 23, 2011

The Chiru of High Tibet: A True Story

The Chiru of High Tibet: A True Story by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrated by Linda Wingerter

Reading level: Picture Book (Ages 4-8)

Summary: Overview of the life of the unique antelope-like chiru (found only in Tibet) and of the arduous trek by four men to try to discover more about the mysterious animals before it is too late to save them.

Video summary in the author’s own words:

Illustrations: Acrylic paintings plus a few photographs in the back

Comments: The text is written in free verse and beautifully captures the struggles of both the chiru and the men. The illustrations are bright and imaginative. A lovely story that is both sad and hopeful at the same time.

Related activities:

Naming Animals – Chiru belong to the family Bovidae, in the Order Artiodactyla. What other animals are related to chiru? Check Mammal Classification at Enchanted Learning. Their scientific name is Pantholops hodgsonii. The author says they have no close relatives. What does she mean by that?
What other animals live in the same area of Tibet? Research animals like the Tibetian Yak and the Lhasa Apso dog.
Lesson plan from National Geographic
and article from National Geographic (check for appropriateness for your children)

Compatible fiction:

Tibet Through the Red Box by Peter Sís

Compatible Middle Grade Nonfiction:
A Life in the Wild: George Schaller’s Struggle to Save the Last Great Beasts by Pamela S. Turner

Saving the Ghost of the Mountain: An Expedition Among Snow Leopards in Mongolia by Sy Montgomery and photographs by Nic Bishop

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (September 27, 2010)

ISBN-10: 9780618581306
ISBN-13: 978-0618581306

children-science-books — Click on button to return to main science book list.

Next title to be reviewed: Orb Weavers by Sandra Markle

May 19, 2011May 22, 2011

Bat Researcher, A Dirty Job

Bat Researcher by Michael Burgan

Series: Dirty and Dangerous Jobs

Reading level: Grade 4+

Summary: Easy-to-read overview of bat biology and what it like to be a bat researcher.

Illustrations: Color photographs

Comments: Useful as a quick introduction to the topic, best for upper elementary ages.

Related activities:

Compatible fiction:

For younger children, try the picture book Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

For older children, try the middle grade Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel

Compatible nonfiction: The Bat Scientists by Mary Kay Carson

Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Children’s Books; 1 edition (September 2010) (has view inside)

ISBN-10: 1608701700
ISBN-13: 978-1608701704

Next title to be reviewed: The Chiru of High Tibet: A True Story by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrated by Linda Wingerter

May 19, 2011May 20, 2011

Insect Detective

Insect Detective by Steve Voake and illustrated by Charlotte Voake

Reading level: Picture book (Ages 4-8)

Summary: “Become an insect detective and find out what the insects around you are up to. ” Children are encouraged to listen for a wasp scraping wood from a fence post, to follow ants, to lift a stone, to look closely at a leaf that is hiding a moth, and to count legs.

Illustrations: Pen-and-watercolor

Comments: A lovely book! The text is poetic and the descriptions of different kinds of insects are enchanting. The illustrations are delicate. Underlying the beauty, however, is a solid foundation of factual information and the gentle message to learn to appreciate the wonders of nature around you.

Related activities:

Insect-related activities are included in the book on pages 28-29.
Pull out some paper and watercolors and create some Voake-inspired paintings of insects
Critter Crawl
Review and activities at SimplyScience

Compatible fiction: Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss

Publisher: Candlewick (February 23, 2010)

ISBN-10: 9780763644475
ISBN-13: 978-0763644475

Next title to be reviewed: Bat Researcher by Michael Burgan

May 17, 2011May 19, 2011

Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time: What the Hubble Telescope Saw

Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time: What the Hubble Telescope Saw by Elaine Scott

Reading level: Middle Grade (Ages 9-12)

Summary: A history of the Hubble Telescope and overview of how the images it has captured have added to the field of astronomy.

Illustrations: Full page, color photographs from NASA and the Hubble Heritage Team, as well as a few artist’s depictions

Comments: Good summary for those interested in the Hubble Telescope and astronomy in general. Although written for middle grades, it is also useful for adults wishing to brush up on the topic.

Related activities:

Make a model of the Hubble Telescope based on the illustration on page 13 of the book or other images (for example, this simple model craft for preschoolers)

List of activity links from Growing With Science, including links to a kit to make your own telescope

Compatible fiction: A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle (as suggested by the author)

Publisher: Clarion Books (January 24, 2011)

ISBN-10: 0547241895
ISBN-13: 978-0547241890

Next title to be reviewed: Insect Detective by Steve Voake and illustrated by Charlotte Voake