A to Z: Print Resources
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This is a collection of print resources. A separate collection of Electronic Resources is also available.
Below are outstanding and recommended titles by the National Science Teachers Association that fit this year’s theme for National Chemistry Week. Descriptions are based on reviews from the NSTA web site.
Key: E = Elementary (K–5), I = Intermediate (6–8), HS = High School (9–12), C = College, G = General Public
- ACHOO! THE MOST INTERESTING BOOK YOU’LL EVER READ ABOUT GERMS. Trudee Romanek. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press Ltd., 2003. 40 pp. ISBN 1553374509. (E, I)
- This book is about good and bad germs, what they are (viruses, bacteria,
fungi, and protozoa), how they live (in and on us and our surroundings),
how they affect our lives (disease, body odor, halitosis, pimples, etc.),
and how we have learned to deal with them (immunity, antibiotics,
vaccines, and hygiene). It is full of accurate information presented in
manageable segments and colorful, relevant, and amusing illustrations.
Eight “You Try It” sections also expand students’
understanding with a selection of activities and investigations that can
be done in class or at home using simple materials. Appropriate safety
precautions are provided for the activities.
Source: NSTA Recommends - DECISIONS BASED ON SCIENCE. Arlington, VA: NSTA Press, 1997. 144pp. ISBN 0-87355-165-6. (HS, C)
- Making decisions is something we all need to do every day, but it is
a skill that needs to be learned. This book provides a model for teaching
students to use scientific, quantitative methods in their own decision
making. It presents a four-step process: (1) What is the decision to be
made? (2) What should happen following this decision? (3) What do we know
that can help us make this decision? (4) What is the decision? The book
is divided into three parts: background and curriculum, 10 guided
activities, and 14 independent activities that are ready for use. Students
assess risks and make decisions in areas such as smoking, diet, marine
resources, old-growth forests, and growth hormones. Includes resources for
finding more information.
Source: NSTA Recommends - DK GUIDE TO THE HUMAN BODY. Richard Walker. Illustrated with photographs. DK Publishing, 2001. 64pp. ISBN 0-7894-7388-7. (HS)
- Dynamic computer-enhanced, three-dimensional illustrations reveal the
inner world of the human body. Multiple imaging techniques such as
X-ray, MRI, and CT scans present the reader with views of the human
body from the microscopic to the macroscopic level. Each image helps
to explain the complex functions of the body systems. Glossary,
Websites, Index.
Source: 2002 NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 - E ENCYCLOPEDIA: THE ULTIMATE ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCE. DK Publishing and Google. NY: DK Publishing, 2003. 448 pp. ISBN 0789498693. (E, I, HS)
- This book provides a general encyclopedic treatment of many academic
areas. The text is accurate and easy to read, and the photographs and
diagrams are eye-catching. DK Publishing has developed a website with
Google.com that provides supplemental links via the Internet to various
other “learning opportunities” on each of the topics it
lists. This resource-within-a-resource is easy to navigate and use.
The web resources include animations, videos, timelines, and real-time
reports, and other related websites. This book and its companion
website can eliminate wasted time surfing the web for specific
information by providing the appropriate links directly from one
website.
Source: NSTA Recommends - EUREKA! SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD. Leslie Alan Horvitz. NY: Wiley, 2002. 245 pp. ISBN 0-471-40276-1. (HS)
- This collection of mini-biographies will provide students with a sense
of the process of science, along with an appreciation of the role of
chance in so many discoveries. Students will note the role of good
academic preparation, because as Pasteur said: “Chance favors
only the prepared mind.” This book will let your students share
in historical scientific debates, and connect political and social
events to progress in science. The discovery process is given life, as
are the dreams of the discoverer. Students will be fascinated by
stories of Priestley, Kekule, Mendeleyev, the truth about Newton’s
apple, Einstein, Townes, Wegener, Darwin, Crick and Watson, and
Mandelbrot. There is no bibliography of sources cited, but there is an
index and a list of recommended readings.
Source: NSTA Recommends - FIGHTING INFECTIOUS DISEASES. Robert Snedden. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library, 2000. 32 pp. ISBN 1-57572-243-7. (I)
- This interesting and well-written book looks at agents that cause
diseases, the effect of diseases on humans, and the human immune system.
Many photographs accompany the text. General information about disease
agents and methods used to fight them are included along with
discussions of various diseases. It begins with basic background
knowledge about disease. Pathogens that have been virtually eliminated,
such as smallpox, are described as diseases like AIDS that are
currently devastating certain populations. Other topics discussed
include vaccinations, emerging diseases, continued medical research,
and searches for cures. The book concludes with a thought-provoking
chapter on biological weapons. Includes a glossary, index and
supplemental readings.
Source: NSTA Recommends - GROSS UNIVERSE: YOUR GUIDE TO ALL DISGUSTING THINGS UNDER THE SUN. Jeff Szpirglas. Toronto, Ontario, BC: Firefly Books, 2004. 64 pp. ISBN 1894379659. (I)
- This book is one of a growing group of books that use the lure of the
“gross” and “sickening” to engage middle
school students in the study of science. It features 28 sections of
fun and interesting facts about topics that most adults would consider
slightly nauseating — nose mucus, intestinal methane, vomit, and
perspiration. A cartoon dialogue between two scientists throughout the
book makes facts understandable to kids, and colorful artwork vividly
illustrates the gross descriptions in the text. Strange and disgusting
facts may be an excellent hook for readers, but the author also
broadens their knowledge with sound science and applications from the
animal kingdom. At the end of this neat little book the author credits
38 “amazing and awesome” researchers that helped make this
book scientifically accurate.
Source: NSTA Recommends - HEAD TO TOE SCIENCE. Jim Wiese. NY: Wiley, 2000. 120 pp. ISBN 0-471-33203-8. (E, I)
- This book has some wonderful experiments. It explains why experiments
are done and the science behind the physiology. Organized into systems
(nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, muscular, skeletal,
reproductive, and the skin), it offers 48 different projects, each
containing a focus statement or question, materials needed, the
procedure, and an explanation. The experiments are simple, easy, and
safe and state which ones require adult supervision. The experiments
can be done individually, as a class activity, or in a group. If
pressed for time, a teacher could convert many of the experiments to
demonstrations. Many experiments allow observation, study, and graphing
over a period of time. This book enhances students’ understanding of
human body systems and moves learning beyond memorization. It is a must
for any teacher of human body systems. It makes teachers and parents
realize that one experiment truly is worth a thousand words!
Source: NSTA Recommends - HEALTH SCIENCE PROJECTS ABOUT NUTRITION. Robert Gardner. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2002. 112 pp. ISBN 0-7660-1442-8. (I, HS)
- This book describes 26 simple activities that would be a good source
of enrichment ideas for a traditional course, inspiration for science
fairs, or demonstrations for a teacher. In a world where critical
thinking is a must, these activities provide students an opportunity
to practice their skills. Each basic activity is followed by
interesting extensions. The language is clear, and the terminology is
appropriate to the level. Safety is emphasized in each experiment.
Source: NSTA Recommends - HEALTHY FOODS FROM HEALTHY SOILS: A HANDS-ON RESOURCE FOR EDUCATORS. Elizabeth Patten and Kathy Lyons. Gardiner, ME: Tilbury House Publishers, 2003. 256 pp. ISBN 0884482421. (E, I)
- Fundamental to good health is good nutrition. This book is a treasure
chest of information and activities to help teachers teach nutrition
in their classrooms. Students are invited to create sock puppets, review
garden basics through songs, write a health diary, calculate and compare
prices based on nutrients, or build a model of the digestive tract.
Through these activities students can learn where food comes from, how
to make good food choices, and how to garden and compost. Background
information provides a wealth of information for better understanding
the nutritional and scientific content of activities. Each lesson is
correlated to National Science Education Standards, grade level and
curriculum content alignment. There are practical helps for preparation
and literature links. Lessons are so clearly explained that it would
not take much effort to generate labs to accompany the vast array of
engaging explorations.
Source: NSTA Recommends - HUMAN BODY REVEALED. Sue Davidson and Ben Morgan. DK Publishing, 2002. 38pp. ISBN 0-7894-8882-5. (I)
- Visual representations of the body are nothing new. This volume is
unique in the spectacular quality and quantity of images displayed.
Use of transparent templates allows the reader to “peel away”
layers, revealing the interactions among bodily systems. Micrographs
supplement the macroscopic descriptions to yield added dimension. Index.
Source: 2003 NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 - INSIDE YOUR OUTSIDE! ALL ABOUT THE HUMAN BODY. Tish Rabe. NY: Random House, 2003. 45 pp. ISBN 0375811001. (E)
- Young children will love this Cat in the Hat-style introduction to the
human body. Beginning readers will enjoy the rhyming and the
illustrations. Whether children read this book independently or listen
to it as a read-aloud, it will reinforce the science content. The topic
is appropriate for early childhood education since learning about the
body is included in national and most state standards. While other books
on the subject of the human body that go into greater detail and
specificity and deal with the topic in a more scholarly way, this
Seuss-like style has a great appeal for children. This book is a good
choice for teachers looking to integrate reading and science.
Source: NSTA Recommends - LEARNING ABOUT MY BODY: SCIENCE WORKS FOR KIDS SERIES. Jo Ellen Moore and Jill Norris. Monterey, CA: Evan-Moor Corporation, 2000. 80 pp. ISBN 1-55799-773-X. (E)
- This series is designed to engage young learners in active science. It
includes teacher background and reproducible worksheets to support
investigations of anatomy. There are two main concepts addressed in this
book: the body has structures and behaviors that help it grow and
survive (including external and internal parts, a brain, and the five
senses), and we must take care of our bodies through good nutrition,
rest, cleanliness, exercise, and attention to safety. Diagrams and
drawings throughout the book are very student-friendly. All of the
activities use simple materials to engage students in good science.
This book could be used as a stand-alone science unit or integrated
easily into a thematic unit. Includes a lengthy bibliography of excellent
literature books that could be used to create thematic lessons.
Source: NSTA Recommends - OPEN WIDE AND TREK INSIDE. National Institutes of Health. Colorado Springs, CO: Biological Sciences Curriculum Study, 2000. 165 pp. ISBN 1929614047. (E)
- This book covers major concepts of oral health and engages in
interesting, inquiry-based science activities. Integration of science,
language arts, health, decision-making, mathematics, and computer-based
technology make this book inviting to students and teachers. Six lessons
are correlated to the National Science Education Standards for content,
teaching, and assessment. Along with the lesson plans, reproducible pages
are provided in English and in Spanish. Includes a CD-ROM that contains
mini-documentaries, animations, and interactive activities.
Source: NSTA Recommends - SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS: THE HUMAN BODY. John Farndon. Tarrytown, NY: Benchmark Books, 2001. 32 pp. ISBN 0-7614-1339-1. (E, I)
- This book couples accurate information with an experiment for each
topic. Instead of a separate section on each body system, the author
writes about body systems in a way that makes logical connections. It
starts with a section on cells and then introduces students to organs
and systems. After making a “lung” out of two balloons and
a soda bottle, students will learn about the respiratory and circulatory
systems and how blood connects them. Nutrition and digestion are
connected by the need to fuel the body. Sections on bones, muscles, and
the nervous system round out the tour of the human body. Experiments are
written in kid-friendly terms with excellent photos to support them.
Scattered throughout the book are notes and sidebars that explain
experimental results, offer fascinating facts and figures, examine
certain topics in depth, and connect concepts with real-world
applications. These bring added depth to high-interest content like
muscle building, prosthetics, and sweat. The glossary is less than a
page long and somewhat limited, but the index will help the reader
quickly locate needed topics.
Source: NSTA Recommends - TASTING IN LIVING THINGS. Karen Hartley, Chris Macro, and Philip Taylor. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library, 2000. 32 pp. ISBN 157572250-X. (E)
- This book invites children to explore their own senses and to compare
them with other animals. It includes suggestions for hands-on
discovery activities. This book outlines the processes and structures
involved in the human sense of taste. It also explores different
mechanisms of chemical detection employed by other species.
Photographs and illustrations are bright, clear, and appealing.
It shows people of all ages, ethnic heritages, and disabilities.
Source: NSTA Recommends - THERE’S A ZOO ON YOU. Kathy Darling. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, 2000. 48 pp. ISBN 0-7613-1357-5. (E, I)
- This book is an entertaining look at the microscopic critters that
inhabit our bodies. It is well written, attractive, and enlightening.
A sensitive reader will be intrigued, amazed, and even shocked by her
text; bacteria on your face, parasites under your nails, mites on your
skin, and even tooth amoebas! Dramatic photographs of enlarged
parasites and scanning electron micrographs will hook even those who
avoid science. Students will find the unique images weird and appealing.
Source: NSTA Recommends - ZOOM: HUMAN BODY. Nicholas Harris. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group, 2002. 31 pp. ISBN 1567116930. (E, I)
- Have you ever used the “zoom” feature on a camera? It
enables your eye to capture progressively more detail as you zoom in.
Each book in the Zoom series uses the same technique with a single
topic in science. Page after page, text boxes describes that science
area in greater detail, encouraging the reader to “zoom”
in for a closer look at that topic. The Human Body starts with an
image of a sleeping child. The reader flips a cut-out shaped like a
lens to take a closer look at the organs. Includes glossary.
Source: NSTA Recommends - 101 QUESTIONS ABOUT FOOD AND DIGESTION THAT HAVE BEEN EATING AT YOU…UNTIL NOW. Faith Hickman Brynie. Frederick, MD: Twenty-First Century Books, 2002. 176 pp. ISBN 0761323090. (I, HS)
- This comprehensive treatment of important topics in human nutrition
and digestion covers topics adolescents need to understand, like
vegetarianism, food additives, food cravings, and anorexia. These
topics, which are seldom covered in life science books, are addressed
in an appealing question-and-answer format. The writing style is clear
and concise; however, knowledge of basic chemistry would facilitate
understanding of some of the concepts. Readers learn what food is,
how the digestive system works, and what causes certain bodily
functions such as constipation, diarrhea, and burping. The book also
addresses the relationship between food and health, covering topics
like cholesterol, fiber, fast food, and butter versus margarine.
Pathogenic conditions like vomiting, heartburn, gallstones, anorexia
nervosa, and bulimia are included, as is food safety. The potential
of certain foods for lowering cholesterol and preventing heart
attacks and cancer is also discussed. The book includes source notes,
a glossary, and a list of sources for further information.
Source: NSTA Recommends - 101 QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM YOU FELT DEFENSELESS TO ANSWER…UNTIL NOW. Faith Hickman Brynie. Frederick, MD: Twenty-First Century Books, 2000. 176 pp. ISBN 0-7913-1569-1. (HS)
- This book provides information about the basic foundations of the
immune system, its component parts, the natural processes involved in
it, what goes awry when it malfunctions and how it interacts with
foreign substances. The information goes beyond the types of white
blood cells, the nature of anaphylaxis, or the inflammation response
found in most general texts. The vocabulary, as one might expect, gets
fairly technical but terms are clearly identified and explained.
Includes glossary, end notes, bibliography, and additional resources.
Source: NSTA Recommends - 101 QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SKIN THAT GOT UNDER YOUR SKIN…UNTIL NOW. Faith Hickman Brynie. Frederick, MD: Twenty-First Century Books, 2000. 176 pp. ISBN 0-7613-1259-5. (I, HS)
- This book covers interesting issues gathered from polling young adults.
Our skin provides much more than just “a pretty face”; it
regulates temperature, prevents water loss, fights infection, and often
tells our brain much of what we know about our environment. The book is
organized into six chapters in a question-and-answer format: the
structure and function of skin, diseases and hygiene, hair and nails.
The questions range from the structure of skin, hair, and nails to
injuries, cellulite, diseases, and aging. The environmental factors
that affect our skin, such as sun, lice, smoking, dandruff, and nail
biting, are also covered. Includes an extensive bibliography, a
comprehensive glossary, and a long list of additional resources.
Source: NSTA Recommends
Copyright © 2004 American Chemical Society