NSTA - Richard Lord
Describing topics that are both timely and interesting to middle school students, the Sci-Hi series explores science with accessible text and engaging pictures. The authors break complex content it into short chunks that students can read and think about. These sections provide background information on the subject, show flow charts to explain concepts, and introduce key vocabulary. In students' hands, these books provide a great place to start research on a topic or can just be interesting reads. Each book in the series has the essential elements of good informational text. The tables of contents draw students in by framing questions in bubbles; students can then find the answers in the text. Key words are presented in bold type and are defined in the glossaries. Interesting facts are featured in sidebar notes, and students are guided to new information as they read. The images in the books are both current and global in their content. The use of varied text elements, such as diagrams, graphs, and charts are a real plus, presenting information in a variety of ways. The books also contain bibliographies of current books and websites that students can explore if they want more information on the subject. Reproduction is the one life function that is absolutely necessary for a species to survive. Noting that 243 human babies are born every minute, this volume addresses this important aspect of students’ future lives. Beginning with the female, the anatomy of the reproductive system of both sexes is explained sensitively, with clear and appropriate text and graphics. The female hormonal cycle is described at a level that middle school students should be able to understand. Egg and sperm cell production and fertilization lead to a well-done presentation on the development of the embryo. This is described in the context of the responsibilities of the mother to have proper nutrition and to avoid smoking and the use of drugs and alcohol while pregnant. Descriptions of the birth process and the nourishment and bonding during the neonatal period are followed by a brief summary of the development of the child from infancy through childhood and puberty to adulthood, thus completing the life cycle. A timeline of human development and life concludes the book. Human reproduction is a topic that generates great interest among middle school-age students, and it's sometimes difficult to find instructional materials that will engage them while still treating the subject in a manner that will gain the approval of teachers, administrators, and parents. This book is thoughtfully written but contains all the important material that the topic requires. It is one that should be acceptable to all. —Richard Lord <i>NSTA</i>9/23/2009
September 23, 2009School Library Journal - Judith V. Lechner
Clear language, embedded definitions, and interesting examples illustrate abstract concepts through both text and well-chosen photographs. The authors do not avoid difficult or controversial issues: Changing Life, for example, provides a clear and useful explanation of the theory of evolution, with multiple sources of evidence and a discussion of how it helps scientists to predict the implications of changes to the environment. Science Ethics discusses topics such as global warming and animal research, and their implications for decision-making by scientists, policy makers, and voters. Because so many issues are raised in this book, it will be especially useful as a research starter in both science and social-studies classes. In addition to describing relevant theories and the scientific explanations for observed phenomena, each book also discusses the impact of human activities on the issues discussed, whether the way humans impact ecosystems (Ecology) or how smoking and drinking affect sperm count and the unborn child (Human Reproduction). The main focus, however, is on the scientific concepts rather than applications–for instance, Human Reproduction does not discuss contraception except to note the statistic that "sexually active teenage girls who do not use contraceptives (birth control) have a 90 percent chance of becoming pregnant within a year." Each book also includes suggested activities to test ideas as well as a thorough glossary and a Webliography.–Judith V. Lechner, Auburn University, AL<i> School Library Journal</i>September 2009
November 14, 2011
