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Students learn about materials found on Earth's surface - rocks, minerals and soil.
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Rocks and Minerals by
Simon Basher is back with another zany primer to science! Following his 3 successful titles on the basics of chemistry, physics, and biology, BASHER SCIENCE: ROCKS AND MINERALS is an in-depth look at the ground beneath our feet. Like his other titles, Basher presents these topics through charming and adorable illustrations and pairs them with basic information told from a first person perspective. He develops a community of characters based on the things that form the foundations of our planet: rocks, gems, crystals, fossils and more. And what's more, he makes it understandable, interesting, and cute. It's not what you expect out of a science primer.
Rocks and Minerals by
Early in the 17th century, Francis Bacon decided that the best way to learn about the world was to discover things for oneself. Since then, science has been a marriage of observation and experimentation. The experiments contained in each chapter allow young scientists to investigate basic principles using common household materials and easy-to-follow instructions. The titles are filled with dozens of color photographs that illustrate experiments and provide a glimpse of everyday and extraordinary uses of the subject. In addition, engaging features such as Did You Know? boxes provide fascinating facts. The In Focus sections offer in-depth looks at specific features of each subject. In The Real World boxes highlight pivotal experiments by real scientists.
Students use a variety of tools and simple techniques to build things for specific purposes. Their tasks may require that a bridge be built between two desks, a model lookout tower be constructed, or a water container be made, all from available materials.
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Built to Last by
This new book—inspired by three classic, award-winning books—reveals the how and why behind some of the most fascinating and enduring structures humankind has ever created. Macaulay has revised texts based on new research, created gorgeous new drawings, in some cases wholly re-imagined scenes from the books—bringing Castle and Cathedral to life in full-color for the very first time. The resulting illustrations add to the reader’s understanding of these buildings, capturing intriguing new perspectives and a depth of detail in structure and atmosphere. This impeccably researched volume is not only a necessary addition to the bookshelf of any David Macaulay or architecture fan, but will delight readers of all ages who are experiencing his work for the first time.
Building Big by
Why this shape and not that? Why steel instead of concrete or stone? Why put it here and not over there? These are the kinds of questions that David Macaulay asks himself when he observes an architectural wonder. These questions take him back to the basic process of design from which all structures begin, from the realization of a need for the structure to the struggles of the engineers and designers to map out and create the final construction. As only he can, David Macaulay engages readers' imaginations and gets them thinking about structures they see and use every day -- bridges, tunnels, skyscrapers, domes, and dams. In Building Big he focuses on the connections between the planning and design problems and the solutions that are finally reached. Whether a structure is imposing or inspiring, he shows us that common sense and logic play just as important a part in architecture as imagination and technology do. As always, Macaulay inspires readers of all ages to look at their world in a new way.
Students study the materials and designs used in construction tasks. They compare paper, clay, cardboard, styrofoam or other available materials to see which are the strongest...
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Exploratorium Guide to Scale and Structure by
Children love to build. Almost as soon as they can manipulate objects, they begin placing them side by side or on top of one another. Children are also fascinated by things that are big and things that are small doll houses, miniature cars, giants they see in cartoons and movies. The Exploratorium Guide to Scale and Structure capitalizes on these natural fascinations to involve students in scientific explorations. Developed at one of the nation's premier science museums and distinguished by the depth and quality of original research on which it is based, this book reflects Barry Kluger-Bell's years of work with teachers, both in their classrooms and at San Francisco's School in the Exploratorium. These classroom activities are excellent prototypes of ways to introduce and explore the physics and mathematics of structure as well as the effects of scale on structure. While many books tackle one or the other of these topics, only The Exploratorium Guide to Scale and Structure looks at the relationship between the two. The book is accessibly written and the suggested materials are all inexpensive and easy to obtain. The activities in the book are really starting points, supported by numerous suggestions for using the materials to create a personalized sequence of learning experiences. The book features a sample unit, questioning strategies, and a thorough explanation of the underlying pedagogy of inquiry based science. The activities are connected to conceptual contexts and they provide a strong ground on which students can construct understanding.
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Sound Projects with a Music Lab You Can Build by
Flutes, harps, guitars, pianos, drums... All musical instruments use fundamental properties of physics to produce their sounds. In this instructive manual, Robert Gardner explains how to build homemade versions of a variety of instruments, all while learning about frequency, vibration, harmonics, and more. Scattered throughout are suggestions for expanding ideas presented in the book to science fair projects.
Experiments with Sound by
When can you hear the Doppler effect? Which animal makes the loudest sound? How can curtains stop an echo? 'Do It Yourself' offers an exciting new approach to understanding and investigation. Each book helps you conduct your own experiments and activities to learn more about the world around you.
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Growth and Development by
Explains how cells divide and multiply, how humans develop from a single cell to an adult, and how other animals and plants grow.
Find other authorized resources by using the Alberta Education Authorized Resource Database.
For some great resources on all elementary science topics check these titles:
SAM, Science Assessment Manual by
For grades 1-6.
Science Units For Elementary Teachers (series) - (a.k.a. "brown books") by 
Let's do science by
For Grades 1-6. Guides designed to help elementary teachers plan, implement and evaluate hands-on science programs. Guides direct teachers to available resources and provide comprehensive, easy-to-use tables that show specific learner expectation in the Program of Studies.