Backyard Science by Shar Levine & Leslie Johnstone. Sterling, 2005. 80pp. ISBN 1-4027-1519-6.

SB&F review:

Backyard Science, by Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone, contains a series of 29 life science activities designed to be investigated in outdoor settings. The book opens with a thorough description of the guidelines and safety issues associated with outdoor science. Midelementary through middle school readers are encouraged to elicit the help of adults with selected activities. The activities are evenly split between the study of plants and animals; the book closes with three environmental activities and a challenge to become actively involved in improving the local environment.
Each activity contains a title with a brief introduction that sets the stage for the ensuing investigation. Under the heading “What You Do” are clearly written narrative directions accompanied by colorful illustrations and ample photographs. The hands-on activities provide ample opportunities for observations relative to a key question listed in the introduction. A follow-up section entitled “What Happened” provides an accurate description of the content of the activity. Key vocabulary words appear in boldface and are defined in a glossary at the end of the book. The activities appear practical, yet engaging. The book is versatile in that the activities can easily be conducted in urban settings. The activities may be strengthened with additional opportunities for readers to record data and generate questions as a result of the investigations. This durable hardcover book is well written and is likely to increase children’s awareness of life science concepts in one of the best science laboratories available: the outdoors.

About the authors:

Shar Levine is an award-winning and best-selling author of science books for children. She also writes newspaper and magazine articles about kids and business.

Leslie Johnstone is a freelance writer and the head of a high school science department.

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