Adventures with Rocks and Minerals, Book II: Geology Experiments for Young People. Lloyd H. Barrow. (Illus.; from the Adventures with Science Series.) Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 1995. 96pp. $16.95. 94-29234. ISBN 0-89490-624-0. Index; C.I.P.
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The 30 experiments in this book will engage avid middle school geologists and introduce younger "rock hounds" to many of the basic processes of earth science. Experiments deal with the formation of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, the melting of glaciers, wave erosion, the geologic time scale, and many other geologic processes. Each experiment is well conceived and relatively easy to perform with or without adult help. With this book and its companion, Adventures with Rocks and Minerals, Book I, interested students will find many experiments to do at home or in school.

The Amateur Geologist: Explorations and Investigations. Raymond Wiggers. (Illus.; from the Amateur Science Series.) Danbury, CT: Franklin Watts, 1993. 144pp. $12.90. 93-13392. ISBN 0-531-11112-1. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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Packed with ideas for geological explorations and investigations, this overview of geology is for the serious amateur or the motivated student. Its four compact chapters take an in-depth look at geology. Chapter 1 highlights three "explorations" that can be carried out at home or in school. The second chapter describes how to become an amateur geologist, focusing on observation and what tools you might need. Chapter 3 is the core of the book, explaining the geologic time scale and describing minerals, common types of rocks, and fossils. The final chapter gives the amateur geologist a wide variety of projects to pursue, from collecting to creating geologic displays for science fairs and shows.

The Amateur Meteorologist: Explorations and Investigations. H. Michael Mogil and Barbara G. Levine. (Illus.; from the Amateur Science Series.) Danbury, CT: Franklin Watts, 1993. 144pp. $12.90. 93-17506. ISBN 0-531-11045-1. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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The authors of this work are teachers, which may account for their different and effective approach: more questions than answers! Nine chapters and a glossary treat the basic topics of meteorology, followed by queries--lots of them--that haven't already been answered in the text. These teachers don't permit the students to play back words they've just read, rather they demand that readers apply the principles just explained and think for themselves. First are instructions on how to make and calibrate a rain gauge, an anemometer and wind vane, a thermometer, and a barometer--all within the capability of preteen readers. Next, they ask the reader to do experiments that illustrate heat transfer, air pressure, condensation, and much more; some of them are remarkable for a book at this level.

Down to Earth. Melissa Stewart. (Illus.; from the Investigate Science Series.) Minneapolis: Compass Point Books, 2004. 32pp. $15.95. 2003018844. ISBN 0-7565-0595-X. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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This hands-on approach juxtaposes large, color photographs of multiethnic children performing activities described in the text. Few books of this sort that I've seen so clearly emphasize the processes of doing science: observing, collecting, recording, and experimenting with natural specimens, along with thinking about them. For example, the reader is asked "[W]hat features make good soil for growing plants[?]" and is requested to "try to figure out how the rocks got there." Additional activities, described under "Doing More," include keeping earthworms alive and measuring the permeability of soils. Any of the projects presented can be adapted to classroom use or retained as solo activities.

Earth Science for Every Kid: 101 Easy Experiments that Really Work. Janice VanCleave. (Illus. by Barbara Clark; from the Wiley Science Editions Series.) NY: Wiley, 1991. xiv+232pp. $32.50. 90-42724. ISBN 0-471-54389-6. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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This book contains 101 experiments covering numerous aspects of earth science. Each investigation lists the purpose of the experiment, the materials needed, and the procedure to follow and gives the results of the experiment as well as an explanation of why they occurred. The procedure section is written in easy-to-follow steps that explain in simple terms exactly what to do to accomplish the purpose of the experiment. An illustration showing how the experiment will look when it is set up is included. The experiments can be done by upper elementary school students, and junior high students would also enjoy doing many of them.

Exploring the Oceans: Science Activities for Kids. Anthony D. Fredericks. (Illus. by Shawn Shea.) Golden, CO: Fulcrum, 1998. 128pp. $16.95. 98-15688. ISBN 1-55591-379-2. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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This volume is an excellent resource book for teachers and students who are interested in exploring different aspects of marine science. The author presents readers with a workbook filled with a "wow-factor" attitude describing the beauty, mystery, and majesty of the oceans within the context of the scientific method of learning. The book presents many hands-on activities that are suitable for a wide range of elementary and middle school students. The activities contain easy-to-follow directions and use common, inexpensive materials. The value of this book as a resource is alone worth the cost of the volume and makes it an essential part of a current science collection in an elementary or middle school library.

Geology. Graham Peacock and Jill Jesson. (Illus.; from the Science Activities Series.) NY: Thomson Learning, 1995. 32pp. $14.95. 94-30608. ISBN 1-56847-193-9. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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Graham Peacock and Jill Jesson have done an excellent job of introducing the study of geology to the young student. The vocabulary is at a level that almost any elementary student can read and understand. Readers are encouraged to make charts which give some understanding of the length of geologic time, the inhabitants in each division, and a similar chart of their own families in the 20th century. They also learn about rocks, minerals, and fossils and how to collect and name each group to make their own museums. Such processes as folds and faults, as well as how different rocks, minerals, and fossils are formed furnish many interesting experiments.

Janice VanCleave's Rocks and Minerals: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science Fair Projects. Janice VanCleave. (Illus.; from the Spectacular Science Projects Series.) NY: Wiley, 1996. 90pp. $9.95. 96-10324. ISBN 0-471-10269-5. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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Rocks and Minerals is one of a series of experiment-oriented science books for children ages 8 to 12 on. The volume, illustrated with black-and-white drawings, includes an introduction, 20 experiments, an appendix, a glossary, and an index. Each experiment is subdivided into a statement of the problem, a list of materials, the actual procedure, results, and sections entitled "Why?" "Let's Explore," Show Time!" and "Check It Out!" All require readily available household materials with minimal preparation and cleanup. Supervision should be provided by a parent or knowledgeable adult. Rocks and Minerals is an interesting introduction to the scientific method at a level that is understandable for the targeted age group. A parent with a minimum of high school science could provide the supervision necessary for youngsters to perform the experiments, which are open ended enough to be expanded and built upon, leading to an in-depth investigation of a subject of interest.
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Janice VanCleave's Volcanoes: Mind-boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science Fair Projects. Janice VanCleave. (Illus.; from the Spectacular Science Projects Series. NY: Wiley, 1994. 89pp. $9.95. 93-23148. ISBN 0-471-30811-0. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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A former science teacher wrote this book, which offers 20 simple, fail-proof experiments for children aged 8 to 12. The scope encompasses the structure of the earth and of volcanoes, forces that affect their activity, and some of the instruments used to measure those forces. Each chapter deals with some aspect of volcanic action, such as magma flow, pressure, and plate tectonics. A problem question introduces each topic. This is followed by a list of the needed materials, which are ordinary household supplies. The author presents, in simple language with clarifying illustrations, the steps needed to perform the experiment. This handbook trains its readers in scientific methodology, stressing the importance of observation, analysis, and meticulous recording.

Janice VanCleave's Weather: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science Fair Projects. Janice VanCleave. (Illus.; from the Spectacular Science Projects Series.) NY: Wiley, 1995. 89pp. $9.95. 93-25646. ISBN 0-471-03231-X. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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Weather can serve as an introduction to understanding the changes in weather. Using everyday household items, the reading audience can demonstrate to itself such phenomena as differences in climate at different points on the Earth, lightning, wind direction and intensity, clouds, rain, fronts, etc. Through excellent directions and adequate illustrations, the reader can do 20 simple experiments at little or no cost and demonstrate many aspects of the weather. In addition to definitive experiments, the reader is stimulated to go beyond the detailed experiment to try and design open-ended experiments for science fair projects, as well as for their own knowledge.

Kid's Book of Weather Forecasting. Mark Breen and Kathleen Friestad. (Illus. by Michael Kline.) Charlotte, VT: Williamson Publishing, 2000. 148pp. $12.95. 99-089954. ISBN 1885593392. Index; C.I.P.
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The principal author of this book, Mark Breen, is a television meteorologist whose enthusiasm for weather is evident throughout the delightful volume. In eight lively and well-illustrated chapters, the authors explore some basic properties of the atmosphere and characteristics of weather systems. Major topics include humidity, wind, barometric pressure, temperature, clouds, and storms. Readers are introduced to useful demonstrations and given directions to build their own weather instruments using inexpensive and readily available materials. Overall, the science in the book is sound and is presented in an inviting style at a level appropriate for the intended audience (ages 7 to 13).

Project Earth Science: Geology. Brent A. Ford. (Illus.) Arlington, VA: NSTA Press, 1996. 213pp. $21.95. 95-067463. ISBN 0-87355-131-1. C.I.P.
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This volume presents 15 exciting, innovative activities for students of middle schools. Readers will develop an understanding of a number of aspects of geology and science. Among the geological concepts introduced are the structure of the earth, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, geological time as compared to human time, rock formation, and types of rocks. The emphasis is on how scientific knowledge is created and evolves. Several scientific techniques are illustrated, such as observation, experimentation, exploring the sea bottom by depth measurements, coring, modeling, and relating evidence to theory. In addition to the activities, students are given associated reading materials and led to appropriate discussions.

Science Project Ideas about Rain. Robert Gardner. (Illus.; from the Science Project Ideas Series.) Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 1997. 96pp. $17.95. 96-42411. ISBN 0-89490-843-X. Index; C.I.P.
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Outstanding for its clarity, scope, and logical organization, this book should prove useful to upper elementary and middle school students looking for ideas about science projects. The author details both simple and more complex experiments on a wide range of topics, including evaporation, acid rain, the water cycle, aquifers, clouds, humidity, rainbows, and snow. The volume's greatest strengths are its uncomplicated diagrams, straightforward explanations, and recommended use of commonplace materials readily available to students either at home or at school. Demonstration and exposition are differentiated from open-ended inquiries meant to act as a springboard for independent research.

Science Smart: Cool Projects for Exploring the Marvels of Planet Earth. Gwen Diehn et al. (Illus.) NY: Sterling, 2003. 400pp. $19.95. ISBN 1-4027-0514-X. Index.
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What is unusual about this science activity book, which concentrates on earth science, geology, and geography, is the artistic emphasis of the projects. This book will be appealing to both the child who already loves science and the artistic child who may not yet know or care about science in the world around us. The activities are illustrated with color photographs and easy-to-follow instructions. For example, there is an activity for making "Earth ball" cookies that show the layers of the earth and are good to eat as well. Another activity, world-themed place mats are made with mementoes from traveling. To keep this book from becoming too artsy, there are scientific explanations interspersed throughout the activities. There are also more typical science projects, such as building an astrolabe, a wind-speed meter, and a rocket-jet kite.

Simple Earth Science Experiments with Everyday Materials. Louis V. Loeschnig. (Illus. by Frances Zweifel.) NY: Sterling, 1996. 128pp. $13.95. 95-53977. ISBN 0-8069-0898-X. Index; C.I.P.
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This book is packed with simple experiments that can be performed with materials most teachers and parents have around the home. Each topic gives background material, poses questions, provides simple experiments, and then ends with further questions or experiments to continue the process of inquiry. Some of the topics relating to the earth are earthquakes, glaciers, meteors, the sun, transpiration in leaves, soil composition, gravity, and the greenhouse effect. The experiments would serve any age of student, from first grade through college.

Weather Mania: Discovering What's Up and What's Coming Down. Michael A. DiSpezio. (Illus. by Dave Garbot.) NY: Sterling, 2003. 80pp. $19.95. ISBN 0-8069-7745-0. Index.
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Weather Mania is a good introduction to meteorology for elementary and middle school children. The author covers a broad range of topics such as temperature, humidity, pressure, winds, storms, clouds, fronts, radiation, and weather proverbs. A valuable feature, in addition to the clearly written text, is the many experiments children can do with only moderate assistance, using such things as thermometers, glue, milk cartons, molding clay, drinking straws, and bottles.

What Light Through Yonder Window Breaks? More Experiments in Atmospheric Physics. Craig F. Bohren. (Illus.; from the Wiley Science Editions Series.) NY: Wiley, 1991. 200pp. $12.95. 90-41328. ISBN 0-471-52915-X. Index; C.I.P.
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In this volume, author Bohren has collected several of his regular columns for Weatherwise magazine into what is a very enjoyable book. In 15 chapters, quite a few issues are discussed, among them, dew formation patterns on windows, interference patterns, polarized light, luminance, cooling curves, mirages, and boiling water. Current ecological issues, such as the greenhouse effect and temperature inversions, are also discussed, and a very good chapter on the Doppler effect is included. Several experiments are described which are done with readily available equipment, so the book would be a good starting point for science fair projects. It is a good book for many high school students, as well as anyone from the nonscientific public who is interested in such things.

Wonderful Weather. Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone. (Illus. by Steve Harpster; from the First Science Experiments Series.) NY: Sterling, 2003. 48pp. $12,95. 2002015330. ISBN 0-8069-7249-1. Index; C.I.P.
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Wonderful Weather is an excellent volume that provides the reader with accurate information on weather phenomena. Best suited to elementary school students, the book describes a number of different weather events and offers a series of simple activities that illustrate them. The text opens with a discussion of safety, a theme carried throughout the pages. This is one of the book's many strengths. Another strength of the volume is the accuracy and sophistication of the science that is presented, without losing simple sentence structure and the clear presentation of ideas. The activities are models of what happens when rain, snow, hail, wind, dew, and more form.