Backyard Biology

March 18, 2013
This addition to the Build It Yourself series incorporates 25 projects for kids to try as they explore the “ecosystems that are outside your door.” The book’s eight chapters cover biology (and microbiology), cells, and the life cycles of both plants and animals, among other topics; definitions of key terms appear throughout, as do Hetland’s cartoons and diagrams. Latham’s accessible, encouraging tone, along with such experiments as creating habitats for woodlice (aka roly-polies) and building bird nests using natural materials, should pique kids’ interest and get them outdoors. Ages 9–12.

May 1, 2013

Gr 5-8-This resource guide contains a wealth of information and challenging activities for budding scientists. It provides nature projects that can easily be implemented and includes growing microbes, molds, and yeasts; engaging in chemical chromatography; and learning what average people can do to protect neighborhood habitats. Each activity begins with an overview, provides a list of needed supplies, and then usually offers two pages of numbered directions. Many illustrations, diagrams, and sidebars are integrated into the text. The "Did you know" boxes contain interesting facts about the topics of investigation. Each activity expands students' vocabularies through "Words to Know" mini-glossaries on the pages on which they appear. An appended master glossary contains approximately 180 terms. A good choice for science collections.-Caroline Geck, Camden Street School Library, Newark, NJ

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2013
Grades 4-7 Science is everywhere, and the Build It Yourself series encourages children to view the wide world around them as their own laboratory. This volume begins with a brief overview of the branches of biology and offers detailed discussions on a host of topics including microbiology and cells, botany, animal life cycles, and adaptations. Relevant experiments and activities follow each of the seven chapters and are fully explained in step-by-step directions with illustrations. All experiments utilize easily obtained supplies from around the house and can largely be completed independent of excessive adult assistance. Latham does not neglect conservation issues and includes tips about treating the natural world with care during and after experiments. Meanwhile, a closing chapter on protecting living things provides a strong, comprehensive review. Difficult words are defined right in the margins, and fun cartoon illustrations abound. This book does a lot to demystify the natural world and help young people connect to their own surroundings.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)