Amazing Arctic and Antarctic Projects

February 1, 2009
Gr 4-6-The title both exaggerates and overlooks the contents of this volume. It's much more than a project book, and the projects are far less than "amazing." The 12 chapters are clearly written and introduce the polar regions in a comprehensive way, explaining the harsh climates that result from the Earth's tilt, the habitats and inhabitants (both animal and human), exploration and explorers, the lifestyle and research taking place in Antarctica, and the impact of global warming on the poles. The hands-on activities include science experiments, games, and crafts that range from papier-mâché to sewing and carpentry. Some of the projects are quite involved, and there are no step-by-step diagrams. The science activities lack explanations of the principles involved or their application. No extensions or guiding questions are included and sometimes the correlation to the chapter is a stretch. Overall, the book's busy design can be confusing. The chock-full pages have a body text that flows into sidebar text with only a slight font-size difference. Highlighted "words to know" boxes, interesting facts, and "More Things to Try" boxes, along with black, gray, and white graphics, are included. A gray abstract pattern behind the activities and chapter title pages causes occasional legibility issues."Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI"

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