Series: For Kids series
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Chicago Review Press (July 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1556527780
ISBN-13: 978-1556527784
Product Dimensions: 11 x 0.4 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #83,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #41 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Science Studies > Physics #51 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Experiments & Projects #82 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Science & Technology
Age Range: 9 - 12 years
Grade Level: 4 - 7
I really enjoy the 21 Activities series by Chicago Review Press. I've read and recommended many of them, including Archeology for Kids, Civil War for Kids, and World War II for Kids. Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids is another in the series.What I like about them is the easy-to-read text and the activities included that help kids put what they read into perspective. This particular book has kids building waterwheels, testing pendulum swings, and investigating Newton's three laws of motion. Lots of fun activities!What I didn't like in this particular book is that, although it was written for grades 4-7, the text (especially in the last half of the book) was more appropriate for grades 7-12. The information provided about Newton includes his battles with depression and the possibility that Newton hid a homosexual relationship. I don't think many 4th graders are going to be very interested in these topics.However, I still recommend the book as a family read aloud with discussion. All ages will enjoy the activity suggestions.
My 9-yr-old son enjoyed this. I skimmed through it because another review mentioned the book discussed Newton's sexual orientation, which made me wonder if it was inappropriate for a 9-yr-old. The reference is at the very end of the book, and discusses how recent historians have viewed some of Newton's friendships as possibly homosexual in nature. The reference is brief, and I didn't feel it made the book inappropriate.
This is the kind of book that you don't want to have in electronic format. A hard copy would make it easier to flip back and forth. The historical background that lead to Newton was great, but I was disappointed that many of the activities were crafts (i.e. making a plague mask) vs. getting down to some experiments on motion and gravitation. Another activity was to make a "junk" notebook, which is essentially a science notebook. Another wasted activity as we already have lab books. On the positive side, there was a lot of information that I could use in teaching Newton's laws of motion, so it did have some use. If you are looking to teach your kids about Newton, this is not a single source of information. I would recommend the internet to supplement what you get here as there are so many great experiments out there that help solidify what they learn.
I thought it would be more kid friendly with colors and graphics. My son is 7 and the book doesn't attract his attention. The facts may be accurate, but he won't read it for fun like some of his other books.
Who do you think is the greatest scientist of all time? Various people will likely have different opinions in answer to that question, but certainly everyone should be able to agree that one of them is Sir Isaac Newton. Born in 1642, Newton is perhaps best remembered for the story, which may or may not be true, of how he developed the law of gravity after watching an apple fall to the ground. However, Newton was truly a phenomenal figure in the history of science who contributed to the study of optics, calculus, astronomy, and chemistry in addition to the study of physics. Additionally, he served his country both as a Member of Parliament and first Warden and then Master of the Mint.Author Kerrie Logan Hollihan not only chronicles the history of Newton's life and work but also introduces students to the methods of scientific discovery, including rational questioning, systematic experimentation, and rigorous exploration, by including 21 activities with step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations to help stimulate interest in science. Some of the activities include building a sextant, conducting a series of tests with a pendulum, and mixing up a batch of homemade ink. There is also information about many of Newton's Enlightenment contemporaries and friends, such as mathematician Galileo Galilei and architect Christopher Wren. Newton was certainly not a "perfect" human being, and this book does not gloss over his faults.Two things stand out about Newton: First, "he firmly believed that God was the creator of all things" (p. 70). Also, in spite of what some revisionist historians have concluded, "Newton's reputation as a great man of science stands firm" (p. 120). [...] Otherwise, Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids is a fascinating look at a great scientist who, despite his personal weaknesses and failings, contributed much to our understanding of the physical universe.
Great book! Bought this as part of my son's 5th grade homeschool studies. We both loved reading through this book! He loves science and loves the added activities.
Kerrie Logan Hollihan has written an amazing book about a fascinating and complex man. She brings Newton to life and makes his ideas accessible to young readers. Excellent visuals and fun activities add to this already rich work, making the book a great resource for teachers, parents, and home-schoolers!
this was a gift for my 9 year old nephew. He loves science and likes to read. This will give him more information on Isaac Newton and physics
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