"Amoeba"
Don't ever tease a wee amoeba
By calling him a her amoeba.
And don't call her a him amoeba.
Or never he a she amoeba. <... read full description
Don't ever tease a wee amoeba
By calling him a her amoeba.
And don't call her a him amoeba.
Or never he a she amoeba. <... read full description
reviews
Jul 19, 2011
Cheryl in CC NV
rated it: 
Sorry. I'd love to rate this highly, because it's clever and artistic and a lot of fun. But I'm concerned that some people will think they can use it to make science fun, and they *mustn't*! There's too much misinformation in it! Dinosaurs are *not* reptiles, there are *more* than three states of matter (consider plasma, for example) and there are more than five senses (consider your sense of balance, for example). I have an idea. Give it to an 8th-grade student as a test, if she can't spo
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(3 people liked it)
Sep 28, 2011
Jessica
rated it: 
Science Verse is a short story/poem about several different aspects of science class. It is told through the eyes of a young student who feels placed under a curse of science after his teacher stresses how the poetry of science can be found in anything. I really enjoyed the humor incorporated into this book through the use of funny and animated images, and light hearted poetry. This poem does an amazing job of incorporating real science facts about evolution, the water cycle, the human body, the
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Feb 18, 2011
Erika
rated it: 
This story begins with a young boy's science teacher telling his students to "hear the poetry of science," which I love and wish was elaborated upon - what does that teacher see as the "poetry of science." However, that's not where the book is headed. We follow the boy as he learns scientific ideas and in his head they come out as poems. Each of the poems in the story is inspired by another famous poem (which are all listed on the last page of the book). I do an activity
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Nov 16, 2010
N_maheenayub
rated it:
Similar to the much loved Math Curse picture book, the Science Verse by Jon Sciezka takes a fun spin on scientific ideas and theories and makes them more kid friendly. In this picture book, the narrator is zapped with the curse of a Science Verse by his elementary school teacher. Every scientific topic is explained in a free verse or nursery rhyme form. From Darwinism to the water cycle to the scientific method, students will appreciate these poems that discuss science in a less "monoton
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Jan 07, 2010
Ronyell
rated it: 
Jon Scieszka’s writing is witty and creative as he explains the different theories of science in poetic proses. Jon Scieszka uses different scientific terms such as “evaporation” and “precipitation” to explain how everything in life works scientifically. Another one of my favorite poems that I forgot to mention on my list of favorite poems discusses the water cycle and Jon Scieszka puts the explanation of the water cycle to the tune of the popular children’s song, “It’s raining, it’s pouring.”
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Nov 14, 2009
Valerie
rated it: 
A Summary/Thoughtful Review:
In his humorous scientific twists on age-old poems, nursery rhymes, and songs Jon Scieszka has written a collection of creative, witty poems about a broad range of science topics! Setting the scene in Mr. Newton's science class, a young boy has been "zapped" with a curse of the Science Verse, hearing everything as a science poem. In the pages that follow, readers enjoy the playful rhythms and rhymes of scientific topics such as: Evolution ("Glor More...
In his humorous scientific twists on age-old poems, nursery rhymes, and songs Jon Scieszka has written a collection of creative, witty poems about a broad range of science topics! Setting the scene in Mr. Newton's science class, a young boy has been "zapped" with a curse of the Science Verse, hearing everything as a science poem. In the pages that follow, readers enjoy the playful rhythms and rhymes of scientific topics such as: Evolution ("Glor More...
May 04, 2009
Kimberly
rated it:
What an amazing book! This book has SO much to offer children; it has science, poetry, entertainment, and humor, all in one book. Being built off of the ending to “Math Curse,” the little boy in the story gets a science curse put on him that makes him look at everything in a scientific way, and he can only speak in verses to communicate what he sees.
Children really will love all the humor they get out of this book. The rhymes, poetry, and even songs are all entertaining ways for t More...
Children really will love all the humor they get out of this book. The rhymes, poetry, and even songs are all entertaining ways for t More...
Jan 30, 2010
L-Crystal
rated it:
This book is a science content-area book and is intended for grades 3-5. It is about a boy who is struck with the “curse of science verse” after being told by his teacher that the poetry of science can be heard in everything. The boy then begins to hear nothing but rhyming science verses about evolution, the water cycle, the food chain, the scientific method, and the solar system, among many others. The science verses written are based on well-known poems as stated in the back of the book.
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Nov 17, 2010
N_jessicaholm
rated it:
Science Verse is a compilation of poems related to a science class. It is a companion book to Jon Scieszka’s Math Curse. It begins with a student who says that his science teacher, cleverly named Mr. Newton said that if they listen closely, they can “hear the poetry of science in everything”. The next day, the student begins to hear the poems in everything Mr. Newton teaches about science. This is a fun book for children to read because of its playful words and lightheartedness. This is not a
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Mar 16, 2011
L11_Page
rated it:
The author's observations and conclusions noted at the end of this book were as interesting and funny as the book itself. Each poem has a science theme to which most students would be able to relate. Evolution, the water cycle, and the scientific method are a few examples of subjects put to familiar tunes such as "Casey at the Bat","It's raining, it's pouring..." and "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." I didn't catch some of these connections until I read the author'
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(1 person liked it)
Sep 22, 2010
Kim
rated it:
A variety of science (anatomy, astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics) is represented in this book of poems, which are modeled after famous pieces of literature. The verses are witty. They explain specific vocabulary, processes, and chemical reactions. The inside covers reveal the periodic table, and the back cover is decorated with scientific charts and web-diagrams. The text is tied together with the story of a little boy’s week at school, where he has Mr. Newton for science and Mr. Picass
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Jun 19, 2009
Bren
rated it:
A concept whose time has not come...
Science Verse is fairly dumb.
Lessons taught on the perimeter
Of bad iambic pentameter
Does not hearty reading make -
It is simply hard to take.
To seem nicer, it comes free
with the book read on CD.
(But it's a double-edged sword;
Jon and Lane sound rather bored.
Plus, their own rhymes they don't sing -
A few kids give it a fling.)
Such topics as evolution
(Though Kansas demands ablution),
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Science Verse is fairly dumb.
Lessons taught on the perimeter
Of bad iambic pentameter
Does not hearty reading make -
It is simply hard to take.
To seem nicer, it comes free
with the book read on CD.
(But it's a double-edged sword;
Jon and Lane sound rather bored.
Plus, their own rhymes they don't sing -
A few kids give it a fling.)
Such topics as evolution
(Though Kansas demands ablution),
More...
Feb 16, 2010
Runa
rated it:
This is a really wonderful and unique collection of poetry created by the amazingly original Jon Scieszka and his partner-in-crime, Lane Smith. It's sort of a companion book to the duo's previous work, Math Curse, although that one is not required to be read beforehand in order to understand this volume. Scieszka and Smith find a way to make science be an exciting subject, without some of the boredom that can sometimes creep its way into the subject, through humor and some good old poetry. H
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Jul 06, 2011
Brianna
rated it:
Jon Scieszka's "Science Verse" is a children's book that comprises old nursery rhymes with humorous science-themed poetry told from an omniscient point of view. For example on the the page entitled, "Why Scientists Don't Write Nursery Rhymes", Scieszka compiles 4 poems that are evidence of the title, such as:
"Mary had a little worm.
She thought it was a chigger.
But everything that Mary ate,
Only made it bigger.
It came with her to school More...
"Mary had a little worm.
She thought it was a chigger.
But everything that Mary ate,
Only made it bigger.
It came with her to school More...
Jun 17, 2009
Nez
rated it:
I absolutely loved this book, could not stop smiling at the rhymes and themes. It works as a great read out loud and a CD is provided by the narrator.
I believe the book is a great way for students to become interested in science and by promoting different ways in learning. The book gets its humor from playing word games with the vocabulary of science textbooks. The poems are based around this sentence, and the student characters listen to the teacher say, "if you listen closely enoug More...
I believe the book is a great way for students to become interested in science and by promoting different ways in learning. The book gets its humor from playing word games with the vocabulary of science textbooks. The poems are based around this sentence, and the student characters listen to the teacher say, "if you listen closely enoug More...
Apr 29, 2010
Jessica
rated it:
When the teacher tells his class that they can hear the poetry of science in everything, a student is struck with a curse and begins hearing nothing but science verses that sound very much like some well-known poems.
-Thanks to Goodreads
Literary Awards:
Parent’s Choice Award Gold 2004 Non-Fiction
ALA Notable Children’s Book Award 2005
Genre: Non-Fiction, Humor
Reading Level: 3rd-6th grade
Topic: Science, Poetry
Use: Guid More...
-Thanks to Goodreads
Literary Awards:
Parent’s Choice Award Gold 2004 Non-Fiction
ALA Notable Children’s Book Award 2005
Genre: Non-Fiction, Humor
Reading Level: 3rd-6th grade
Topic: Science, Poetry
Use: Guid More...
Jan 04, 2012
Laura
rated it:
The book is filled with humorous poems about various scientific concepts. The poems may appeal to a variety of older readers, including science lovers and those who may struggle with the subject. The poems may even help students remember certain terms and concepts. Most of the poems are based on classics and may appeal to poetry fans, as well.
The illustrations are surreal, befitting the premise of a child who is “hearing everything as a science poem.” Certain images are also reminisce More...
The illustrations are surreal, befitting the premise of a child who is “hearing everything as a science poem.” Certain images are also reminisce More...
Oct 02, 2010
Kristi
rated it:
Mr. Newton tells his science class "You know, if you listen closely enough, you can hear the poetry of science in everything." One of his young students does just that and the next day he begins hearing everything as a science poem. Join him for a fun, poetic romp through science topics such as, the water cycle, dinosaurs, body structure, the senses, bacteria, evolution and metamorphosis.
Science Verse by Jon Scieszka makes listening and learning about science topics fun More...
Science Verse by Jon Scieszka makes listening and learning about science topics fun More...
Dec 16, 2011
Linda
rated it:
Love the duo of Smith and Lane! You must always read their books from cover to cover because even the end papers and dedications will have a touch of humor! I loved the little jab at the yearly dinosaur unit that seemed to be in every grade level's curriculum! Four nursery rhymes were converted to science verse including:
Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
Jack jump over the combustion reation of O2 + heat + fuel to form CO2 + light + heat exhaust!
How much fun to have your More...
Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
Jack jump over the combustion reation of O2 + heat + fuel to form CO2 + light + heat exhaust!
How much fun to have your More...
Jul 29, 2011
I have been becoming a big fan of Jon Sciezka this week--this one is alot of poems about science sunk to familiar tunes, laden with basic science facts. Like:
Twinkle-less twinkle-less spot of black,
in the starry zodiac.
Sucking in all matter and light.
Turning sunshine into night.
Twinkle-less, twinkleless--lost control!
Now we're trapped
I am quite enamored of it, and the range he manifests is impressive. Highly recommended.
Twinkle-less twinkle-less spot of black,
in the starry zodiac.
Sucking in all matter and light.
Turning sunshine into night.
Twinkle-less, twinkleless--lost control!
Now we're trapped
I am quite enamored of it, and the range he manifests is impressive. Highly recommended.
Apr 22, 2010
Tony
rated it:
Science Verse – Jon Scieszka
Grade: 3-5
Pages: 40
Theme: Science, Curse
Awards: Golden Duck 2005
Genre: Poetry
Response: Wow, talk about a genius. While I enjoyed reading the True Story... Three Little Pigs, and loved the different spin to it, this book is incredible. It takes science, which many students don't enjoy for one reason or another, music, and even poetry, and combines them all to create Science Verse. There are many different tunes that are familiar, wh More...
Grade: 3-5
Pages: 40
Theme: Science, Curse
Awards: Golden Duck 2005
Genre: Poetry
Response: Wow, talk about a genius. While I enjoyed reading the True Story... Three Little Pigs, and loved the different spin to it, this book is incredible. It takes science, which many students don't enjoy for one reason or another, music, and even poetry, and combines them all to create Science Verse. There are many different tunes that are familiar, wh More...
Apr 25, 2009
Children's
rated it:
Just like the book about a little girl who woke up one morning finding everything was a math problem, this book finds a little boy with a similar issue except this time he can't get rhymes about science stuff out of his head. Parts of the body, bacteria, dinosaurs, evolution - you name anything that has to do with science and he has a poem for it! That's a lot of verses. What's a guy to do when he only thinks in poems?
May 01, 2009
Anna
rated it:
Oh, I *love* this book!!! It's so creative and mixes poetry with science, which is wonderful if you are trying to 1) teach poetry and 2) prep your kids for an upcoming field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry! I am currently doing both and I'm so glad I found out about this book. It's wonderful. I can't wait to use it in my classroom.
May 24, 2011
Lynn
rated it:
I thought this book might be a bit advanced for my son (5yrs) but decided to give it a try because he loves science so much. Well, it was advanced for him, but he did enjoy some of the poems. He said that the book was "okay", but he would not want to read it again. From an adult's perspective, I thought the book was great. I highly recommend it for adults and older children to share together.
Mar 06, 2011
Debbie
rated it:
I applaud the genius that is Jon Scieszka! In this book, he takes common science topics and entertains us with his spin through some wild and wacky rhymes! Also want to give a nod to Lane Smith whose illustrations truly complement the text! This one is a winner!
May 27, 2010
Joy
rated it:
Level: Intermediate
On Wednesday in science class, Mr. Newton says, "You know, if you listen closely enough, you can hear the poetry of science in everything."
Just like Math Curse, there is a curse. This time, it's poetry about science.
On Wednesday in science class, Mr. Newton says, "You know, if you listen closely enough, you can hear the poetry of science in everything."
Just like Math Curse, there is a curse. This time, it's poetry about science.
Feb 25, 2009
Hilary
rated it:
I gave this to the Department Chair of the Science Department at my local school -- now he plagues his students with it. Can you think of a "verse" fate for them? Good companion volume to "Math Curse," by the same author.
Nov 29, 2011
Needleroozer
rated it:
A super cool book written with kids in mind. The whole book is filled with poems about science. The cool part is that each science poem is based on a famous poem by a famous author. FUN! oh yes, and informative.
Jun 07, 2011
Anne-Marie
rated it:
Kids are going to have to have a pretty good grounding in science terminology to understand the poems! Can't wait to read "Astronaut Stopping by a Planet on a Snowy Evening" to my next grade two astronomy class.
Nov 18, 2010
Another good book to use to teach across the curriculum. The teacher tells a male student that he can hear the poetry of science in everything. So throughout his day he hears from the great poets using science.
