Motion, Magnets, and More

Motion, Magnets and More

The Big Book of Primary Physical Science

By Adrienne Mason

Illustrated by Claudia Dávila

Kids Can Press, 2011

ISBN #978-1-55453-707-5

Nonfiction

Grades PreK-2

"Stone, metal, paper, plastic—these are different materials. Everything around you is made of some kind of material. A marble is made of glass, and this book is made of paper."

Motion, Magnets, and More begins with an introduction to materials on a primary level. The first activity it suggests is using those materials, and from there it goes on to give activities using the senses. This beginning to qualitative observations is subtle but important, because it sets a strong foundation for the science behind the activity. The topics include materials, magnets, mass, structures, systems, shapes, solids, liquids, gases, motion, forces, friction, and gravity.

The book covers the physical science of motion, magnets, and concepts relating to this field. It provides answers to everyday questions and asks questions that will trigger thinking about the reasons why. The book holds 115ish pages of activities and questions. The back matter includes an extensive section for parents and teachers that further explains the activity. The final spread holds the extensive glossary.

Fun, cartoony art fills the pages to support the simple text and break up the writing. Large, bold titles indicate the activity and key points are in boldface to stand out. Bright margins line the lively art.

This book includes the text of several earlier books by the author, who included additional subjects to make it more comprehensive. It's not easy to find physical science for the younger kids, but this book does—and it's terrific. I loved this book. It's a great way to get science into your home, library, or classroom. Every library needs one.

Activity

Choose one of the activities from the book. Carry it out. Then use the scientific method form to write up your experiment.

This site explains the scientific method for young experiementers.

Here's a form.

National Science Standards: Structure and Properties of Matter, Structure and Properties of Matter, Forces and Motion

Book provided by publisher for Librarians' Choices Book Review Committee