Reviewed by Teri Cosentino
3rd-6th grade science teacher
Head to Toe Science, by Jim Wiese, not only has some wonderful experiments but also explains why the experiments are done and the science behind the physiology. Quite simply, it is the best human body activity book I have ever seen--quite a compliment from a science teacher who has used numerous resources over the past seven years to help third and fourth graders understand human body systems.
So what makes me so enthusiastic? First, the book is organized into systems, including nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, muscular, skeletal, reproductive, and the skin. I assess the children’s knowledge by having them design and present a slide show program on one human body system. Therefore, it is important to me that text materials be broken down in this conceptual way.
Head to Toe Science offers 48 different projects, each containing a focus statement or question, the materials needed, the procedure, and an explanation. The experiments are simple, easy, and safe. The text clearly states the experiments that require adult supervision. The experiments can be done individually, as a class activity, or in groups. If pressed for time, the teacher could convert many of the experiments to demonstrations. Many experiments allow observation, study, and graphing over a period of time.
Sprinkled throughout the book are idea boxes with “More Fun Stuff To Try” and “Science In Action.” These boxes relate the previous activities to real life. Any difficult words in the explanation section of each activity appear in bold print and are defined in the glossary at the back of the book. And unlike many science activity books, there are no boxes or pictures with many different colors and text fonts to distract the reader. Instead, the text is clearly printed in simple fonts. One hand-drawn black-and-white picture clarifies each procedure. The extra text boxes enhance learning rather than distract from the activity's overall impact. The book's simple format and set-up make it easy to follow and understand.
I have personal experience to support my positive review! My 10-year-old daughter plays with her feet at the supper table (yes, I know it's gross). Although we told her many times to wash her hands before eating, her behavior did not change--until I tried the "Smelly Feet experiment." Following the directions in the book, we grew microbes on gelatin from a swab of her feet and between her toes. Now she washes her hands very well before she eats. As an elementary teacher, I know that children will have this type of “aha” experience many times as they use this book.
Head to Toe Science is filled with experiments that answer questions through activities. The book enhances students' understanding of human body systems and moves learning beyond the memorization level that is so often used in this content area. This book is a must for any teacher of human body systems. The grade level is third to seventh grades, and I would recommend this book to elementary classroom teachers and middle school teachers of health or science. It makes teachers and parents realize that one experiment truly is worth a thousand words!
Review posted on 8/4/2000
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