Reviewed by Diana Wiig
Professor of Science/Mathematics Methods
The Restless Planet Series offers an exciting look at four Earth science topics: earthquakes, volcanoes, storms, and floods. Each topic is treated in a separate book , and some excellent features are common to all the books. Photos, diagrams, and maps do a good job illustrating the science information presented in the books. Each book has a glossary of terms pertinent to the topic and a page of “Further Information” that includes related books titles, CD-ROM selections, and Internet addresses. Interspersed throughout the books are "Did You Know?" boxes that highlight specific science concepts, ideas, and trivia. Also included are historical examples and eyewitness accounts that involve the reader at a level beyond the factual. These books do not contain activities or suggestions for classroom demonstrations; they are strictly content books. The topics covered in the series meet the National Science Education Standards content standards for the K-4 and 5-8 levels. Independent reading ability is at grades 4-6, but younger audiences will enjoy the pictures and understand most of the content if it is read to them. Each of the books would be a good addition to the classroom, school, or professional teaching library.
The pictures in Volcanoes are stunning. From the history of volcanoes (did you know that they are named after Vulcan, blacksmith to the Roman gods?) to predicting them (not very accurately), the book deals with the topic of volcanoes in a balanced, understandable manner. The different types of volcanoes (subduction, rift, and hot spot) and volcanic forms are accurately illustrated by drawings and photos. A treatment of volcanic landscapes, like hot springs and geysers, and underground activity as a result of volcanoes adds a different dimension to this book. Each topic discussed is tied to a specific place in the world. All in all, this is a nice book for introducing volcanoes and their impact on our world.
Earthquakes is a good companion book to Volcanoes. Both books share some common geologic ground and could encourage students to investigate further the global connections between volcanoes and earthquake activity. The book begins by addressing the causes of earthquakes and uses historic earthquake disasters to illustrate the magnitude of such events. A special section on “Relief and Rescue” looks at the far-reaching effects an earthquake has on people and the economy. Students will learn how, as a result of earthquake activity, communities have enacted stricter building codes and devised ways to keep buildings upright and in one piece during an earthquake. Finally, predicting earthquakes is difficult, but not impossible. The book explores ways natural warning signs and technological instruments are used to help minimize deaths and damage to an area.
Floods explores the causes of floods and the measures that humans take to try to control flooding. In 1996, nearly 40 percent of the world's natural disasters involved flooding. The authors look at both the natural and human causes of this flooding in a balanced, nonjudgmental way. The natural movement of water through the water cycle demonstrates the somewhat precarious balance of water in nature. Many factors, such as infiltration into soil, drainage basins, type of soil, and climate can help or hinder the tidy flow of our Earth's water. River flooding, coastal flooding, and flood disasters are covered in Floods, as are the human factors (urbanization, deforestation) that restrain the natural flow of water. Some human attempts at taming this flow of water have harmed land that floods naturally enrich. Our attempts to control flooding and the lessons learned as a result are features of the book I especially enjoyed.
Review posted on 9/20/2000
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