NSTA Recommends



Air, Water, & Weather: Stop Faking It! Finally Understanding Science So You Can Teach It


by William C. Robertson, Ph.D.

Price at time of review: $18.95
134 pp.
NSTA Press
Arlington, VA
2005
ISBN: 9780873552387


Grade Level: K-8

Reviewed by Eloise Farmer
science consultant


Air, Water, and Weather is the latest book in the Stop Faking It! series. These books are known for providing basic understanding of science topics for teachers of grades 3–8. The author provides explanations and demonstrations on the science of the air, water, and weather at a level that teachers and students will easily understand.

Author William Robertson treats the learner with respect as he outlines the physics of air and water and explains basic weather patterns. Topics covered include pressure, density, the Bernoulli Effect, the kinetic theory of gases, surface tension, relative humidity, seasons, the Coriolis force, and others. The style of writing is conversational, making the reader feel at ease. The cartoon illustrations are clever, often humorous, and easy to understand.

The activities included involve everyday items, which are all listed at the front of the book. Many could be adapted for classroom use, and the author is careful to point out any potential safety issues when using the activities with students. Internet links to more information are provided through NSTA's SciLinks found throughout the text.

Although this book is targeted at educators of grades 3–8 who have avoided teaching certain science topics because they lack confidence in their own understanding, educators at any level could benefit from this book. Even those who know and clearly understand the content tend to forget how it was to learn it for the first time. This latest addition to the series is well worth having in every K–8 science classroom, as well as in high school physical and Earth science classrooms.



Review posted on 5/17/2005

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