Janice VanCleave's Insects and Spiders: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn Into Science Fair Projects
Grade 3-5-This title is chock-full of meaningful, but not difficult, projects. Each of the 20 chapters begins with a scientific query related to a specific topic, such as insect anatomy, and is followed by step-by-step directions for an experiment that will answer it, a statement of expected results, and a succinct explanation of the scientific reasons for them. Several variations of the project are suggested with guidelines for expanding it into a science-fair entry. A paragraph at the end of each chapter suggests other lines of research, occasionally recommending a specific book for further reading. Clear line drawings illustrate the text on almost every page. An appendix provides a short list of biological supply companies. This title has all of the characteristics of the best science-experiment books. The lucid text is well organized and liberally sprinkled with safety warnings. VanCleave stresses that live subjects must be properly treated and returned to their habitats. The required materials are generally inexpensive and easily obtainable. Few science experiment books include insects. Ellen Doris's Entomology (Thames & Hudson, 1993) offers several similar projects, but does not explain how to prepare exhibits. Budding biologists will welcome this title.Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public LibraryCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.