Tools of Navigation: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Finding Your Way
Grade 5-8 -The first book is acomprehensive, well-organized account that ranges from star charts to satellites and focuses not only on the tools of navigation but on the pioneers in the field as well. From the jungles of Africa, with Livingstone and Stanley, to Hillary's Everest, and to the poles with Scott, Peary, Amundsen, and Shackleton, the book provides an intriguing and informative look at how humans have managed to find their way across the globe. Easy-to-understand activities, linked directly to the information provided in the text, such as how to make a simple astrolabe, are included in many chapters. Unfortunately, many of the projects use the imperial system of measurement, which puts readers who are schooled in the globally used metric system at a disadvantage, and the index is incomplete.Timekeepingis an ambitious effort that succeeds in making sense of an often difficult-to-understand concept. Using straightforward language, this resource traces the history of how humans have attempted to calculate time. Technologies used in modern timekeeping are also included and the coverage of the individuals involved is excellent. The book includes timekeeping history from Asian, African, European, and North and South American cultures. Hands-on activities enhance the understanding of each topic. All of the instructions are easy to follow and require readily available materials. The illustrations and diagrams are used effectively to support the text. Two informative resources.-Robyn Walker, Elgin Court Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, CanadaCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.