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9780761378709

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The first two chapters in each title are nearly identical, although there are occasional changes in the photographs and the examples used to define the concepts work and machines. Subsequent chapters feature a specific simple machine and provide directions for basic experiments that children can accomplish, with the occasional exception, on their own, using easily located items. Final chapters explain that simple machines are everywhere. On the whole, the texts provide clear explanations and the experiments add a significant degree of interest. The color photographs are crisp and clear, as are the diagrams. Serviceable additions where the topics are a part of the curriculum. --School Library Journal, Series Made Simple --Journal This entry into the How Do Simple Machines Work? series begins with a catchy list of activities children consider 'work.' Then the authors ask, 'What does the word work mean to a scientist?' This opening chapter defines what is and is not 'work, ' while the latter four chapters move closer and closer to a complete understanding of the book's central concept: 'Machines' describes things with moving parts, from a train engine to an office chair. 'Friction' suggests an experiment involving sliding a book across a table. 'Parts of a Wheel and Axle' supplies another experiment and examples of wheels and axles all around us. Finally, 'Gears' takes the discussion one step further: 'Some wheels have teeth.' The short sentences are a bit choppy, but the color photographs of multiethnic elementary children are engaging, and the activities are both simple and illustrative. Back matter includes a glossary, other resources, and an index. --Booklist --Journal These books start with definitions of force, work, and machines, then explain how machines reduce the amount of force needed to do work. Interactivity is encouraged, as readers are directed to perform simple experiments along with children shown in accompanying pictures; the texts provide guidance on what to look for. Clear explanations, relatable examples, and effective visuals make these solid selections. --The Horn Book Guide --Journal This series includes lots of facts and examples of the concept of work, presenting the facts from the simple to the more complex. Large colorful pictures give the reader examples of work that a child could relate to, and a list of everyday household items that are needed to perform each example is included. Small boxes containing short facts about the pictures will grab the attention of younger and reluctant readers. Intermediate students will be able to recreate the examples given in each book in order to extend their understanding. --Library Media Connection --Journal Put Levers to the Test, Put Pulleys to the Test, Put Inclined Planes to the Test and Put Wheels and Axels to the Test are part of a Searchlight Books series focused on simple machines. This book series emphasizes hands on investigations of simple machines in action. As their titles indicate, each book includes a section with detailed instructions and illustrations that allow young readers to safely investigate how simple machines work using inexpensive, readily available materials. Each book can stand on its own with an introduction to the physics of machines and work. Each book also includes full color illustrations on every page, a glossary and an index. The vocabulary and science concepts are appropriate for upper elementary school level students. However, with adult help, the books might also be used for even younger students. --Science Books & Films --Journal Because the manner in which simple machines work is a common content area and the topic is well-developed, teachers will appreciate this series on simple machines. The authors include hands-on activities that use everyday items, photographs of people using simple machines, and easy-to-read diagrams that explain how wheels and axles work. There are practical, everyday examples of simple machines throughout the book. The first chapter defines work and provides examples of how simple machines are used to make work easier. Other chapters focus on gravity, friction, machines, and types of wheels and axles. The scientific content is clearly described in the text and made clearer with photographs of people doing work using a variety of wheels and axles that have gears (such as a bicycle and a can opener). The content is written so that students in grades three to five can comprehend the science concepts. This is a good book for a classroom or school library. --NSTA --Website

Author Information

Roseann Feldmann earned her B.A. degree in biology, chemistry, and education at the College of St. Francis and her M.S. in education from Northern Illinois University. As an educator, she has been a classroom teacher, college instructor, curriculum author, and administrator. She currently serves as the principal at St. Peter School, an elementary school in Geneva, Illinois. Sally M. Walker has been a children's book writer for over 20 years. Most of her books are nonfiction and present various science topics to young readers. Fossil Fish Found Alive is the story of the hunt for the elusive fish called the coelacanth. Sally also enjoys combining science investigation with historical topics. Her book Secrets of a Civil War Submarine, which won the 2006 Robert F. Sibert Medal, tells about the history, loss, and re-discovery of the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in battle. Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland takes readers on archaeological expeditions, where the forensic analysis of colonial settlers' bones helps us to understand their lives. Sally especially enjoys writing narrative nonfiction that captures the reader's attention with a true story. She is also the author of 2019 Orbis Pictus Honor Book Champion: The Comeback Tale of the American Chestnut.

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