Slow Down, Sara!

October 1, 2003
Gr 1-3-Two simple stories involving science skills. In Outer Space, three boys on a camping trip investigate a strange blaze of light that streaks across the sky. Through observation, they solve the mystery by identifying the object as space debris. Sara investigates the effects of friction on speed, as the child conducts experiments to figure out the best design for her soapbox derby. In both books, boxed sidebars give additional facts or raise and answer related questions. Short sentences and paragraphs with upbeat dialogue as well as bright illustrations give these titles added appeal. Both conclude with a "Think Like a Scientist" page that invites students to reconsider the concepts and to try easy, related experiments. Supplemental purchases for school and public libraries.-Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

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