PHYSICS
Preschool
Who sank the boat?
Allen, Pamela (Nelson, 1982, 32pp.)
This picture storybook
with brief rhyming text and humorous full colour illustrations
shows several animals climbing into a rowing dinghy one after
another as the boat gets lower and lower in the water. The last
in is a mouse, and that is just too much. The text does not explicitly
tell the reader that they all sank the boat.
The less colourful Mr Archimedes' bath (1980), in equally lighthearted manner, introduces children to the idea that bodies displace water.
(PHYSICS. AUSTRALIAN)
Push
Graham, Bob (Science Early Learner Series, Five Mile Press, 1986, 16pp.)
Bill tries riding his tricycle in grass, in mud, on the carpet
and kitchen floor, but discovers that the path is best. Also, Heat, Moving,
Senses, Sound and Water. Each has a named
character and pet, a brief text and delightful cartoon-style colour illustrations.
Four of these books were re-issued in 1991 with new titles. They
are now called It's much too hot!, Look out for Rosy!, Pig's
wild cart ride and Rupert's big splash.
(PHYSICS. AUSTRALIAN)
Let's try it out with towers and bridges: Hands-on early learning science activities
Simon, Seymour and Nicole Fauteux, illustrated by Doug Cushman (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2003, unpaged)
The 'Let's try it out' series presents simple experiments with everyday materials for young children to try at home. In this book, blocks, drinking straws, cardboard tubes and pieces of paper are used to show how buildings and bridges of different shapes can be made strong enough to withstand various forces such as weight and wind. Australian readers may not be familiar with the introductory section about the American pioneers going west but this is a minor issue. Other books in the series can be found at the author's website: www.SimonSaysKids.com.
(TECHNOLOGY; PHYSICS)
Ages 8 to 11
Can you feel the force?
Hammond, Richard (Dorling Kindersley, 2006, 96p.)
Best known for his appearances on top-rating television program Top Gear, Richard Hammond has written a book about physics for young readers which won the 2007 Royal Society Prize for Science Books Junior Prize. After the first section about the history of science and some of the most important discoveries in the field of physics, the following chapters cover energy and forces, matter and light. Profusely illustrated in full colour, this attractive well-designed introduction to physics makes the subject accessible for upper primary students.
(PHYSICS)
