Food: 25 Amazing Projects Investigate the History and Science of What We Eat

Reviews

School Library Journal
“This broad overview of food touches on its history and future, production and packaging, social and cultural practices, and health and safety concerns.  This soup-to-nuts look at the business and consumption of food will make a good addition to most collections.”

Calliope Magazine
“In addition to the engaging activities, there are fact-filled sidebars, interesting did-you-know boxes, pertinent vocabulary lists, and much more!”

National Science Teachers Association
“Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in our society. Part of the problem is a lack of knowledge about the food we eat. Using this book is a fun way for young readers to learn more about food and nutrition by completing hands-on projects. Each of 13 chapters contains numerous diagrams and illustrations. There are many sidebars with words to know, ‘did you know' facts, lists of supplies for projects, and other information. A glossary, list of resources, and subject index complete the package. Readers will be interested to learn that Chile powder was added to a recipe for ancient hot chocolate (from Mexico); the word coconut comes from the word cocho, which means ghost or boogeyman; and in Cambodia, people eat deep-fried tarantulas. Projects include making a model of the flooding Nile river or a classroom garden. These components provide starting points for multicultural or integrated lessons. Children will enjoy doing these projects, which are described in complete detail, and learning useful facts about nutrition. The book also includes some safety tips (such as not eating out of a home-made clay pot). Our society needs to do something to improve nutrition, and this book is a step in the right direction. Its integrated approach will be appreciated by elementary or middle school teachers. The topics are also ideal for projects that involve parents or community volunteers."

Children's Literature
“One of 20 books in the ‘Build It Yourself' series, this edition discusses the history and culture of food in an interesting workbook-like format. With obesity in young people on the rise, they need all the information possible to make wise food choices. This book is perfect to get them thinking about the subject.”

Children's Literature Evaluation and Review (CLEAR)
“From ancient times to the future of food investigate the science, history, and culture behind what we eat. Book is written in a chapter workbook style with each chapter is followed by at least one activity. This title goes beyond the basics of the food pyramid and encourages kids to understand their daily food intake from both commercial and local growers. This is a fascinating title about food and what we eat. The content arrangement is outstanding. This title would be great for a person who enjoys Alton Brown on the Food Network show good eats ... Overall the title is very educational.”

Old Schoolhouse Magazine
“Do you want to give your children some "food for thought" as they explore the history and science of what we eat? Then check out this great resource written by Kathleen M. Reilly and published by Nomad Press. As part of the ‘Build It Yourself' series and geared to readers ages nine and up, Food: 25 Amazing Projects is just the kind of resource that homeschoolers will enjoy! Each section contains fascinating historical and scientific information on the chapter topic, ‘Did You Know?' trivia boxes, Words to Know, and one to four activities and experiments. This book is amazingly comprehensive, and I was astounded by the amount of information and fun (and educational) stuff the author included. I can definitely see how this book could be a great complement for several historical/time period studies! It is also a wonderful study by itself, as it shows readers how food has played a vital part in the development of our cultural roles and how nutritional studies have evolved and developed over the centuries. A highly recommended resource!”

John Turennee, President Sustainable Food Systems LLC
“Like a mouth-watering plate full of delicious, healthy, sustainable food, Amazing Food Projects is sure to stimulate children's appetites for learning about the importance of what they eat. Nutritional, economic, environmental and social aspects are presented in a fun and imaginative manner. What a wonderful way to teach kids about the sustainability issues around food!”