Lake-Top Living

Reviews

Green Teacher Magazine
“Author Johannah Haney does an excellent job of connecting humans and ecosystems in this book, illustrated by Tom Casteel. The chapters on humans, lakes and ponds and practicing conservation take readers from solely observing the world to changing it for the better. Art projects are mixed with scientific inquiry, making for cross-curricular learning to stimulate different learning styles. The QR codes for accessing primary sources of research and the resource list of websites allow students and teachers to augment their studies. A useful resource for Grades 4–6 in a home school or traditional classroom.”

Praise for other books in the Explore Your World! series:

Explore Forces and Motion! With 25 Great Projects 
School Library Connection
“Looking for ways to introduce, reinforce, and build on abstract physics concepts for young children? The author manages to make physics concepts simple in a light, accessible tone that will keep readers engaged. This very colorful text includes a timeline (not often seen in a book on physics), glossary, resources, essential questions, QR codes, primary source icons, and more. The real strength is the suggested projects that are simple to conduct yet essential in understanding concepts such as force, buoyancy, and magnetism. This would make an excellent addition to a classroom textbook to reinforce and demonstrate concepts. Librarians will love the focus on primary sources and scientific process.”

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA Recommends)
“Physics is fun with this colorful and informative book for students ages 7–10. Using the theme of motion, the book encourages readers to push, pull, spin, twist, and turn their way to learning basic concepts of force and motion. There are ample activities and projects throughout the book that provide the reader with ways to explore forces and motion and learn basic concepts while having loads of fun. . . Students will enjoy the fun graphics in the book. A cartoon turtle and chicken lead students through the reading and activities by providing comedy and demonstrations on how to do the activities in the book. The color and design graphics are bright and capture the interest of the reader.”

Explore Solids and Liquids! With 25 Great Projects 
Booklist
“. . . The accessible text takes a friendly tone, providing ample background information and easily recognizable everyday examples. Cartoon illustrations, inset boxes with facts, and occasional jokes help keep readers engaged. . . This should provide inspiration and insights into scientific exploration for students, teachers, and budding mad scientists.”

Explore Comets and Asteroids!
National Science Teachers Association Recommends
“Not just a book, an adventure! As you pick up and flip through Explore Comets and Asteroids! you begin to engage in a print experience that opens your eyes and mind to exploration in our galaxy and beyond. While this is print based, it is linked to the extraordinary volume of additional resources of the internet while firmly grounded with study information that one holds in the hand. The pages include QR codes with key word prompts to facilitate research on the content, 25 projects to engage the learner, vocabulary boxes within the content to assist with understanding, and abundant graphics to visually illustrate the concepts. There are also the important element of comic relief in the form of kid friendly “asides” that use play on words. “Did you Know?” and “Time to Discuss” prompts entice memory of key events in astronomy.

This paper bound book could be considered a mini course in the subject of comets and asteroids that serve to either develop knowledge or review it. The writing is clear and well organized into 6 chapters. The overview, in the form of a timeline, sets the stage for the understanding of our advancement of knowledge and understanding of these celestial bodies as our technology that is used to study them improved. Facts, figures, and concepts are addressed in an entertaining, yet educational manner, to engage the learner in the learning process and reward him/her with insights, understanding, and even encourage career planning. While it may appear to be a book for young readers, do not let it fool you. There is something for everyone as there is more to learn than first meets the eye. Want to read a book to your child, grandchild. or class? This might be a welcome change that increases interest in the study of the skies and beyond.”