Composition of the Atmosphere: Print Resources
This is a collection of print resources covering the Earth's atmosphere. A separate collection of Electronic Resources is also available.
Below are outstanding and recommended titles by the National Science Teachers Association that fit this year's theme for National Chemistry Week. Descriptions are based on reviews from the NSTA web site.
Key: E = Elementary (K-5), I = Intermediate (6-8), HS = High School (9-12), C = College, G = General Public
- Dr. Art's Guide to Planet Earth: for Earthlings Ages 12 to 120. Art Sussman. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 2000. 128pp. ISBN 1-890132-73-X. (I, HS)
- Dr. Art's systems-based Earth guide introduces three
easy-to-understand principles that explain how our planet works -
Matter Cycles, Energy Flows, and Life Webs. This full-color, engaging
guide will help us better understand Earth's systems. Dr. Jane
Goodall proclaims "[this book] deserves a place not only in
every classroom but also every home." Includes glossary, index,
and a list of web sites.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children in 2001 (http://www.nsta.org/ostbc01) - The Drop in My Drink: The Story of Water on Our Planet. Meredith Hooper. NY: Viking, 1998. 32pp. ISBN 0-670-87618-6. (I)
- Here is the amazing and ever-changing story of water -- where it
comes from, how it behaves, why it matters -- and the crucial role it
has played throughout life on Earth. The eye-catching illustrations
are realistic and thought-provoking.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children in 1999 (http://www.nsta.org/ostbc99) - A Drop of Water: A Book of Science and Wonder. Walter Wick. NY: Scholastic, 1997. 40pp. ISBN 0-590-22197-3. (I)
- Here is the amazing and ever-changing story of water -- where it
comes from, how it behaves, why it matters -- and the crucial role it
has played throughout life on Earth. The eye-catching illustrations
are realistic and thought-provoking.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 for 1998 (http://www.nsta.org/213/) - Hands-On Science Series: Atmosphere & Weather. Karen Kwitter and Steven Souza. Portland, ME: J. Weston Walch, 1998. 90pp. ISBN 0-8251-3764-0. (I, HS)
- This book of activities features a carefully structured set of 16 to
20 activities requiring one or two class periods, with unusually
complete teacher support. It provides very useful enrichment for a
middle school Earth science curriculum in the form of in-class and
out-of-class activities and group projects. Each is supported by
suggestions for pre-class preparation, instructional objectives,
National Science Education Standards, required materials, helpful
hints, and adaptations for both high and low achievers. Evaluation
plans include quizzes with answers.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=12078) - How Come? Planet Earth. Kathy Wollard. NY: Workman Publishing, 1999. 332pp. ISBN 0-7611- 1239-1. (I)
- This book can provide fascinating leads for teachers who want to
enliven a discussion of science. Kids might pull this book off the
shelf for fun reading in the same way that they used to read
encyclopedias. This book contains answers to simple but surprisingly
interesting questions, all of which were generated by children around
the world through electronic or snail mail. They cover topics about
the Earth, the human body, and animals. In answering questions the
book hits the science head on. The explanations are interesting,
accurate, and full of science applications.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=11634) - Materials, Materials, Materials: Water. Chris Oxlade. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Ed. Bks., 2002. 32pp. ISBN 1588105881. (E)
- This book is appropriate for primary students studying water,
weather, or pollution. It would also be a great book for older
students who have lower reading abilities. Water has a simplified
text; but it is not simple. The text is large and written in clear,
short sentences yet ample information is presented. Key words, such
as transparent and dissolving, can be looked up in the glossary.
High-quality photographs feature animals, children, and men and women
from around the world. Students may find the "Fact File"
and "Can You Believe It?" sections fun to read. A table of
contents, an index, and a list of other books to read give it the
same format as many higher level texts.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=13237) - Planet Earth. Robin Kerrod. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2000. 32pp. ISBN 0-8225-3902-0. (E, I)
- Written by Robin Kerrod, a prolific author, astronomer, and Fellow of
England's Royal Astronomical Society, this book provides a level of
content that is unique for the elementary level. Ten chapters of
accurate text are enhanced with a glossary, an index, and
surface-feature photos. The book's strongest feature is its
easy-to-read layout. Broad concepts and clear connections to the
unique physical features and processes that occur on the planet are
described. The text is free of gender, class, cultural, and racial
bias. It is easy to read, and incorporates language and explanations
with analogies appropriate for intermediate-age students. The chapter
on continental drift and weather and climate would be appropriate as
an overview or introduction for a unit of either topic.
Source: NSTA recommends (http://www.nsta.org/recommends/product.asp?id=11810) - The Story of Oxygen. Karen Fitzgerald. Danbury, CT: Franklin Watts/Grolier, 1996. 64pp. ISBN 0-531-20225-9. (E, I)
- From myth and mystery to discovery and explanation, the author
chronicles the experimentation with air and ultimately, oxygen. The
book describes the unique characteristics of oxygen, such as its
importance to life, chemical behaviors, and abundance. Many
scientists and their contributions are covered. Includes a
bibliography, glossary, and index.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children in 1997 (http://www.nsta.org/ostbc97)
Copyright © 2003 American Chemical Society