Gardner, Scot. The Dead I Know.

Gardner, Scot.  The Dead I Know.    Houghton Mifflin  2015 201p $17.99  ISBN 978-0-544-23274-7  hs  Realistic fiction  VG-BN

Aaron’s home life is so out-of-control that his apprenticeship at a local funeral parlor makes the day-to-day activities of the funeral parlor resemble normalcy to him.  Much of Aaron’s life is upside down.  Aaron, a loner by choice, and his new mentor John, the funeral director, achieve a father-son relationship.  At home, Aaron is the caretaker for Mam, an increasingly unstable woman who suffers from dementia and mental illness.  Their flimsy trailer is located in a seedy part of town, and the ruffians who live nearby torment Mam and Aaron.  Aaron has vivid nightmares that seem more like memories, and he sleepwalks.  He worries that he may be caught in the same chaotic downward spiral that grips Mam.  The Barton family becomes his lifeline to reality and a safe haven as Aaron attempts to cope with situations that adults would find daunting.  

Despite its grim themes (death, mental illness, coping, bullying, family problems), The Dead I Know ends on a hopeful note.  Gardner’s spare prose is straightforward and compelling.  The characters in this darkly humorous novel are believable and authentic.  The plot may be a bit too convoluted for some readers’ tastes, but the emotional impact will linger with the reader.

Summary: Aaron’s out-of-control home life makes apprenticeship at a funeral home seem normal.        

Mental illness-Fiction, Families-Fiction              --Hilary Welliver

Gardner, Robert. Physics of Toys and Games Science Projects.

Gardner, Robert.  Physics of Toys and Games Science Projects.     Enslow      2013  128p  $26.60  ISBN 978-0-7660-4143-1  ms/hs  series:  Exploring Hands-On Science Projects   VG-BN

In order to facilitate an understanding of the nature of physics, this book offers a series of experiments that explore the basics by describing how to make and use simple toys and games.  The author explains how these toys, made from ordinary household materials, illustrate the laws of physics.  For each toy, there is a list of materials needed, drawings of the different steps to be taken, and an example that could be used for a possible science fair project.  The book is laid out with drawings of the toys, lists of the materials needed, and clear diagrams of each project.  The student’s basic knowledge of energy and physics is increased as each experiment is completed. Careful procedures are emphasized throughout, and each topic is introduced with useful background information.  The experiments are designed so that they can lead to practical applications. 
         
The information is very clearly presented, beginning with explanations of the different laws of physics involved.  There are suggestions on how to get started, and the list of supplies needed, to ensure that the project reaches a successful conclusion.  The author offers a discussion of the scientific method and how to use it correctly to support the research.  He considers safety aspects and is very emphatic about the necessity of careful work.  The book contains very clear diagrams of experiments, illustrations, charts, graphs, and tables.  It ends with a bibliography of books and Internet resources for further reading, and an index.

This is a wonderful series of books on science experiments.  All the books contain very clear diagrams of experiments, illustrations, charts, graphs, and tables that support these experiments.  Books in the series cover plants; solids, liquids, and gases; toys and games; and sports.   These books should be required reading for anyone interested in entering a science fair competition.

Mechanics-Experiments, Toys-Experiments  --Susan Ogintz

Gardner, Robert. Science Behind Magic Science Projects.

Gardner, Robert.  Science Behind Magic Science Projects.    Enslow      2013  128p  $26.60  ISBN 978-0-7660-4147-9      ms      series: Exploring Hands-On Science Projects     E-BNS

This small book is a treasure trove of science-project ideas employing scientific truths that appear magical in one way or another ... a mark on paper that seems to disappear as you move it toward your eyes, water that refuses to flow out of a hole, etcetera.  All of the experiments look like a lot of fun for a science-minded kid to try, and the science behind each one is carefully explained in a way that is understandable and fairly simple.  The beginning of the book covers the scientific method, the necessity of using goggles and other safety devices, the importance of creativity in presenting a project for a science fair (in other words, don’t just copy everything right out of this book), and other pointers.  The writing is easy to understand but flows and is interesting.  The accompanying line drawings illustrate each concept and procedure perfectly.  The two science web sites mentioned at the end of the book are both solid, and five other kid-friendly books  that suggest science projects are cited as well.  The index is good, the font is attractive, and this one should be a winner for middle-school or upper-elementary school-kids looking for science projects, whether for school or for fun.   The Exploring Hands-On Science Projects series includes books that focus on plant science, physics of toys and games, and the physics of sports.     

Science projects                                                  --Carol Kennedy

Gardner, Robert. Earth’s Cycles.

Gardner, Robert. Earth’s Cycles.
Enslow 2011 112p 31.93
978-0-7660-3644-4
Team Green Science Projects (Enslow) E-BN

A science project book with 23 projects on the Earth’s cycles for students to use, explore and experiment. Many of the projects will need an adult. Using the scientific method student will be able to apply the process to create a successful science project. The process becomes a sure method that can be followed and will make it easier to succeed. Begin by making an observation, then formulate a question and then you will have a Hypothesis which translates into the answer to your question. You can make a prediction of what you think you will find if you do a variation of the experiment. Then you conduct the experiment, write down your data and results and compare to your previous statements. The second part of your project will be to prepare a written and visual presentation of your project.
This book give you a good selection of projects for the topic of earth’s cycles. There are least 23 projects you can chose from and at least 13 of them can be taken one step further and used in science fair provided you do the extra work to be creative with the project. Many of the projects may require adult supervision especially for the the younger students.

Plenty of pictures, illustrations, diagrams and fact boxes to help you decide which experiment can be taken one step further to suit your needs to help you develop your own new experiment.
This is a book for teachers and students. The projects will add fun to science classes and help students explore other possibilities.

Includes: Content, Glossary, Science supply companies, index, internet addresses, Further reading, and Graphs. Green science projects: Air, Energy, Water.
Science books with experiments that will get kids thinking about their planet and how they can help clean up or heal the planet. Diaz, Magna

Gardner, Robert. Air.

Gardner, Robert. Air.
Enslow 2011 128p 31.93
978-0-7660-3646-8
Team Green Science Projects (Enslow) VG

Subtitled Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet, this book offers four chapters about air quality and each includes five to six related experiments, observations, models, or activities for the reader to try. Some projects need adult supervision

Subtitled Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet, this book offers four chapters air quality and what the reader can do to understand factors about air and how to improve air conditions in our world. Each chapter presents five to six related experiments, observations, models, or activities for hands on research about the chapter’s topic. Some of the supplies that are needed for the projects might have to be purchased as they aren’t necessarily normally available. Several of the experiments have potentially dangerous aspects that may cause an injury such as a burn , but the author advises when adult supervision is needed. Some of the projects are immediate; others may take up to take weeks to finish. All of this is stated in an organized manner and any warnings are printed in orange print to stand out. There are not many photographs, but the few that are included show a diverse array of teenagers with the exception of African Americans. The illustrations, photos and sidebars are elucidating and are placed appropriately within the text. The design of this title is attractive, printed on blue or beige pages with green highlights and this makes for an appealing read. The format includes a glossary; an appendix of science supply companies with addresses, phone numbers, and web sites; and an index. This book is a very good selection to update science fair collections in middle school and high school libraries. Other titles in the Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet series include: Energy, Soil, Recycle, and Water. This book is a very good selection to update science fair collections in middle school and high school libraries. Weinraub, Tina

Gardner, Robert Whose Fingerprints Are These?

Gardner, Robert Whose Fingerprints Are These?
Enslow 2010 48p 23.93
978-0-7660-3245-3 elem E-BNes
Who Dunnit? Forensic Science Experiments (Enslow)
Beginning with a discussion of fingerprint physiology, Gardner explains the means by which fingerprints can be characterized and how to make clear fingerprint records and continues by how these might be incorporated into a science project. Forensic science and criminal investigations provide the basis for some of the hottest shows on the tube these days and this book may entice young readers into looking at science experimentation in a new and different way. Beginning with a discussion of fingerprint physiology, Gardner explains the means by which fingerprints can be characterized and how to make clear fingerprint records and continues by discussing in what way these might be incorporated into a science project. Each continuing chapter presents a hypothetical crime scene and uses the readers’ increasing knowledge as the basis for further experimentation. Gardner later branches out by offering information on lip and tooth prints, footprints, and other tracks. Each experiment contains a list of necessary materials, clear illustrations and photographs, and “Who dunnit” crime scenes. The book ends with the answers, a glossary, bibliography of books and Internet addresses, and an index. While this is, by necessity, a cursory overview of forensic crime work, it is sure to whet the interest of its readers for more information.

This is “CSI” in a book and will entrance young readers. A highly recommended purchase for elementary libraries. Ogintz, Susan

Light, Sound, and Waves Science Fair Projects, Revised and Expanded Using Scientific Method.

Gardner, Robert . Light, Sound, and Waves Science Fair Projects, Revised and Expanded Using Scientific Method.

Enslow 2010 160p 34.60 Physics Science Projects Using the Scientific Method(Enslow)

978-0-7660-3416-7 elm/ms E-BNS

This revised edition explains how to use the scientific method to conduct many science experiments about light, sound and waves. Includes ideas for science fair projects. Includes bibliography and index. This revised edition explains how to use the scientific method to conduct many science experiments about light, sound and waves. There is an excellent introduction to the scientific method, how scientists work and creating a science fair project. The chapters give a very brief introduction to one scientific principle and then three to eight experiments that further illustrate this principle. Each experiment is shown in detail -how to set it up and what to do. The conclusions hint at the results the student should have recorded. Suggestions are given for ways to expand the experiment into a science fair project.
The illustrations are excellent, directions are clear, easy to follow and mostly use readily available materials. A list of further resources, scientific supply houses and a thorough index are included. Theal, Joan

Electricity and Magnetism Science Fair Projects, Revised and Expanded.

Gardner, Robert. Electricity and Magnetism Science Fair Projects, Revised and Expanded. Using Scientific Method

Enslow 2010 160p 26.00

Physics Science Projects Using the Scientific Method(Enslow)

978-0-7660-3418-1 ms/hs E-BN

Science fair projects in electricity and magnetism. The projects are simple and fun but can be taken one step further and made into an original science fair projects that might just help you win that first prize. Using the scientific method student will be able to apply the process to create a successful science project. The process becomes a sure method that can be followed and will make it easier to succeed. Beginning with your Hypothesis, recording your data, following the exact format provided in this book for your oral and written presentation, half the job will be done and all you have to do is choose your topic and develop it so that your visual presentation will match your oral work. In this book you will be exploring electricity and magnetism. The projects are fun and they can be taken one further and made into a science fair project. The scientific method will help you organize yourself and have a successful presentation.

Plenty of pictures and diagrams to help decide which experiment can be taken one step further to suit your needs to help you develop your own new experiment.
This is a book for teachers and students. The projects will add fun to science classes and help students explore other possibilities.
Includes: Content, index, internet addresses, Further reading, fact boxes and Appendix. Diaz, Magna

Genetics and Evolution Science Fair Projects

Gardner, Robert Genetics and Evolution Science Fair Projects
Enslow 2010 160p 34.60 978-0-7660-3422-8 elm/ms Biology Science Projects Using the Scientific Method (Enslow) This book begins by explaining the scientific method in painstaking detail, moves on to classification, and then discusses a number of major scientific breakthroughs and related experiments and projects that the reader can perform. The organization is meticulous, and the author goes through explanations of the scientific method very thoroughly ... the student may be tempted to skip some of this, and it is recommended that the teacher “assign” certain chapters to the student who is about to create a science project based on the topics in this book. The author is very careful to talk about things like the washing of hands, getting an adult to help with certain aspects of the experiments, etc., and the student may find this tedious. However, it is to the author’s credit that he points out these precautions and takes care to describe every step of each experiment so thoroughly. In the course of learning about the experiments, the student will learn a bit about Darwin, Mendel, genetics, and evolution. In addition to good illustrations and charts, and the bibliography and index, there is a helpful appendix that lists science supply companies. Kennedy, Carol

Chemistry Science Fair Projects Using Inorganic Stuff

Gardner, Robert. Chemistry Science Fair Projects Using Inorganic Stuff, Revised & Expanded Using the Scientific Method
Enslow 2010 160p 34.60 978-0-7660-3413-6 ms/hs Chemistry Science Projects Using Scientific Method(Enslow) This title focuses on inorganic chemistry experiments as a source for science fair projects. The well-organized content is easy to follow, colorful, and nicely illustrated. The format includes an appendix that lists science supply companies, a list of books for suggested reading, Internet addresses and an index. This title in Enslow’s Chemistry Science Projects Using the Scientific Method series focuses on inorganic chemistry experiments as a source for science fair projects. An introductory chapter explains what the scientific method is and how to use it. Subsequent chapters suggest a scientific theme such as: identifying substances or conservation of matter and then propose a several experiments that explore the theme. Each experiment includes a question, an hypothesis, a list of materials the procedure, and the results and conclusion. Further science project ideas are highlighted at the end of each experiment. Occasional sidebars elucidate information about famous scientists related to the experiments. Nicely illustrated with drawings and graphs, the well-organized content is colorful and easy to follow. The format of this series includes an appendix that lists science supply companies with their addresses, phone numbers and web site, a list of books for suggested reading, Internet addresses and an index. This title is an excellent resource for middle and high school students to research science projects. Middle school and high school libraries may want to select this book to update their science collection, especially if their students are involved in science fairs. Recommended for Tristate Books of Note Series. Weinraub, Tina

Gardner, Robert. Whose Fingerprints Are These?

Gardner, Robert. Whose Fingerprints Are These?
Enslow 2010 48p 23.93 978-0-7660-3245-3 elem
Who Dunnit? Forensic Science Experiments (Enslow)
An introduction for young readers into the world of forensic science. Each chapter will test your sleuthing skills as you work with fingerprints, lip prints,footprints, etc. to solve a crime. Many of these projects would also be useful for science fair projects. This book helps young readers to utilize some of the crime solving techniques that they watch so avidly on television and learn about and practice the skills used by CSIs on television. An important aspect of this book is the explanation of the important of the scientific method and the adherence to safety practices and proper adult supervision. This text is fully illustrated with a low reading level accompanied by full color illustrations. Crimes to solve, where to obtain more information, web sites, a glossary, and index make this a useful research tool. McNeil, Linda

Ace Your Ecology and Environmental Science Project

Gardner, Robert Ace Your Ecology and Environmental Science Project
Enslow 2009 112p 31.93 978-0-7660-3216-3 ms/hs
Ace Your Science Project (Enslow)
The authors provide information on choosing and planning a science experiment using different aspects of local ecology. They begin with a brief discussion of ecosystems and how their study leads to a practical understanding of the influence of biology and other factors on relationships in nature. The authors provide information on choosing and planning a science experiment using different aspects of the local ecology and other "stuff." They begin with a brief discussion of ecosystems and how their study leads to a practical understanding of the influence of biology and other factors on relationships in nature. They describe how to examine the different living and nonliving pieces of the ecosystem to discover how they interact with each other and affect life. They then discuss how to set up experiments that may be used later for a science fair project. These are open-ended and may lead to actual discovery. Basic knowledge of ecology and environmental factors increase as each experiment is completed. The material is very clearly explained, with suggestions on how to get started, how to choose the proper type of project, what supplies are needed to fulfill the requirements necessary to do correct research, and what materials to use to present the project. The author offers a succinct description of scientific method and how to use it correctly to support the research. They consider safety aspects and are very clear about the necessity for careful work. The book contains very clear diagrams of experiments, illustrations, charts, graphs, and tables. It has an excellent glossary with clear explanations of the scientific terms. It ends with an appendix of science supply companies, an index, and a bibliography of books for further reading and Internet resources. Ogintz, Susan

Gardner, Robert. Ace your Math and measuring: Science Project.

Gardner, Robert. Ace your Math and measuring: Science Project.
c 2010 128p 32.00 9780766032248 jr/sr
Ace Your Physics Science Project

An easy way of learning all you need to know about math and measurements. A book full of science fair project, experiments and historical facts that will help you understand how math and measurements came to be a big part of how we live. This math book will prove to be very interesting to kids and adults. It take math and simplifies it by giving the reader background historical facts that will help understand how math helps us understand our world.

In the unit 1.1 the author gives us historical background that explains why we have many of the different math terms. The human body was the first instrument use for measurements for example: The foot was a unit equal to the length of a person foot. Take measuring a room, if you place your feet one in front of the other and walk the length of the room in this manner you will get approximate measure for that room. How many of you have seen your mothers or grandmother measure out a yard of fabric? They would take the fabric and begin the measurement at the point of their nose to the length of their hand and that would measure approximately a yard of fabric = to 36 inches.

There are experiments and examples that will provide a learning experience while you are having fun learning new and old concepts. You will learn about the US system and and the metric system. There are a total of 14 science fair experiments. Includes: Index, Introduction, safety first, the scientific method, science fairs, web sites, bibliography, and appendix.
Magna Diaz