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Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities (For Kids series)
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| List Price: | $16.95 |
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Product Description
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #125089 in Books
- Published on: 2009-07-01
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Paperback
- 144 pages
Features
- ISBN13: 9781556527784
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 4–7—An opening time line commences with the 1642 marriage of Newton's parents and closes with his death in 1727, and a general introduction describes the man and the times in which he lived. The text touches on Newton's childhood in Woolsthorpe, his studies at Cambridge, which led to his three laws of motion, and his time as master of the Royal Mint and president of the Royal Society. The activities elucidate, for example, concepts in mathematics ("What Are the Odds?") and physics ("Create Optical Illusions"), and reveal more historical details. For example, in a section on the 17th-century plague, readers are provided with instructions on how to make a mask like those worn by doctors of the time. The activities will generally not be suitable for science fairs, but are likely to engage readers. Lengthy sidebars provide additional information about pertinent subjects ("Comets," "Churches, Kings, and Freedom of Speech") as well as individuals and events that influenced Newton's work. The writing is clear and detailed, but is best suited for motivated readers. Black-and-white illustrations on every spread consist primarily of reproductions of art and of scientific diagrams. Some of the further-reading suggestions, including two tiles by Newton, are for adults. This will be a handy supplement to a physics curriculum and would be a useful selection for school and public libraries.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA
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Review
"Hollihan introduces readers to the scientific brilliance, as well as the social isolation, of this giant figure, blending a readable narrative with an attractive format that incorporates maps, diagrams, historical photographs, and physics activities." —Booklist
"Written for children, this book is also a great resource for teachers and parents." —Connect
"Sanitized, sculpted, and politically correct stories of human luminaries are typically fed to schoolchildren. Author Kerrie Logan Hollihan, however, offers middle-grade readers a refreshing and comprehensive look at the man touted as the greatest scientist who ever lived." —BookLoons
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Fascinating man! Fascinating book!
Kerrie Logan Hollihan has written an amazing book about a fascinating and complex man. She brings Newton to life and makes his ideas accessible to young readers. Excellent visuals and fun activities add to this already rich work, making the book a great resource for teachers, parents, and home-schoolers!
Stories for Children Magazine 5 Star Review
Who do you think is the greatest scientist of all time? Various people will likely have different opinions in answer to that question, but certainly everyone should be able to agree that one of them is Sir Isaac Newton. Born in 1642, Newton is perhaps best remembered for the story, which may or may not be true, of how he developed the law of gravity after watching an apple fall to the ground. However, Newton was truly a phenomenal figure in the history of science who contributed to the study of optics, calculus, astronomy, and chemistry in addition to the study of physics. Additionally, he served his country both as a Member of Parliament and first Warden and then Master of the Mint.
Author Kerrie Logan Hollihan not only chronicles the history of Newton's life and work but also introduces students to the methods of scientific discovery, including rational questioning, systematic experimentation, and rigorous exploration, by including 21 activities with step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations to help stimulate interest in science. Some of the activities include building a sextant, conducting a series of tests with a pendulum, and mixing up a batch of homemade ink. There is also information about many of Newton's Enlightenment contemporaries and friends, such as mathematician Galileo Galilei and architect Christopher Wren. Newton was certainly not a "perfect" human being, and this book does not gloss over his faults.
Two things stand out about Newton: First, "he firmly believed that God was the creator of all things" (p. 70). Also, in spite of what some revisionist historians have concluded, "Newton's reputation as a great man of science stands firm" (p. 120). [...] Otherwise, Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids is a fascinating look at a great scientist who, despite his personal weaknesses and failings, contributed much to our understanding of the physical universe.
Fascinating Pictures and Brilliant Narrative
Hollihan's story of Isaac Newton is as brillant as the man himself. Placed within the context of 17th and 18th century England, the story is fascinating and honest - presenting all sides of Newton's personality in a way that children and young adults will understand and want to read more. The pictures, many from England, represent the depth of Hollihan's research in preparing this manuscript. The complex scientific principles that Newton discovered are made easy to understand by the various activities included within the book. I highly recommend Isaac Newton and Physics For Kids.
