Weather: Print Resources
This is a collection of print resources covering Weather. See the Wild Weather section for information on storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. 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
General | Wild Weather
- Cloud Dance. Thomas Locker. NY: Silver Whistle/Harcourt, 2000. 32pp. ISBN 0-15-202231-7. (E)
- Locker attains a superb level of poetic text and spectacular drawings. The information is not only accurate
but also beautifully portrayed. The metaphors provide vivid mental images; the captivating drawings add to the
lusciousness of the text with their hues and softness. The technical information about clouds at the end adds
useful detail about different types of clouds.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children in 2001 - Clouds, Rain, and Snow. Dean Galiano. NY: Rosen, 2000. 48pp. ISBN 0-8239-3092-0. (E, I)
- This book surveys cloud dynamics and the processes by which rain and snow develop. Topics described include
the processes of evaporation and condensation, types of clouds, formation of rain and snow, snow regions and
glaciers, and acid rain. The book contains a glossary of terms, suggestions for further reading, resources,
and topic index. Features include full-color pictures, several detailed diagrams, charts that organize
information, and a detailed list of snow crystal types/shapes.
Source: NSTA recommends - A Cloudy Day. Robin Nelson. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2001. 24pp. ISBN 0-8225-0172-4. (E)
- This informational book, along with other titles in this unofficial series (A Windy Day, A Rainy Day, A
Sunny Day, A Snowy Day), are truly appropriate for early primary students. These books each feature 16 pages
of full-color weather photographs with one short sentence of first-grade text per page. There are 5
vocabulary words with a picture and sentence glossary and a simple index. Three informational pages in each
title cover a related topic (the water cycle and lightening; weather vanes and windy day facts; types of
clouds and cloudy day facts; weather, light, and shadows; snowflakes and snow facts) could be used to
challenge better readers or be read aloud.
Source: NSTA recommends - Earth at Hand: A Collection of Articles From NSTA’s Journals. Jeffrey C. Callister and Sharon Stroud. Arlington, VA: NSTA Press, 1993. 176pp. ISBN 0-87355-112-5. (I, HS)
- This book is a collection of earth science articles from NSTA’s journals (Journal of College
Science Teaching, The Science Teacher, Science Scope, Science and Children) published 1982–1991.
The activities described in the articles are meant to be supplements to the school curriculum for
elementary through college grades (mostly grades 5–10). They require little background material
and use simple and easy-to-obtain materials. Arranged by subject area (Earth’s properties and
features, weather and the environment, space science), the activities frequently link related topics
in innovative ways.
Source: NSTA recommends - 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 - Ice and the Earth. Nikki Bundey. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2000. 32pp. ISBN 1-57505-472-8. (E, I)
- Weather conditions and their effects on the Earth’s surface, plants, animals, and climate plus
authentic science content and good informational reading are the focus of this book. The photographs
are one of the most appealing features. Young readers can observe how various kinds of ice are formed
and how animals and plants are affected by and adapt to these icy conditions. Scattered throughout the
book are very simple experiments that a student could do independently. Diagrams, maps, and charts,
plus an index and a glossary make learning about icy weather easy.
Source: NSTA recommends - Ice and People. Nikki Bundey. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2000. 32pp. ISBN 1-57505-497-3. (E, I)
- This book focuses on how people cope with, use, and control ice, which can influence clothing, housing,
and travel. Color photos lead the reader on a multicultural trip around the world to investigate how
people adapt and deal with ice. Scattered throughout the book are very simple experiments that a student
could try independently. Diagrams, maps and charts, plus an index and a glossary are all designed to make
learning about icy weather easy.
Source: NSTA recommends - It’s Spring! Linda Glaser. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, 2002. 30pp. ISBN 0-76131-760-0. (E)
- Provides informational text along with painted cut paper illustrations that show animal and plant life
throughout the season. Each page builds upon the previous to help the reader see the sequential and cyclical
aspects of animal life, plant life and weather patterns. The book contains a list of activities that extend
the understandings presented in the text. Each activity incorporates inquiry and process skills. Additionally,
the book contains vivid, descriptive vocabulary that will serve as a foundation for independent writing.
Teachers will be able to include the book in hands-on lessons that demonstrate the integration of reading,
listening, writing, and science.
Source: NSTA recommends - Learn About Weather. Jo Ellen Moore. Monterey, CA: Evan-Moor Corp, 2000. 80pp. ISBN 1-55799-774-8. (E)
- This book is designed to engage kindergarten and first grade learners in active science. It includes teacher
background and reproducible worksheets to support investigations of meteorology. Concepts addressed in Learning
About Weather include kinds of weather, weather changes, meteorology instruments, and an introduction to the
water cycle.
Source: NSTA recommends - Materials, Materials, Materials: Water. Chris Oxlade. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Ed. Bks., 2002. 32pp. ISBN 1-58810-588-1. (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 - 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 - Project Earth Science: Meteorology (2nd Edition) P. Sean Smith and Brent A. Ford. Arlington, VA: NSTA Press, 1999. 230pp. ISBN 0-87355-123-0. (I, HS)
- Educators wanting to promote understanding of weather will appreciate the organization and the range of activities
and resources in this book. It features 19 hands-on activities that focus on concepts related to the Earth’s
atmosphere, factors that contribute to weather, and the interaction of air masses. Each activity contains background
information, lab procedures, and questions and conclusions. The book also includes 10 weather-related readings
intended as teacher background, but could be used as supplementary student information. Most of the readings feature
sciLINKS, carefully screened and educationally relevant Internet resources. For example, one sciLINK, “Amazing
Earth Games: Unleash a Super Storm,” invites students to control the elements of a hurricane and compare their
creation to historical storms. Resources listed in the appendix provide a variety of books, resources, and websites.
Source: NSTA recommends - Rain and the Earth. Nikki Bundey. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2000. 32pp. ISBN 1-57505-469-8. (E)
- The focus of this book is on role that rain plays on the Earth, how
the water cycle works, and the effects of water on all forms of life.
The photographs are one of the series' most appealing features. The
accurate and thorough text covers cloud types, wetlands, and
rainforests as well as the conditions caused by lack of rain.
Scattered throughout the book are very simple experiments that a
student could do independently. There are good diagrams, maps and
charts, as well as an index and a glossary all designed to make
learning about rain very easy.
Source: NSTA recommends - Rain and People. Nikki Bundey. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2000. 32pp. ISBN 1-57505-494-9. (E)
- The focus of this book is on rain as a source of life, how humans
harness and use water, and the effect rain can have on buildings and
transportation. The photographs are one of the series' most appealing
features; this particular book includes beautiful photos of people
all over the world in wet or rainy conditions. Scattered throughout
the book are very simple experiments that a student could do
independently. There are good diagrams, maps and charts, as well as
an index and a glossary all designed to make learning about rain very
easy.
Source: NSTA recommends - A Rainy Day. Robin Nelson. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2001. 24pp. ISBN 0-8225-0173-2. (E)
- This informational book, along with other titles in this unofficial
series (A Cloudy Day, A Windy Day, A Sunny Day, A Snowy Day), are
truly appropriate for early primary students. These books each
feature 16 pages of full-color weather photographs with one short
sentence of first-grade text per page. There are 5 vocabulary words
with a picture and sentence glossary and a simple index. Three
informational pages in each title cover a related topic (the water
cycle and lightening; weather vanes and windy day facts; types of
clouds and cloudy day facts; weather, light, and shadows; snowflakes
and snow facts) could be used to challenge better readers or be read
aloud.
Source: NSTA recommends - Real Reasons for Seasons Sun-Earth Connections (Book and Companion CD-ROM). Alan Gould, Carolyn Willard, and Stephen Pompea. Berkeley, CA: GEMS/Lawrence Hall Of Science, 2000. 120pp. ISBN 0-924886-45-5. (I)
- As early as kindergarten, students have ideas about the seasons.
However, most people retain misunderstandings and mistaken ideas of
how our Earth-Sun relationship works. Attempts to change these
misunderstandings are often met with failure; students are reluctant
to let go of the ideas they have constructed to help them understand
this complex concept. This book attempts to change common
misconceptions by allowing students to look at their ideas and
compare them with alternative explanations. In essence, students
construct new ideas and explanations based on a variety of activities
and experiences presented in this book. The book includes a CD with
video simulations, slide shows, Internet references, images and data
sets, software (Starry Night by Sienna Software and simulations from
Riverside Scientific), and supplemental materials. Activities
incorporate instructional strategies found in the National Science
Education Program Standards -- emphasis on student understanding
through inquiry, and connections to other school subjects -- to help
achieve the content standards in physical science.
Source: NSTA recommends - Science Around the Year. Janice VanCleave. NY: Wiley, 2000. 122pp. ISBN 0-471-33096-5. (E, I)
- The author’s collections always feature a broad range of content
relevant experiments, and her philosophy of making science more
child-centered and less teacher-centered is evident once again in
this publication. The focus of this book is on the four seasons,
although the 52 experiments (one for each week of the year) could be
conducted at other times. Each section begins with an overview of
characteristics of that season and a calendar of seasonal events,
including birthdates of scientists. For each season, the book
features 13 appropriate activities. At the beginning of each chapter,
a section called “Did You Know?” lures readers into
learning more about the concept specific to that experiment. Each
chapter includes background information, the objective for the
experiment, a materials list, the procedure, and expected results, as
well as the reasons behind the results. A list of resources
encourages further exploration, as do the “More Fun”
activities. This book teaches basic concepts using unique approaches
along with more traditional ones. The result is an exciting blend of
hands-on strategies that actively engage upper elementary and middle
school learners in the scientific process.
Source: NSTA recommends - Seasons: Fall. Tanya Thayer. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2002. 23pp. ISBN 0-8225-1991-7. (E)
- This title along with other titles in the same series (Seasons:
Winter, Seasons: Spring, Seasons: Summer) use strong photographs and
short, simple sentences to convey messages to help children
conceptualize time, seasonal changes, and climate changes that occur
in the natural world with a child’s view of the world. Because
seasonal changes are a common theme in primary programs (as well as a
content area recommended by the National Science Education
Standards), these books will be valuable to early elementary teachers.
Source: NSTA recommends - Seasons: Spring. Tanya Thayer. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2002. 23pp. ISBN 0-8225-1990-9. (E)
- This title along with other titles in the same series (Seasons:
Winter, Seasons: Fall, Seasons: Summer) use strong photographs and
short, simple sentences to convey messages to help children
conceptualize time, seasonal changes, and climate changes that occur
in the natural world with a child’s view of the world. Because
seasonal changes are a common theme in primary programs (as well as a
content area recommended by the National Science Education
Standards), these books will be valuable to early elementary
teachers.
Source: NSTA recommends - Seasons: Summer. Tanya Thayer. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2002. 23pp. ISBN 0-8225-1988-7. (E)
- This title along with other titles in the same series (Seasons:
Winter, Seasons: Spring, Seasons: Fall) use strong photographs and
short, simple sentences to convey messages to help children
conceptualize time, seasonal changes, and climate changes that occur
in the natural world with a child’s view of the world. Because
seasonal changes are a common theme in primary programs (as well as a
content area recommended by the National Science Education
Standards), these books will be valuable to early elementary teachers.
Source: NSTA recommends - Seasons: Winter. Tanya Thayer. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2002. 23pp. ISBN 0-8225-1989-5. (E)
- This title along with other titles in the same series (Seasons: Fall,
Seasons: Spring, Seasons: Summer) use strong photographs and short,
simple sentences to convey messages to help children conceptualize
time, seasonal changes, and climate changes that occur in the natural
world with a child’s view of the world. Because seasonal changes are
a common theme in primary programs (as well as a content area
recommended by the National Science Education Standards), these books
will be valuable to early elementary teachers.
Source: NSTA recommends - Snow and the Earth. Nikki Bundey. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2000. 32pp. ISBN 1-57505-471-X. (E)
- The focus of this book is how snow is formed in the atmosphere,
various forms it takes, conditions it creates on the Earth, and its
effects on living things. The photographs are one of the book’s most
appealing features and include photos of spectacular crystals,
snowstorms, glaciers, and snow monkeys. The text covers concepts of
precipitation, evaporation, and condensation, as well as how
warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals survive in cold climates. This
book could be used in an independent center for research or read
aloud to younger students. The text is easy to read, with important
terms printed in bold and written with plenty of contextual clues
that will help young readers’ figure out their definitions. Scattered
throughout the book are very simple experiments that a student could
do independently. There are good diagrams, maps and charts, as well
as an index and a glossary all designed to make learning about snow
very easy.
Source: NSTA recommends - Snow and People. Nikki Bundey. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2000. 32pp. ISBN 1-57505-496-5. (E)
- As educators try to meet more and more content standards, they are
constantly looking for tools to accomplish two goals at once. This is
a book that allows just that; teachers can address science and
literacy education at the same time. Designed for students in grades
3-6, this book explores winter weather and its effects on people.
Full-color illustrations point out states of matter, freezing point
of water, formation of snow, and what humans have to do to survive in
the snow. Throughout the book, age-appropriate activities supplement
students' learning. Activities are simple and easily accomplished in
the classroom or at home. The book ends with a glossary of
highlighted vocabulary terms.
Source: NSTA recommends - A Snowy Day. Robin Nelson. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2001. 24pp. ISBN 0-8225-0175-9. (E)
- This informational book, along with other titles in this unofficial
series (A Cloudy Day, A Windy Day, A Rainy Day, A Sunny Day), are
truly appropriate for early primary students. These books each
feature 16 pages of full-color weather photographs with one short
sentence of first-grade text per page. There are 5 vocabulary words
with a picture and sentence glossary and a simple index. Three
informational pages in each title cover a related topic (the water
cycle and lightening; weather vanes and windy day facts; types of
clouds and cloudy day facts; weather, light, and shadows; snowflakes
and snow facts) could be used to challenge better readers or be read aloud.
Source: NSTA recommends - A Sunny Day. Robin Nelson. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2001. 24pp. ISBN 0-8225-0176-7. (E)
- This informational book, along with other titles in this unofficial
series (A Cloudy Day, A Windy Day, A Rainy Day, A Snowy Day), are
truly appropriate for early primary students. These books each
feature 16 pages of full-color weather photographs with one short
sentence of first-grade text per page. There are 5 vocabulary words
with a picture and sentence glossary and a simple index. Three
informational pages in each title cover a related topic (the water
cycle and lightening; weather vanes and windy day facts; types of
clouds and cloudy day facts; weather, light, and shadows; snowflakes
and snow facts) could be used to challenge better readers or be read
aloud.
Source: NSTA recommends - Weather Explained: A Beginner’s Guide to the Elements. Derek Elsom. NY: Holt, 1997. 70pp. ISBN 0-8050-4875-8. (E, I)
- This beginner’s guide captures your attention from the opening
overview of weather through sections on the world’s changing climate.
The information and the inviting format of this book make it required
reading for anyone curious about the weather. The author has taken
complex phenomena and described them with words and pictures in a
very understandable way. Contains a glossary and index.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 for 1998 - Weather Watch (12 Volumes). Bethel, CT: Grolier Educational, 2000. 576pp. ISBN 0-7172-9458-7. (E, I)
- Weather never ceases to fascinate, delight, and occasionally make
life difficult. Weather Watch, a month-by-month guide to the world’s
weather, is a 12-volume reference set focusing on weather and
climate. There is one volume for each month of the year. Each volume
provides a factual and interesting comparison of climates in
countries and cities around the world. Hundreds of photographs, maps,
charts, graphs, and satellite images illustrate world temperature,
precipitation, winds, and ocean currents. Students will find these
books ideal for researching meteorology and geography, and educators
will find them useful in explaining weather phenomena in
easy-to-understand terms. Well researched, well written, and
accurate, these volumes would be an invaluable resource for every
school.
Source: NSTA recommends - Weather Watch: Forecasting the Weather. Jonathan D.W. Kahl. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 1996. 72pp. ISBN 0-8225-2529-1. (I)
- This book takes a straightforward approach to basic weather
information. Written by a meteorologist, the text provides a clear,
fact-filled survey of methods for observing, analyzing, and
forecasting the weather. Includes directions for building a weather
station using common objects. Author’s Note. Glossary. Index. Metric
Conversion Chart.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children in 1997 - Wind and the Earth. Nikki Bundey. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2000. 32pp. ISBN 1-57505-470-1. (E)
- The way air moves and affects processes on Earth is exciting stuff,
but how can a teacher communicate the influence of wind in a
stimulating way for young students? Great pictures, fun activities,
and amazing facts are some of the ways that this book educates about
the movement of air all over the world. The book begins by defining
what air is, why air moves, and how it affects water, rocks, plants,
and animals. Written for students in grades 3-6, this book would make
an excellent resource for research on weather. Its short chapters,
boldfaced vocabulary, glossary, and format make it a perfect
introduction on how to use textbooks to gather information for
younger students. Some of the activities will be fun for young
children but too simple for older students.
Source: NSTA recommends - A Windy Day. Robin Nelson. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2001. 24pp. ISBN 0-8225-0174-0. (E)
- This informational book, along with other titles in this unofficial
series (A Rainy Day, A Cloudy Day, A Sunny Day, A Snowy Day), are
truly appropriate for early primary students. These books each
feature 16 pages of full-color weather photographs with one short
sentence of first-grade text per page. There are 5 vocabulary words
with a picture and sentence glossary and a simple index. Three
informational pages in each title cover a related topic (the water
cycle and lightening; weather vanes and windy day facts; types of
clouds and cloudy day facts; weather, light, and shadows; snowflakes
and snow facts) could be used to challenge better readers or be read
aloud.
Source: NSTA recommends
Wild Weather | General
- Hurricanes. Dean Galiano. NY: Rosen, 2000. 48pp. ISBN 0-8239-3095-5. (E, I)
- This book examines the development, structure, destructive
capabilities, and significance of hurricanes. Topics include: the
birth of a hurricane, a hurricane’s anatomy, wind/water destruction,
hurricane prediction, and safety during these storms. The book has a
glossary of terms, suggestions for further reading, resources, and a
topic index. Other features include full-page, full-color pictures;
several detailed diagrams; and charts that organize information.
Source: NSTA recommends - Hurricanes: Earth’s Mightiest Storms. Patricia Lauber. NY: Scholastic, 1996. 64pp. ISBN 0-590-47406-5. (I)
- Not just another book about “big weather.” Hurricanes is an
amazing work that uses narrative very effectively in weaving the
story of these powerful storms. Clearly written and relevant text
combined with impressive photographs and informative illustrations
further enhance this excellent work. Index. Further Reading
List.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children in 1997 - Lightning. Seymour Simon. NY: Morrow Junior Books, 1997. 32pp. ISBN 0-688-14638-4. (I)
- Spectacular photographs accompany this very readable description of
different forms of lightning. This book introduces readers to the
nature of lightning, to streamers called stepped leaders, and to the
main lightning bolt itself. Simon has produced another outstanding
book for readers of all ages, but especially for children.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children in 1998 - Nature on the Rampage: Ice Storms and Hailstorms. Duncan Scheff. Chicago: Raintree, 2001. 32pp. ISBN 0-7398-4703-1. (E, I)
- This book is a real cure for cabin fever. It presents fascinating
information about ice, rime, glaze, and sleet in the perfect format
to extend children’s informational reading skills. It has large,
readable text, well-organized subheadings, and a glossary to support
bold print vocabulary. The ice pictures are wonderful; good captions
also help students decode the meaning in the text. The reading level
is for fifth and sixth grade, but readers at lower grade levels will
also enjoy the information and may want to stretch their skills to
read it.
Source: NSTA recommends - Nature on the Rampage: Thunderstorms. Jim Redmond and Ronda Redmond. Chicago: Raintree, 2001. 32pp. ISBN 0-7398-4705-8. (E, I)
- Thunderstorms inspire excitement and fear in young and old and
provide an exciting subject for informational reading for elementary
students. This book features accurate, concise information presented
in a format that is ideal for practicing reading strategies. Large
type enhances the readability of a text that would be third or fourth
grade without the specific science vocabulary. Subheadings make the
content ideal for outlining. A glossary, index, and labeled photos
further support the readability. The pictures really capture the
drama of stormy skies.
Source: NSTA recommends - Restless Planet Series: Storms. Mark Maslin. Austin, TX: Steck-Vaughn, 2000. 48pp. ISBN 0-7398-1330-7. (E, I)
- This book offers an exciting look at storms. Photos, diagrams, and
maps do a good job illustrating the science information presented in
this book. It contains a glossary of terms pertinent to the topic
and a page of “Further Information” that includes related
books titles, CD-ROM selections, and Internet addresses. It does not
contain activities or suggestions for classroom demonstrations. This
book meets the National Science Education Standards content standards
for the K-4 and 5-8 levels. Independent reading ability is at grades
4-6, but younger audiences will enjoy the pictures and understand
most of the content if it is read to them.
Source: NSTA recommends - Storms and the Earth. Nikki Bundey. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2001. 32pp. ISBN 1-57505-474-4. (E, I)
- This book covers thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes, wind,
hailstorms, and flash floods. It contains excellent illustrations,
maps and charts, a glossary, index, and activities for the student to
perform in school or at home.
Source: NSTA recommends - Taming the Tornado Tube: 50 Weird & Wacky Things You Can Do With a Tornado Tube. Steve Spangler. Englewood, CO: WREN, 1995. 125pp. ISBN 0-964-93531-7. (E, I)
- Instructions for using a tornado tube (a device of molded plastic
designed to attach to two-liter containers or soda bottles at the
neck) usually only show how to create a vortex or model of a tornado.
This volume truly goes wild with a collection of experiments and
activities that provide hours of off-the-wall fun for students,
teachers, and parents. It contains a detailed discussion of the
history and development of the tornado tube and a description of
tornadoes and hurricanes. Readers are reminded that dust devils and
swirling water draining from a sink or bathtub are also common
examples of vortices. Activities includes full descriptions of
procedures for each activity, a discussion of what to look for, and
follow-up explanations.
Source: NSTA recommends - Tornadoes. Dean Galiano. NY: Rosen, 2000. 48pp. ISBN 0-8239-3094-7. (E, I)
- Topics covered in the book’s chapters include tornado formation,
tornado classification, forecasting tornadoes, and tornado safety.
The book concludes with a glossary of terms, suggestions for further
reading, resources, and a topic index. Features of the book include
full-color pictures, detailed diagrams, and special-focus pieces
(e.g., wall of clouds).
Source: NSTA recommends - Tornadoes. H. M. Mogil. Stillwater, MN: Voyageur Press, 2001. 72pp. ISBN 0-89658-522-0. (HS)
- Dramatically illustrated with more than 20 full-page photographs,
this book provides readers with an awesome introduction to these
violent storms. From detailed explanations of funnel cloud formation
to entertaining stories of unique storm phenomena, this book is
guaranteed to grab the reader’s attention. The reading level is grade
9-10, and some pages of dense text make the concepts most appropriate
for mature readers. Because it has no lab activities, this book is
strictly for content background, but the glossary and index make it
an excellent resource for a research project. Younger children
interested in storms would enjoy the pictures and could use the book
for reference with the help of a stronger reader.
Source: NSTA recommends - Tornadoes. Seymour Simon. NY: Morrow/HarperCollins, 1999. 32pp. ISBN 0-688-14646-5. (E)
- Extensive information on tornadoes is provided for readers. There
are explanations of how tornadoes develop, where they occur, how they
are tracked, and the dangers associated with them. Through the use of
well-illustrated diagrams and real-life photographs, the reader can
explore this weather phenomenon.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children in 2000 - World Records of Weather. Daniel J. Barnekow. Portland, ME: J. Weston Walch, 1997. 116pp. ISBN 0-8251-3259-2. (I)
- Recommended for middle school and junior high students, this book
deals with the extreme weather phenomena on the Earth like the
highest temperature, highest wind speed, largest hailstone, and the
worst weather disaster. The book consists of 20 such record-breaking
events divided into four sections: temperature, air pressure,
precipitation, and disasters. Each has a teacher’s page, objectives,
teaching tips, three reproducible activity pages, and extension
activities. The activities cover a broad range of standards from
writing and reading comprehension to content knowledge. The
activities would take one to two periods to complete, depending on
the level of the student. The author states that this book could be
used as stand-alone text, but it better as an excellent starting
point for further discussions and research of weather
phenomena.
Source: NSTA recommends
Copyright © 2003 American Chemical Society