Explore Weather and Climate!

February 15, 2012
Grades 3-6 People never stop talking about the weather, and this informative book will show kids why. Beginning with a chapter called What Is Weather?, the book goes on to introduce topics such as temperature, air pressure, precipitation, clouds, extreme weather, and climate change. The chapters then segue into projects designed around the topic. Though plentiful, they do vary in appeal. The edible climate zone map, made out of pizza or sugar-cookie dough, may have few takers, but making fog in a jar, lightning, and a rainbow are intriguing and relatively simple activities. Each project's description informs readers when adult help is needed. Written clearly, the book is illustrated with black-and-white drawings that, though not always expertly executed, get the job done. Although many of the projects are too simple for science fairs, others would work on their own or could be expanded. A glossary is appended.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)