Step-by-Step Experiments with Plants

Gr 1–4—These titles introduce readers to their featured topics and discuss the importance of the scientific method as a means to conduct research. After establishing the "Seven Science Steps" (research, question, guess, gather, experiment, review, and conclusion), each volume provides four related experiments. The activities all contain review sections that, unfortunately, tell readers, in no uncertain terms, the results they should have achieved. For example, an experiment with wedges in Simple Machines states in "Review the Results" that "The soap did not split with the ruler. The soap split with the screwdriver." Young scientists will wonder why they should bother doing the experiments if they already know what results are expected. The links available through the publisher's website are not user-friendly. Clear language, clutter-free layouts, simple illustrations, and full-page photographs add some appeal.