Celebrate the Millennium with Milestones in Space    Have you ever wanted to build a rocket ship? In 1957, the Soviet Union sent the first human-made object into space-Sputnik 1. Today, using these books below, kids can perform experiments and examine areas of space exploration with a hands-on approach. From building models to testing gravity, future astronauts are sure to get a kick out of these space activity books. Visit our Themed Reviews section for more space books! 365 More Simple Science Experiments with Everyday Materials Judy Breckenridge, Anthony D. Fredericks, Louis V. Loesching and Muriel Mandell Illustrated by Frances Zweifel   This edition contains the same experiments from five previous titles such as Simple Physics Experiments with Everyday Materials (1993) and Simple Time Experiments with Everyday Materials (1995) helpfully combined and reorganized into new categories. Areas of discovery include heat, air, water, light, gravity, sound, food, clocks and time, ecosystems, flight, outer space, and rocketry. Each experiment illustrates some property-such as sound travels better through a tube or sugar burns while salt does not. Each activity is presented in four parts: "What to do," "What happens," "Why" and "What next." While teachers and students may conduct the experiment and see the results for themselves, the clean format enables learners to visualize properties and learn the "whys" and "wherefores" without actually leaving their chairs. Most experiments demand very little in the way of materials, usually requiring only common household items, while a few cooking experiments demand adult supervision. Most can be done by any elementary-age child. Glossary and index are included, and black line illustrations tinted pink or orange lighten the page or picture the set-up, but otherwise teach little. 1998, Sterling Publishing Company, Ages 7 to 12, $12.98. Reviewer: Susan Hepler Cosmic Science Jim Weise   This book of activities and experiments teaches upper elementary school kids about outer space. Projects are grouped around common themes-for example: rocketing out of earth's gravity, orbiting the earth, and living and working in space. The steps in each activity are easy to follow and many of the materials required are found around the house. You might make a constellation out of marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti noodles or you might try to launch a rocket with vinegar and baking soda. An explanation of how or why something happens accompanies each of the 42 activities. Many of the activities also have a "More Fun Stuff to Do" section that extends the original activity. Author Weise is a science teacher and an educational adviser who has won Teacher of the Year awards in both the USA and Canada. 1997, John Wiley, Ages 8 to 12, $12.95. Reviewer: Dori Butler Crafts for Kids Who are Wild About Outer Space Kathy Ross Illustrated by Sharon Lane Holm   Twenty imaginative crafts are featured in this well planned and attractive book for use at home or school. Each craft includes well-written directions on what you need, and step-by-step instructions on what you do with accompanying illustrations. The crafts use readily available materials, are simple enough for younger children and can be used to spark further learning about the mysteries of space. There are additional books available by this author on everything from dinosaurs to Thanksgiving. 1997, Millbrook Press, Ages 4 to 8, $16.90 and $7.95. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger Planet Monster: A Number Puzzle Adventure Heather Maisner Illustrated by Alan Rowe   Your mission is to find your way to the Underground City (Zone 15) and save the universe, but the real fun is in the journey. The goal in each zone is to find the mathematical answers that lead to the next zone. Actually, it's not a win or lose game, it's how you do the math! This puzzle book contains counting, multiplying, dividing, adding and subtracting as readers search for the visual clues. (All answers are given in the back.) These math problems use totally fantastic space aliens and strange sea creatures from the deep. It's a truly bizarre world. Practice your math and save the universe at the same time! 1996, Candlewick, Ages 4 to 6, $12.99. Reviewer: Sally J. K. Davies Science Around The World: Travel Through Time and Space with Fun Experiments and Projects Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone Illustrated by Laurel Aiello   Kids, parents and teachers can use this lively, multicultural activity book to travel to various times and places, including: ancient Egypt, ancient China, Mayan Mexico, modern Russia, and Australia. Each culture is represented by one or two related experiments or activities such as making paper, inspired by the Chinese, or using Russian scientific knowledge to experiment with odor-eaters. Each chapter is introduced by a map and background information on science in the country. After a step-by-step description and diagram of the experiment, the authors explain what happened and conclude with information about a famous scientist from the area. A glossary and index are included. 1996, John Wiley, Ages 8 up, $10.95. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan Star Quest Andy Dixon Illustrated by Nick Harris   Kids are asked to help Plib who is seeking assistance in saving his planet Bliss from the evil Lord Glaxx, who is attempting to suck all of the energy from the stars. If he succeeds in destroying the stars near Bliss, then planet Earth may soon become a victim. Questers get important information before setting out on their mission. Waldo fans will be in heaven-as they hunt for all the objects and pieces to complete the mission. Those of us with older and less sharp eyes will need to move on to another book. 1999, Usborne, Ages 7 up, $8.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot Toys in Space: Exploring Science with the Astronauts Dr. Carolyn Summers   A book of simulated space experiments using toys, this book is aimed at teachers and parents alike. The activities presented in Toys in Space are designed to be content-based and adaptable to curriculum for grades 4 and above. In addition, this book features some interesting and fun toys that can be made in the classroom, or purchased for a small price. Toys in Space started as a program in which actual toys were included on space shuttle flights. Astronauts were assigned the task to use the toys in different situations that would demonstrate the effects of gravity, physics, science, engineering and technology. This book presents the results and adapts the experiments for classroom use. Each unit included in the book is outlined with a purpose, materials, procedure, data and analysis. Also included are photographs of the toys being used in space by the astronauts. This book is an excellent tool for the science teacher or parent who wishes to use toys and fun in a learning experience. The author, who is Director of Astronomy and Physics at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Project Director for the Toys in Space Program at Johnson Space Center, has prepared a valuable resource, which combines the love of science with the love of play. 1997, McGraw-Hill, Adult, $29.95. Reviewer: Ru Story-Huffman The Young Astronomer Harry Ford   For would be astronomers, Ford, an astronomer, offers some excellent tips such as covering your flashlight with red cellophane when you look at notes and maps because the filtered light will not disturb your dark-adapted eyes, a sample of a page for taking notes and recording observations, and instructions for making your own telescope. Kids can make a model of the solar system, map the stars and plenty more. At the end of the book there are addresses for further information, a glossary and an index and the endpapers are filled with interesting statistics about the stars and planets. Full color illustrations and general instructions or directions are offered for each project. 1998, DK Publishing, Ages 9 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.