Marie Curie Advances the Study of Radioactivity

April 1, 2016

Gr 3-5-These studies complement equivalent volumes in ABDO's ongoing "Great Minds of Science" series by leaving biographical details by the wayside to instead focus on specific ideas, experiments, evidence, chains of reasoning, and publications associated with each figure's best-known work. Darwin, for example, begins with an explanation of what was so astonishing to the scientist about the Galapagos finches, then goes back to fill in major events of the Beagle's voyage, and to trace the writing and publication of On the Origin of Species with nods along the way to earlier evolutionary theories and scientists. Brief extracts from letters or books supply exercises in understanding primary source material, and sets of closing queries invite readers to review and ruminate. VERDICT Strong choices for deepening subject collections.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2016
Each book starts with an iconic scientific moment then explores its historic and biographical context, with supporting images, primary sources, curated online sources, and critical thinking questions interspersed throughout. With a consistent format, the books respond to core curriculum guidelines and expand on these scientists' founding stories, although some of the "great moment" hooks work better than others. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)