Have you ever noticed that the physical world works in certain ways? When you push an object it moves. Skateboarders use force and motion to perform tricks. If you jump as high as you can, you'll quickly fall back to the ground. Baseball players use gravity to bring the ball back down when they throw it. The fascinating science of physics helps you understand why forces, motion, gravity, electricity, magnetism, light, and sound work in predictable ways.
Physics: Investigate the Mechanics of Nature features graphic novel illustrations, interesting sidebars, youtube links, and a glossary of important vocabulary to bring the complex world of physics to life. Inquiry-based, age-appropriate projects include designing a skateboard park that maps the forces at work?both on the skateboarder and on the skateboard?and creating an electroscope to detect electric charges around your house or school. Physics can be fun!
Physics: Investigate the Mechanics of Nature
Publishers Weekly
"Part of the Inquire and Investigate series, this interactive introduction to physics aims to give readers a working understanding of such topics as motion, electricity, and magnetism, presented through comics-style panels, allusions, and experiments. . . Physics computations are kept to a minimum, with the focus instead on providing a general familiarity with overarching ideas and sparking interest through hands-on methods."
Swon Libraries Recommends
”this an excellent choice for students interested in or studying physics in middle grade science."
National Science Teachers Association Recommends
“. . . The investigations will make ‘physics come alive’ for students with the real life applications. The projects would be perfect for science fairs, classroom projects, and for parents to complete at home with children. There is a complete glossary and resource guide including websites, books, and periodicals. The content supports the NGSS Standards. . .This book is a wellwritten resource for classroom teachers, students, and parents.”
Daniel Michael, M.Ed., PMP, Manager, Learning Design and Development
?I really enjoyed the approach the book takes to introducing physics concepts to middle school students. The book is relational, engaging, and promotes scientific investigation.”
Marla Conn, Educational Consultant
?A+++! This title was very well thought out, with a great flow and sequence and amazing text features. With QR codes that are engaging and relevant, Physics: Investigate the Mechanics of Nature offers real-world critical thinking and application. I love this title!”
Andy Marquis, High School Physics and Chemistry Teacher
?Both a valuable supplemental text for mid-level educators and a call to curiosity for kids who wonder where their interests intersect with the world of physics.”
Praise for Music: Investigate the Evolution of American Sound by Donna Latham
School Library Journal
"This overview is a STEAM advocate's delight. "an admirable synopsis of the multicultural history of American music."
"Incredibly written, (The Everything Kids' Geography Book) is not only educational, but entertaining. Jane P. Gardner, with a degree in geology, uses her knowledge to put together an amazing tool for parents and educators to buy for their children." ? Kristina Nelson, Helium
05/19/2014
Part of the Inquire and Investigate series, this interactive introduction to physics aims to give readers a working understanding of such topics as motion, electricity, and magnetism, presented through comics-style panels, allusions, and experiments. A skateboarder practicing tricks embodies principles like force and friction. For Newton's laws of motion, Gardner uses a theoretical train wreck as a way to discuss inertia and momentum (cartoon figures set up their own accident scenario with toy cars, and readers are invited to create their own car-wreck scenes). Physics computations are kept to a minimum, with the focus instead on providing a general familiarity with overarching ideas and sparking interest through hands-on methods. Ages 12–15. (July)