Put Inclined Planes to the Test (Searchlight Books ™ ― How Do Simple Machines Work?)

Feldmann, Roseann; Walker, Sally M.

ISBN 10: 0761353240 ISBN 13: 9780761353249

Publisher: Lerner Publications ™, 2011

What do staircases, dump truck beds, and ramps have in common? All of them are inclined planes! Inclined planes are simple machines. They help us to do jobs more easily. But don't take our word for it. Put inclined planes to the test with the fun experiments you'll find in this book. As part of the Searchlight Books™ collection, this series sheds light on a key science question―How Do Simple Machines Work? Hands-on experiments, interesting photos, and useful diagrams will help you find the answer!

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About the Author:

Roseann Feldmann earned her B.A. degree in biology, chemistry, and education at the College of St. Francis and her M.S. in education from Northern Illinois University. As an educator, she has been a classroom teacher, college instructor, curriculum author, and administrator. She currently serves as the principal at St. Peter School, an elementary school in Geneva, Illinois.

Sally M. Walker has been a children's book writer for over 20 years. Most of her books are nonfiction and present various science topics to young readers. Fossil Fish Found Alive is the story of the hunt for the elusive fish called the coelacanth. Sally also enjoys combining science investigation with historical topics. Her book Secrets of a Civil War Submarine, which won the 2006 Robert F. Sibert Medal, tells about the history, loss, and re-discovery of the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in battle. Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland takes readers on archaeological expeditions, where the forensic analysis of colonial settlers' bones helps us to understand their lives. Sally especially enjoys writing narrative nonfiction that captures the reader's attention with a true story. She is also the author of 2019 Orbis Pictus Honor Book Champion: The Comeback Tale of the American Chestnut.

Review:

"Put Levers to the Test, Put Pulleys to the Test, Put Inclined Planes to the Test and Put Wheels and Axels to the Test are part of a Searchlight Books series focused on simple machines. This book series emphasizes hands on investigations of simple machines in action. As their titles indicate, each book includes a section with detailed instructions and illustrations that allow young readers to safely investigate how simple machines work using inexpensive, readily available materials. Each book can stand on its own with an introduction to the physics of machines and work. Each book also includes full color illustrations on every page, a glossary and an index. The vocabulary and science concepts are appropriate for upper elementary school level students. However, with adult help, the books might also be used for even younger students." --Science Books & Films

(Journal)

"These books start with definitions of force, work, and machines, then explain how machines reduce the amount of force needed to do work. Interactivity is encouraged, as readers are directed to perform simple experiments along with children shown in accompanying pictures; the texts provide guidance on what to look for. Clear explanations, relatable examples, and effective visuals make these solid selections." --The Horn Book Guide

(Journal)

"The working of simple machines is a common content area, and the topic is well-developed in the books in this series, so teachers will appreciate it. In this book, the authors include hands-on activities that use everyday items, photographs of people using simple machines, and easy-to-read diagrams that explain how inclined planes work. There are practical, everyday examples of simple machines throughout the book. The first chapter defines work by a scientist and provides examples of how simple machines are used to make work easier. Other chapters focus on gravity, friction, machines, and types of inclined planes. The scientific content is clearly described in the text and further explained with photographs of people using a variety of inclined planes to do work. The content is written so that students in grades three to five can comprehend the science concept. This is a good book for a classroom and school library." --NSTA

(Website)

"This series includes lots of facts and examples of the concept of work, presenting the facts from the simple to the more complex. Large colorful pictures give the reader examples of work that a child could relate to, and a list of everyday household items that are needed to perform each example is included. Small boxes containing short facts about the pictures will grab the attention of younger and reluctant readers. Intermediate students will be able to recreate the examples given in each book in order to extend their understanding." --Library Media Connection

(Journal)

"The first two chapters in each title are nearly identical, although there are occasional changes in the photographs and the examples used to define the concepts work and machines. Subsequent chapters feature a specific simple machine and provide directions for basic experiments that children can accomplish, with the occasional exception, on their own, using easily located items. Final chapters explain that simple machines are everywhere. On the whole, the texts provide clear explanations and the experiments add a significant degree of interest. The color photographs are crisp and clear, as are the diagrams. Serviceable additions where the topics are a part of the curriculum." --School Library Journal, Series Made Simple

(Journal)

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