Book Review- The Earth: Its Structure & Its Changes

I have done book reviews for New Leaf Publishing Company in the past and have always been happy with their products.  This book, The Earth:  Its Structures & Its Changes, was no different!  Upon opening the package, I was very happy with the quality of the book and printing.

Written by Tom DeRosa and Carolyn Reeves, The Earth:  Its Structures & Its Changes is a great introduction and explanation of geology for elementary students.  The Earth is broken down into 20 "investigations" or science experiments that have students explore and observe different geological aspects.  These experiments use household items to learn about mountains, volcanoes, crystals, rocks and more. 

Each investigation topic is a few pages long with sections including:

Engage- students share what they know about the topic
Investigate- make observations of what will happen
Explain- begin to understand the science behind what was observed
Apply- relate this understanding to other ideas
Expand- a "Dig Deeper" section on how to further the project
Assess- students explain what they learned


Click LOOK INSIDE to see an example.

I gave the book to Abby and had her choose an investigation to do.  She picked Investigation #12:  Rocks That Fizz.

This investigation began with a story about a geologist and how he tests rocks to determine what type they are.  We then began the experiment, in which we gathered 5 different types of rocks.  Abby then dropped them into water and observed what happened.

The next step was to drop them in vinegar and observe.

Abby hates the smell of vinegar, LOL!  However, she thought it was neat that some of the rocks fizzed.  The last step was to scratch the rocks with a penny and observe them under a microscope.

After we finished the experiment, we read about the science behind it and found out that the rocks that fizzed were limestone.  The book explained how the bubbles came from a chemical reaction between calcium carbonate and vinegar.

The "Dig Deeper" section suggested comparing pictures of limestone and marble, comparing marble with granite and also defining the three main kinds of rock and giving examples of each.  The last section included seven questions to assess what the student learned.

Abby and I both enjoyed The Earth:  Its Structures & Changes.  This was her first introduction into geology and she's looking forward to doing more investigations!  Specifically Investigation #10 Growing Crystals.

I really like the layout of this book, how it is broken down by topic.  You can use this book as a main resource on geology for elementary students or as a secondary resource for older students or for unit studies on particular topics.  There is also a Teacher's Guide/Student Journal available online!

The book is labeled "Elementary Earth Science"  and says grades 3rd through 6th.  However, I feel it can easily be adapted for all ages.  Abby, being only 6 and not having a huge attention span, we did the basic experiment and reading on the topic.  When she is older, she can do the experiments again and the "Dig Deeper" suggestions.  Also, I think younger kids would enjoy doing these lessons with their older siblings.

For more information, check out The Earth:  Its  Structures & Its Changes at New Leaf Publishing Company.  Also of note, this book is the 4th in a series of Investigate the Possibilities.  The others are Matter, Forces & Motion and Energy.  These all look to be great books!

Have you introduced geology yet?  I'm thinking we might need to do the volcano investigation and then take a field trip to Hawaii...just for learning :)

Disclaimer:  I was sent this book for my honest review. I did not receive any compensation.