Structures, Materials, and Art Activities

Sandy Campbell is a reference librarian in the Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

This set of 12 books combines scientific fact and art activities. Each
book features 22 double-page spreads wherein the left-hand page
describes the basic facts about a scientific subject, and the facing
page shows a related arts or crafts project. For example, one of the
topics in Planet Earth is drifting lands: the corresponding art activity
is to create a jigsaw puzzle of the continents. In Space, readers can
learn about the solar system, then make a planet mobile, or after
reading about aliens, they can mold some clay space creatures. Our
Bodies discusses DNA (form a twisted choker) and the brain (design a
circuit board). Plants considers dwarf trees (create a portable garden)
and dropping leaves (fashion a four-seasons collage). Insects, Bugs
features butterflies (fly a butterfly kite) and stick insects
(pipe-cleaner bugs). Oceans looks at islands (pirates and a treasure
map) and ocean crustaceans (clicking castanets).

Children interested in dinosaurs will enjoy reading about them in
Animals, then making a Plasticine “dinorama.” Weather covers
Earth’s atmosphere (build a miniature greenhouse). Communication
explores cyberspace (generate some crazy computer art). Machines
features a moon buggy and a wind turbine (construct a Viking rover and a
windmill). Light, Color deals with mood (a soft-glow lampshade) and
light reflection (a sequined mirror ball). Topics in Structures,
Materials range from a modern-day bridge and skyscrapers to the ancient
pyramids and stained glass.

The quality of the art activities varies greatly. Some require skills
with drawing or clay modeling that are beyond my skill level, while
others are simple and uninspired. For example, to build a “shiny
robot,” you cut the top off a pop bottle, paint it, and stick things
on it. Given similar crafts supplies, most children could probably build
a similar robot without the help of these books. Also, the connections
between the science and the art sometimes seem forced or tenuous.

However, these books are nicely produced and designed. The artwork in
them is attractive, and the text is readable and age appropriate. The
crafts instructions are easy to follow and include illustrations, as
well as text, for each step. A glossary and an index are included at the
end of each book. Recent research has shown that children learn more
effectively if arts are incorporated into the learning process. These
books might be helpful for teachers faced with trying to integrate
science and art in the classroom, but probably a good crafts book would
supply as many ideas and would cost less. These books would not be my
first choice for a school library with a limited budget, but would be a
good discretionary purchase. Recommended with reservations.