SERIES MADE SIMPLE

The Science Behind Track and Field

9781491481585. ea vol: 32p. (Science of the Summer Olympics). chart. diag. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Capstone. 2016. lib. ed. $20.49. pap. $7.95.
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Gr 5–8—Photos abound in this STEM-ready Summer Olympics series. Critical thinking questions at the end of each volume give them that one-two Common Core punch. The many textual asides on the photo-laden pages include ample information for burgeoning athletes who really want to know how physics plays into sports. Sir Isaac Newton's laws of motion, the crux of the most commonly known physics concepts, feature heavily in every book. The titles that focus on a specific sport or arena (Swimming) are stronger than the potpourri style of Soccer. All in all, these are great interdisciplinary reads.
VERDICT A recommended first purchase for libraries looking to engage sports lovers in STEM topics.
Including physics, nutrition, and psychology, the science behind Olympic events is examined. The series organization feels unfocused: Popular skims through dissimilar sports (basketball to badminton to cycling), while gymnastics gets its own volume. Still, the sound science will intrigue kids who enjoyed the recent Games. Color photos (some oddly cropped) and diagrams aid in instruction. Reading list. Glos, ind. Review covers these Edge Books: Science of the Summer Olympics titles: The Science Behind Gymnastics and The Science Behind Soccer, Volleyball, Cycling, and Other Popular Sports.

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