Science: Grades 6 to 9
Note: The list of resources in this section provides an update to Science: A Bibliography for the Middle Level (1993).
Academic Controversy and Performance Assessment (Video). (Making Connections: Math, Science, and Technology 2 Series). TV Ontario (ITF), 1996. 60 min. Order no. BPN 602502 ($49.00). Circulating copy - Order no. BPN 602502C ($99.00). Teacher's Guide for series - No order number is required. ($7.20 pbk.).
(CAN) In this video from the Making Connections: Math, Science, and Technology 2 Series, students in Grades 7 and 8 demonstrate a cooperative debate strategy called academic controversy as they discuss acid rain. Performance assessment is explored and applied to this project and other activities. It looks at the advantages of using CD-ROM and other information technology.
A teacher’s guide for the series is available.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Mathematics: Middle Level
Air Transportation (Video). (Popular Mechanics for Kids I Series). Fox/Motion Television Distribution (MGR), 1997. 28 min. Dup. order no. V361.
Elisha and Jay buckle up as PMK flies like an eagle, checking out hot air balloons, F-18 fighters, and jet engines, as well as showing viewers how to survive an airplane accident on the ground.
Suggested Use: SCI 7 - Force and Motion
Alternative Energy (Video). (Technology Starters Series). Landmark Media Inc. (MGR), 1998. 14 min. Dup. order no. V3004.
Focussing on wind and solar power, this program explains how these resources can be tapped, as well as their shortcomings. It discusses how garbage can be used to generate heat and power, and looks at energy shortfalls as well as how to conserve energy.
Suggested Use: SCI 6 - Energy in Our Lives; SCI 9 - Using Electricity
Other Use: Science: Secondary Level
Androids and 'Bots (Robots) (Video). (Popular Mechanics for Kids I Series). Fox/Motion Television Distribution (MGR), 1997. 28 min. Dup. order no. V359.
In a futuristic adventure, Jay and Elisha explore the high tech world of robots. They visit robotic developers and Jay helps defuse a potential bomb using an actual "robocop."
Suggested Use: SCI 8 - Energy and Machines
Assessing Hands-On Science: A Teacher's Guide to Performance Assessment (Print-Non-Fiction). Brown, Janet Harley and Shavelson, Richard J. Corwin Press, Inc. (CWN), 1996. 146 p. ISBN 0-8039-6443-9 ($53.95 U.S. pbk.).
This useful guide to science performance assessment helps teachers to answer the following questions:
The authors give samples of completed score forms to help teachers assess their own classroom findings. The also provide samples of model assessments. Included are a table of contents and a bibliography.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Science: Elementary Level; Science: Secondary Level
Biodiversity (Print-Non-Fiction). Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw. Clarion Books (ALL), 1996. 109 p. ISBN 0-395-68704-7 ($28.95 hdc.).
This attractive resource offers a global perspective on environmental issues while demonstrating the concept of biodiversity, which encompasses the many forms of life on earth and the interdependence on one another for survival. Outstanding colour photographs are interspersed throughout the text. Included are a table of contents, a glossary, and an index.
Suggested Use: SCI 9 - Diversity of Life
Blue Genes and Polyester Plants: 365 More Surprising Scientific Facts, Breakthroughs, and Discoveries (Print-Non-Fiction). McGrayne, Sharon Bertsch. John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. (WIL), 1997. 238 p. ISBN 0-471-14575-0 ($20.95 pbk.).
This entertaining book takes readers on a lively tour of the astonishing oddities and extremes of our universe. It answers 365 science-related, trivia questions about everything from megabergs, to the holy herb, to the colours of dinosaurs. Included are a table of contents, an extensive print bibliography, and an index.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Science: Elementary Level; Science 10; Science: Secondary Level
But It's a Dry Cold!: Weathering the Canadian Prairies (Print-Non-Fiction). Wheaton, Elaine. Fifth House Publishers (LRDC), 1998. 185 p. Order no. 9124 ($16.55 pbk.).
(CAN) With a title that reflects a commonly used expression by proud prairie dwellers, But It’s a Dry Cold focusses on basic prairie weather patterns, precautions, and statistics. It highlights stories of phenomenal blizzards and record breakers, and offers weather and climate facts. It provides a glimpse into the career of a climatologist and offers a dismal long-term forecast for the year 2040. The easy-to-read text is interspersed with a few attractive, colour photographs as well as numerous black-and-white photographs, graphs, maps, and charts. Included are a table of contents and an index.
Suggested Use: SCI 6 - Earth's Climate; SCI 9 - Saskatchewan-Environment
Other Use: Science: Elementary Level; Science 10
Concept Attainment and the Internet (Video). (Making Connections: Math, Science, and Technology 2 Series). TV Ontario (ITF), 1996. 59 min. Order no. BPN 602503 ($49.00). Circulating copy - Order no. BPN 602530C ($99.00). Teacher's Guide for series - No order number is required. ($7.20 pbk.).
(CAN) A teacher-directed strategy called concept attainment introduces a new concept in a Grade 9 math class. Forms of communication such as signalling are shown to be useful in formative assessment. The Internet is explored as a learning resource in math and science classrooms.
A teacher’s guide for the series is available.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Mathematics: Middle Level
The Cool Hot Rod and Other Electrifying Experiments on Energy and Matter (Print-Non-Fiction). Doherty, Paul, Rathjen, Don and Exploratorium Teacher Institute. (The Exploratorium Science Snackbook Series). John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. (LRDC), 1996. 100 p. Order no. 781 ($19.75 pbk.).
In a user-friendly format, this resource presents 22 experiments on energy transformations and how they affect the everyday world. These experiments are miniature versions of some of the exhibits at the Exploratorium, San Francisco’s famous museum of science, art, and human perception. Black-and-white illustrations support the text. Included are a table of contents and an index.
Suggested Use: SCI 6 - Energy in Our Lives; SCI 8 - Energy and Machines
Creatures of the Sun: A Natural History of the Painted Turtle (Video). National Film Board of Canada (MGR), 1997. 25 min. Dup. order no. V15.
(CAN) One of the world's ancient creatures, the turtle, has endured through 200 million years, thanks to its tough, adaptable body and behaviour. The turtle's survival has never been in question- until now. The Painted Turtle can be found throughout much of North America, in freshwater shallows that have an abundance of aquatic vegetation. Long considered expendable places, these wetlands are now recognized as being immensely rich eco-systems that are essential in maintaining nature's balance. But they are rapidly being destroyed by human activity. Enter the intriguing world of the Midland Painted Turtle, and follow it across the four seasons, through hibernation, mating, birth, and death. This is an engaging, affectionate profile that will inspire admiration for this funny, durable animal and respect for the precious, fragile ponds and marshes where it makes its home.
Suggested Use: SCI 6 - Ecosystems
Earth Power (Video). (Popular Mechanics for Kids II Series). Fox/Motion Television Distribution (MGR), 1998. 28 min. Dup. order no. V4913.
In the first scenario, while flying to Hawaii, Elisha meets up with a geophysicist and sets out to conquer the Kilauea volcano. She assists her new scientist friend in collecting lava samples and learns that measuring the change in temperature and composition helps us figure out what is happening underground and come to a better understanding of how volcanoes build and fertilize land.
In the second senario, Tyler experiences the exciting new twister ride at Universal Studios in Florida. Using the ride, Tyler shows viewers how tornadoes form and what happens during one. Predicting when tornadoes will hit is still a very imprecise science.
In the third scenario, not to be outdone, Charlie shows viewers how to make their own hurricane!
In the fourth scenario at Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler, BC, Tyler joins a team of mountaineers, scientists, and explosive specialists who make a living setting off avalanches! Avalanches kill more people in North America than volcanoes, tornadoes, and earthquakes combined. Fortunately, forecasters can determine the stability of snow layers on the slopes and therefore predict when an avalanche hazard is beginning to build.
Suggested Use: SCI 6 - Earth's Climate; SCI 6 - Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Other Use: Science: Elementary Level
Energy Choices: A Changing Environment (Video). (Energy, The Pulse of Life Series). Jack Micay (MGR), 1995. 19 min. Dup. order no. V6746. Teacher's Guide - Order no. G6746 ($23.75 pbk.).
(CAN) Using brilliant animation, exciting original footage shot all around North America, rare archival material, interviews with leading experts in the United States and Canada, and songs from Moxy Fruvous, the program covers the following topics: North Americans' ranking as the largest per capita energy users in the world; the history of energy technology, from the medieval treadmill to the Industrial Age; a survey of our major sources of energy and their respective environmental problems, including a detailed explanation of the greenhouse effect. To capture student interest and enhance retention, Energy Choices makes use of the musical and theatrical talents of Moxy Fruvous.
A teacher’s guide is available.
Suggested Use: SCI 6 - Energy in Our Lives; SCI 9 - Using Electricity
Energy Choices: Some Brighter Ideas (Video). (Energy, The Pulse of Life Series). Jack Micay (MGR), 1995. 26 min. Dup. order no. V6751. Teacher's Guide - Order no. G6746 ($23.75 pbk.).
(CAN) This program discusses the best short term solution to problems of energy and the environment: the more efficient use of our current energy resources, including detailed illustrations of such new, energy-efficient technologies as compact fluorescent light bulbs, solar designed housing, heat pumps, low-E windows, and cogeneration, as well as energy-efficient community planning. This program also looks at the best long term solution to our energy problems: new sources of electricity that are clean and renewable and which can be used to produce hydrogen, the zero-emission fuel. To capture student interest and enhance retention, Energy Choices makes use of the musical and theatrical talents of Moxy Fruvous.
A teacher’s guide is available.
Suggested Use: SCI 6 - Energy in Our Lives; SCI 9 - Using Electricity
Exercise Your Options (Video). Woodlawn Communications Inc. (MGR), 1996. 12 min. Dup. order no. V6611.
This program informs and encourages teenage girls about career opportunities in the capital markets and the many options that become available to them if they remain in the maths and sciences. Girls are inspired to believe in their own ability to succeed in maths and sciences and see the benefits in these areas of study.
Suggested Use: SCI 8 - General Reference; SCI 9 - General Reference
Other Use: Career Guidance: Middle Level; Mathematics: Middle Level; Mathematics 10, 20; Mathematics A30, B30, C30; Science 10; Science: Secondary Level
Fly at Your Own Risk (Video). (Popular Mechanics for Kids II Series). Fox/Motion Television Distribution (MGR), 1998. 28 min. Dup. order no. V4906.
This episode examines our centuries-old desire to tame the winds and reach for the sky. After a short training session with a skydiving instructor, Elisha then dons her partially inflatable flight suit and experiences the thrill of truly flying solo. Tyler tests the magnificent pedal plane, the Raven, before it attempts to break the record for human-powered flight between Boundary Bay, and Seattle. He explores the aircraft with its engineer, learning how fragile this ultra-light plane’s fuselage and wings are and how testing it- let alone flying it- is an intricate affair involving highly skillful precision and great knowledge in the science of flying. Tyler also looks at how some people actually enjoy flying outside of a plane on its wings- without a harness or parachute! He finds out that they need to be extremely focussed as well as have excellent knowledge of how centripetal force works. Charlie then tells viewers about the mysterious Australian device known as the boomerang.
Suggested Use: SCI 7 - Force and Motion
Graphic Organizers and Portfolios (Video). (Making Connections: Math, Science, and Technology 2 Series). TV Ontario (ITF), 1996. 59 min. Order no. BPN 602504 ($49.00). Circulating copy - Order no. BPN 602504C ($99.00). Teacher's Guide for series - No order number is required. ($7.20 pbk.).
(CAN) A science class uses graphic organizers such as "The Fishbone" in the study of life science. Ways of organizing and assessing portfolios are presented. A demonstration of "hands-on" technology is provided.
A teacher’s guide for the series is available.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Mathematics: Middle Level
Great Canadian Scientists (Print-Non-Fiction). Shell, Barry. Polestar Press Ltd. (LRDC), 1997. 196 p. Order no. 9123 ($17.65 pbk.).
(CAN) Throughout these pages, readers will be introduced to accomplished Canadian physicists, chemists, biologists, geneticists, and other scientists who have helped to mould the world we inhabit. It offers profiles of 19 contemporary scientists including biographies, explanations of each person’s work, and exciting activities for enjoyment and further exploration. It also provides a reference section with brief biographies of more than 120 influential Canadian men and women of science. Black-and-white illustrations add interest to the text. Included are a table of contents, a glossary, and an index.
Suggested Use: General Reference
Other Use: Science 10
Janice VanCleave's Guide to the Best Science Fair Projects (Print-Non-Fiction). VanCleave, Janice. John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. (LRDC), 1997. 156 p. Order no. 9122 ($18.60 pbk.).
Yet another publication from award-winning author Janice VanCleave, this resource offers 50 clearly described, illustrated experiments that could inspire ideas for science fair projects on topics that relate to biology, chemistry, astronomy, engineering, and more. Also included is guidance on how to develop, assemble, present and display projects. The book contains a table of contents, lists of useful books and American sources of scientific supplies, a glossary, and an index.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
LabSense: Lab Safety for Science Students (Video). Halifax County - Bedford District School Board (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V4.
(CAN) LabSense is a science lab safety video suitable for students in Grades 7 to 12. This production introduces students to lab safety principles before they begin their lab program. Segments of LabSense can also be used to reinforce various practices and skills.
Skills such as how to light a bunsen burner, proper chemical smelling techniques, positioning of lab equipment as well as safety conscious attitudes and personal responsibility for safety are stressed. In addition, the use of safety equipment (lab coats, aprons, glasses, eyewash station, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and others) is explained and demonstrated. Acid and base tests with litmus paper are used to introduce proper cleanup of lab spills.
Suggested Use: General Reference
Other Use: Science 10; Science: Secondary Level
MacFarlane Woods: A Special Place (Video). Folkus Atlantic (MGR), 1994. 25 min. Dup. order no. V14.
(CAN) MacFarlane Woods provides a rare opportunity to visit a forest that has never been cut. One hundred-and-fifty-year-old trees tower over beautiful clearings filled with rare plants. The video is a valuable tool for teaching forestry, botany, and conservation. In it, students from Mabou Consolidated School, in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia visit the woods with their biology teacher, a forester and a botanist.
Suggested Use: SCI 8 - Plant Growth
Other Use: Science: Secondary Level
Mechanics FUNdamentals: FUNtastic Science Activities for Kids (Print-Non-Fiction). Wood, Robert W. (FUNdamentals Series). McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited (MHR), 1997. 148 p. ISBN 0-07-071807-5 ($23.95 pbk.).
This American resource offers instructions for numerous experiments related to the effects of forces on bodies or fluids at rest or in motion. Black-and-white drawings and trivia boxes enhance the clearly written directions. Included are a table of contents, a glossary, and an index.
Suggested Use: SCI 7 - Force and Motion; SCI 8 - Energy and Machines; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Science: Elementary Level
Multiple Intelligences and Mindmapping (Video). (Making Connections: Math, Science, and Technology 2 Series). TV Ontario (ITF), 1996. 59 min. Order no. BPN 602501 ($49.00). Circulating copy - Order no. BPN 602501C ($99.00). Teacher's Guide for series - No order number is required. ($7.20 pbk.).
(CAN) The concept of multiple intelligences is introduced; and a Grade 9 class uses the cooperative learning strategy of mindmapping to review chemical change. The role of rating scales as part of assessment, and effective ways to use television in the math and science classrooms is discussed.
A teacher’s guide for the series is available.
Suggested Use: Teacher Reference
Other Use: Mathematics: Middle Level
Physics Lab in a Hardware Store (Print-Non-Fiction). Friedhoffer, Bob. Watts, Franklin, Inc. (HCP), 1996. 112 p. ISBN 0-531-15823-3 ($9.95 pbk.).
This American book addresses such topics in physics as mass, weight, gravity, buoyancy, and pressure by suggesting activities and experiments that require tools and gadgets commonly found in hardware stores. For example, it provides experiments and activities that show students why scissors cut, how to fix a creaking door, and what a ladder and an axe have in common. Black-and-white diagrams support the clearly written text. Included are a table of contents, an appendix that reviews basic scientific principles, an appendix of metric measurements, a glossary, a brief bibliography, and an index.
Suggested Use: SCI 7 - Force and Motion; SCI 8 - Energy and Machines; Teacher Reference
Saskatchewan: The Land (Print-Non-Fiction). Melenchuk, Allan S. (Science Directions Series). AM Educational Research (LRDC), 1997. 48 p. Order no. 7375 ($22.50 pbk.). Teacher's Resource Package - Order no. 6582 ($63.15 pbk.).
(SK) This resource examines continental glaciation, and how it shaped the land in Saskatchewan. The book also looks at soil formation, soil types, and soil nutrients. How human and natural forces have shaped post-glacial landforms is also examined. Activities and review questions are included. The resource can be used as a stand-alone or as a supplement to the Science Directions texts. Many black-and-white photographs, maps, charts, and diagrams are included. This book contains a table of contents and a glossary.
A comprehensive teacher’s resource package is available to support the student book.
Suggested Use: SCI 7 - Saskatchewan-the Land; SCI 9 - Saskatchewan-Environment
Other Use: Science 10; Science: Secondary Level
Satellites (Print-Non-Fiction). Parker, Steve. (20th Century Inventions Series). Raintree Steck-Vaughn Company (SBC), 1997. 48 p. ISBN 0-8172-4819-2 ($25.45 hdc.).
This book addresses the history and development of man-made satellites, from the launch of Sputnik I to the current use of satellites for communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and military purposes. Numerous colour illustrations accentuate the easily read text. Included are a table of contents, a brief bibliography of books and places to visit, a date chart, a glossary, and an index.
Suggested Use: SCI 8 - Earth and Space
The Science of Energy (Video). (Energy, The Pulse of Life Series). Jack Micay (MGR), 1994. 28 min. Dup. order no. V6745. Teacher's Guide - Order no. G6745 ($11.75 pbk.).
(CAN) The Science of Energy is an innovative classroom science video, designed for Grades 8-12, that covers in a creative and entertaining fashion Core Curriculum material on the physics and biology of energy. Using brilliant cell animation along with exciting documentary and archival footage, and songs from "Moxy Fruvous," the video covers the following topics: the concept of energy and a survey of its various forms, the scientific history of energy from Galileo to Einstein-the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, the sun as the ultimate energy source for Earth, photosynthesis, and respiration.
A teacher’s guide is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: SCI 6 - Energy in Our Lives
Spaceships (Video). (Popular Mechanics for Kids I Series). Fox/Motion Television Distribution (MGR), 1997. 28 min. Dup. order no. V358.
Jay and Elisha blast off for outer space, and are given access to sights few civilians get a chance to experience in the space program.
Suggested Use: SCI 6 - Exploring Space
The Spinning Blackboard and Other Dynamic Experiments on Force and Motion (Print-Non-Fiction). Doherty, Paul, Rathjen, Don and Exploratorium Teacher Institute. (The Exploratorium Science Snackbook Series). John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. (LRDC), 1996. 112 p. Order no. 785 ($19.75 pbk.).
In a user-friendly format, this resource presents 23 experiments on force and motion. These experiments are miniature versions of some of the exhibits at the Exploratorium, San Francisco’s famous museum of science, art, and human perception. Black-and-white illustrations support the text. Included are a table of contents and an index.
Suggested Use: SCI 7 - Force and Motion
Still Life for Woodpecker? (Video). T.H.A. Media Distributors Ltd. (MGR), 1992. 28 min. Dup. order no. V8781. Teacher's Guide - Order no. G8781 ($4.50 pbk.).
(I/M) This program incorporates an ancient Aboriginal myth that shows the importance of preserving old growth forests for focussing on the pileated woodpecker and its critical role in the ecological chain. It presents options that may solve the problems which will arise for woodpeckers and other species in the intensively managed forests of the future.
Supporting print material is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: SCI 6 - Ecosystems; SCI 8 - Plant Growth
Other Use: Science: Secondary Level
Swamps and Gators (Video). (Popular Mechanics for Kids II Series). Fox/Motion Television Distribution (MGR), 1998. 28 min. Dup. order no. V4919.
In the first scenario, Tyler goes on a safari in Florida’s Everglades via airboat. While they are sliding over the water through the tall grass, his guide explains to him that the swamp’s spongy land is covered by a mat, a 10 cm thick vegetation carpet strong enough to support Tyler as he steps out on it. But what about reptiles and alligators? Maybe it is a better idea to stay on the boat. His guide explains the creatures’ role in the ecosystem. Swamps are home to plenty of wildlife. As swamps disappear, so do these species, affecting the entire food chain.
In the second scenario, Elisha goes on an eerie canoe ride through the Bayou in Louisiana. The vegetation is very different from the Florida swamp and, consequently, so are the species that live there. She learns about the nutria, a cute and cuddly rodent that is wreaking havoc in the swamp and why their rampage is so damaging to the ecosystem.
In the third scenario, at Gatorland in Florida, Tyler learns about one of the swamp’s dangerous creatures: the alligator. Working with a gator wrangler, Tyler learns some interesting facts about them, including what tells them apart from their cousins, the crocodiles.
Suggested Use: SCI 6 - Ecosystems
Other Use: Science: Elementary Level
Twentieth-Century Women Scientists (Print-Non-Fiction). Yount, Lisa. (Global Profiles Series). Facts On File, Inc. (FHW), 1996. 123 p. ISBN 0-8160-3173-8 ($27.95 hdc.).
This book offers biographies of 10 women scientists who have made outstanding contributions to modern science. The female scientists featured are: E. Margaret Burbidge, Rosalind Elsie Franklin, Birute M.F. Galdikas, Lydia Phindile Makhubu, Barbara McClintock, Lise Meitner, Rita Levi-Montalcini, R.Rajalakshmi, Katsuko Saruhashi, and Kutlu Aslihan Yener. A few black-and-white illustrations are included. The book contains a table of contents, print bibliographies, and an index.
Suggested Use: General Reference
Other Use: Science 10; Science: Secondary Level
Water in Plants (Video). Human Relations Media/HRM Video (MGR), 1995. 27 min. Dup. order no. V378.
This program uses field and laboratory observation to explore the role of water in plant life. It begins with an investigation of water in the microbiology of the plant- absorption and circulation of water, plant systems and anatomy for water use, and evaporation control. The macrobiology of water use in plants is also studied, including adaptations to climate extremes. The content has been captured beautifully.
Suggested Use: SCI 8 - Plant Growth
Zero Gravity (Video). (Popular Mechanics for Kids II Series). Fox/Motion Television Distribution (MGR), 1998. 28 min. Dup. order no. V4918.
In the first scenario, on a visit to Hawaii’s Mauna Kea, Elisha checks out the most powerful telescope in the world! It sits at the top of a dormant volcano which rises 4,205 meters above sea level, at the Keck Observatory. There is no better spot on the planet for astronomers to study the heavens, and especially our own Milky Way. She learns how to operate one of the twin Keck telescopes, the world’s largest optical and infrared telescopes, and probe the deepest regions of the universe.
In the second scenario, Elisha experiences weightlessness on the Power Tower ride at Cedar Point Amusement Park.
In the third scenario, by throwing various objects from a high building, Charlie explains gravity’s role on how fast they splat on the ground. Our host also tries another kind of free floating experience in a swimming pool! With the help from a trained astronaut, PMK recreates in its own big pool the conditions of the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, a giant water tank used by astronauts at NASA to prepare for missions involving space walks. Our host learns that, underwater training provides the best possible simulation of the zero gravity vacuum of space.
Suggested Use: SCI 6 - Exploring Space; SCI 8 - Earth and Space
