SERIES MADE SIMPLE

Charles Darwin Develops the Theory of Evolution

by Rebecca ROWELL
9781680780154. ea vol: 48p. (Great Moments in Science). chron. glossary. index. photos. ABDO. 2016. lib. ed. $22.95. ebk. $35.95.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–5—These studies complement equivalent volumes in ABDO's ongoing "Great Minds of Science" series by leaving biographical details by the wayside to instead focus on specific ideas, experiments, evidence, chains of reasoning, and publications associated with each figure's best-known work. Darwin, for example, begins with an explanation of what was so astonishing to the scientist about the Galápagos finches, then goes back to fill in major events of the Beagle's voyage, and to trace the writing and publication of On the Origin of Species with nods along the way to earlier evolutionary theories and scientists. Brief extracts from letters or books supply exercises in understanding primary source material, and sets of closing queries invite readers to review and ruminate.
VERDICT Strong choices for deepening subject collections.
Each book starts with an iconic scientific moment then explores its historic and biographical context, with supporting images, primary sources, curated online sources, and critical thinking questions interspersed throughout. With a consistent format, the books respond to core curriculum guidelines and expand on these scientists' founding stories, although some of the "great moment" hooks work better than others. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Great Moments in Science titles: Charles Darwin Develops the Theory of Evolution, Isaac Newton Discovers Gravity, Louis Pasteur Advances Microbiology, Thomas Edison Invents the Light Bulb, Marie Curie Advances the Study of Radioactivity, and Rachel Carson Sparks the Environmental Movement.
Reviewed by Staff , Apr 01, 2016

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