Atmosphere: Print Resources

This is a collection of Print Resources about the atmosphere. A separate collection of Electronic Resources is also available.

Most titles below are outstanding and recommended by the National Science Teachers Association that fit this year’s theme for Chemists Celebrate Earth Day. Descriptions are based on reviews from the NSTA or publishers web site.

Key: E = Elementary (K–5), I = Intermediate (6–8), HS = High School (9–12), C = College, G = General Public

Characteristics of the Atmosphere

Dr. Art’s Guide to Planet Earth: for Earthlings Ages 12 to 120. Art Sussman. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green, 2000. 128pp. ISBN 1-890132-73-X. (I, HS)
Dr. Art’s systems-based Earth guide introduces three easy-to-understand principles that explain how our planet works — Matter Cycles, Energy Flows, and Life Webs. This full-color, engaging guide will help us better understand Earth’s systems. Dr. Jane Goodall proclaims “[this book] deserves a place not only in every classroom but also every home.” Includes glossary, index, and a list of web sites.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children in 2001
Planet Earth. Robin Kerrod. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2000. 32pp. ISBN 0-8225-3902-0. (E, I)
Written by Robin Kerrod, a prolific author, astronomer, and Fellow of England’s Royal Astronomical Society, this book provides a level of content that is unique for the elementary level. Ten chapters of accurate text are enhanced with a glossary, an index, and surface-feature photos. The book’s strongest feature is its easy-to-read layout. Broad concepts and clear connections to the unique physical features and processes that occur on the planet are described. The text is free of gender, class, cultural, and racial bias. It is easy to read, and incorporates language and explanations with analogies appropriate for intermediate-age students. The chapter on continental drift and weather and climate would be appropriate as an overview or introduction for a unit of either topic.
Source: NSTA recommends
Hands-On Science Series: Atmosphere & Weather. Karen Kwitter and Steven Souza. Portland, ME: J. Weston Walch, 1998. 90pp. ISBN 0-8251-3764-0. (I, HS)
This book of activities features a carefully structured set of 16 to 20 activities requiring one or two class periods, with unusually complete teacher support. It provides very useful enrichment for a middle school Earth science curriculum in the form of in-class and out-of-class activities and group projects. Each is supported by suggestions for pre-class preparation, instructional objectives, National Science Education Standards, required materials, helpful hints, and adaptations for both high and low achievers. Evaluation plans include quizzes with answers.
Source: NSTA recommends

Heating of the Atmosphere

Global Warming: A Threat to our Future. Paul Stein. NY: Rosen, 2001. 64pp. ISBN 0-8239-3414-4. (I)
One of eight volumes in The Library of Future Weather and Climate series, this is an excellent reference on an important topic. The author does not question the reality of global warming, but argues for more research on temperature increases since 1979. The first chapter explains that the temperature of the Earth depends upon the balance between incoming solar radiation and Earth’s outgoing radiation. The book gives a precise definition of photosynthesis and a clear explanation of the relationship between that process and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. After outlining the link between the burning of fossil fuels and the greenhouse effect, the author concludes with a call for further study of climate and its impact on our planet.
Source: NSTA recommends

The Air We Breathe

The Story of Oxygen. Karen Fitzgerald. Danbury, CT: Franklin Watts/Grolier, 1996. 64pp. ISBN 0-531-20225-9. (E, I)
From myth and mystery to discovery and explanation, the author chronicles the experimentation with air and ultimately, oxygen. The book describes the unique characteristics of oxygen, such as its importance to life, chemical behaviors, and abundance. Many scientists and their contributions are covered. Includes a bibliography, glossary, and index.
Source: NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children in 1997

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