Darwin and Evolution for Kids

October 27, 2003
Darwin and Evolution for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities by Kristan Lawson explores Darwin's life and work, from his historic trip around the Galapagos Islands, which helped shape his controversial theory of evolution, to an explanation of the theory itself to the challenges the theory raised... and continues to face. Hands-on activities encourage budding scientists to explore some of the concepts themselves, from going on a Botanical Treasure Hunt to making fossils and more.

April 1, 2004
Gr 5-9-A thorough introduction to the life and work of this naturalist and thinker. The book begins with a description of Darwin's family life, privileged childhood, and education. His five-year voyage on the Beagle, during which he collected specimens to send back to England, is vividly described. The author places Darwin's ideas in context with those of other philosophical and scientific thinkers, tracing the work of both his predecessors and contemporaries. Lawson also explores how his subject's theories were accepted or rejected by others and discusses how the disagreement among scientists and creationists continues to the present time. The writing is consistently clear and lively. The text is supplemented by related activities, including how to develop a taxonomy, tying nautical knots, and making geological strata. Brown-and-white photographs and reproductions create a sense of the Victorian era. A list of resources for further research encourages students to delve deeper into the topic. This book covers the same material as J. Edward Evans's Charles Darwin (Lerner, 1993; o.p.), but is more comprehensive.-Ann Joslin, Erie County Public Library, PA

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.