Do Bees Sneeze? And Other Questions Kids Ask about Insects
by James K. Wangberg Illustrated by Ellen Parker
You'll discover many fascinating facts in this entertaining and informative book prompted by an entomologist's classroom visits and correspondence with elementary students from across the United States. Grouped by common themes, such as appearance and behavior, the questions and answers are provided in a conversational style with examples that children can understand. Technically accurate drawings further enhance the answers.
ISBN 1-55591-963-4 Grades K 6
7 x 10, 208 pages
b/w illustrations
$18.95 paperback
This is not only for children, it´s also a great resource for parents or educators who are faced with a myriad of questions about "bugs." Questions are grouped by common theme into nine chapters. This makes it easier to find answers to the questions kids ask the most.
Reviews from Parent Council
... a real find for those teachers who want to go beyond the few insect pages in the science books...
The Children's Literature Newsletter
Wangberg, an entomologist, surveyed elementary students nationwide for their top 200 questions about insects. The answers are presented in an easily understood, well-organized format. The book also includes science project ideas, such as making your own ant farm. The answer to the title's question, by the way, is insects can't sneeze because they don't have noses. They don't have mouths or lungs, either. Little holes in the sides of their bodies, called spiracles, and hollow tubes called trachea do the breathing for them.
Beverly Medlyn
Do Bees Sneeze is a 194-page softbound book crammed with one interesting tidbit of information after another about "the fascinating world of insects." Written by a professor of entomology, the book is a collection of children's questions accumulated over the year and his answers. "I have continually been surprised, amused, and impressed with the questions that come from youngsters," Wangberg writes in his introduction.
The questions are grouped by common themes into nine chapters, and each question is written as the child asked it. At the end of each chapter are projects and activities related to the chapter theme that children, with adult supervision, can undertake for exploring the biology and behavior of insects and their relatives.
Chapter 1Abundance & Existencestarts out with Question No. 1, which is something I've wondered about a few times myself: "How many insects are there in the whole world?"... Another interesting question in that chapter is "How many ants are in a colony?" Projects in this chapter are making your own ant farm, making collecting equipment, making a collection, etc. Chapter 2Appearancehas some fun questions, too: "What is the most colorful bug?" and "Why are bees black and yellow?" Chapter 3Body Parts & Functionshas wonderful questions: "Do fleas have teeth?" and "Do bugs spit?" and "Do insects cough?" and Can insects have hiccups?" and "Do bugs sweat?" Projects include designing an insect leg. ... So if you've go a curious kid or grandkid or if you've wondered about a few of these things yourself, this book is a real find!
Agri-News
More than 200 questions from children about insects are presented here, along with lucid answers. Related questions are grouped together in chapters that cover physical characteristics, anatomical features, locomotion, behavior habitat, and human health and safety. The last chapter focuses on insect relatives, such as arachnids, crustaceans, etc. ... The text is clearly written and well organized, considering the question-and-answer format. Most, but not all, scientific terms are explained as they appear. For instance the terms "echolocation" and "defense mechanisms" are mentioned but not defined. ... While some students might enjoy browsing through the questions, this title will appeal most to teachers as a curriculum supplement.
Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
This book is written for teachers, librarians, museum staff, educational program leaders, and parents who are often faced with a myriad of questions from children about insects. Questions were obtained during visits to school and published solicitation and represent those most commonly asked. There are 210 questions from children representing 18 schools, 16 cities, and 13 states. Questions are grouped by common themes into nine chapters: (1) Abundance and Existence; (2) Appearance; (3) Body Parts and Functions; (4) Size, Strength, and Speed; (5) Behavior; (6) Homes and Habitats; (7) Foods for Insects and Insects as Food; (8) Health and Safety; and (9) Insect Relatives. Each question is written as the child posed it and answered with a minimum of technical jargon and scientific terminology. At the end of the chapter are proposed projects and activities for children related to the chapter theme. This book can supplement existing curricula or be a periodic guide to special activities. Contains references for additional information.
ERIC/CSMEE
