Physics Reader Bundle

In What is Physics?, young readers learn that physicists ask lots of questions about how the world works. How fast can a kid run? What happens when a ball is thrown? Why does popcorn pop? How can birds and planes fly?

In Baseballs, Hockey Pucks, and Busy Ants, young readers are introduced to the scientific concept of linear motion. Physics defines any object moving in a straight line as having linear motion. Objects such as hockey pucks, baseballs, bicycles, ants, snails, horses, and people all have linear motion when they are moving in a straight line.

In Energy, young readers are introduced to energy—a basic concept in physics. Energy is what is needed to do work, which occurs when a force moves an object. Force is any action that changes the location, shape, or speed of an object. Food gives the body the energy it needs to do work. Energy comes in many forms.

In Force, young readers learn that force is described as any action that changes the location or shape of an object or how fast or slowly it moves (speed). Examples of force are given.

In Inertia, young readers are introduced to basic scientific concepts about inertia. In physics, inertia is when an object resists a change in motion. Inertia keeps objects that are in motion moving and objects that are not moving at rest. Force is any action that changes the location, shape, or speed of an object.

In Light We Can See, young readers learn visible light is light we can see with our eyes. Light is a form of energy that plants use to make food and we use to see things with our eyes. Objects can be opaque, transparent, or translucent depending on how the light interacts with them.

In Magnets, young readers are introduced to the physics of magnets. The alignment of atoms in certain metals creates a magnetic force in a magnet. A magnet has two poles, each pole with an opposite force. Poles that are alike will repel each other and poles that are opposite will attract. Atoms and force are defined.

In Sound, young readers learn energy causes air molecules to move slightly back and forth, causing a sound wave. The energy is passed from molecule to molecule, and the more energy transferred, the bigger the wave and the louder the sound. We hear because the thin, flexible tympanic membrane in the ear picks up the motion of the molecules in the sound wave.

In Waves, young readers learn waves are created by the transfer of energy through vibration of molecules. The size of a wave depends on the amount of energy. Molecules in a wave move only slightly up and down or back and forth. A wave has a particular shape. Transverse waves, longitudinal waves, atoms, molecules, and energy are defined.

In Wheels on a Bike, young readers are introduced to the scientific concept of rotational motion. Physics defines any object moving around a center point as using rotational motion. The wheels of a bike moving in a straight line use linear motion and, as they turn, the wheels also use rotational motion.

In Work, young readers are introduced to work—a basic concept in physics. Work happens when a force moves an object. Force is any action that changes the location, shape, or speed of an object. Examples are given to show how work, force, and distance are related.

In Zappity, Zap, Zap, young readers are introduced to electricity—a basic physics concept. Electricity is a general term for electrical energy. The movement of electrons from atom to atom creates the electrical energy that makes batteries and toasters work and doorknobs give shocks.