Galileo On the Shoulders of Giants DVD*

A wonderful dramatization of the life of Galileo.
We enjoyed Galileo's quick wit.
Running time: 95 minutes
Rated G.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Starry Messenger by Peter Sis*

Award winner- Caldecott Honor Medal
Beautifully illustrated.
A biography of Galileo Galilei from his birth and beyond his life span.
I like how the illustrations and cursive sentences offer more information and insight about Galileo and the time period.  His actually notes and opinions are included throughout the book.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Galileo's Leaning Tower Experiment by Wendy Mcdonald illustrated by Paolo Rui*

Although historians are not sure if the  ball dropping from the Leaning Tower of Pisa actually occurred, they do know that Galileo did have a theory that falling objects will land at the same time.  Galileo, the father of the scientific method, probably would have tested this theory.
This fictionalized story will intrigue readers and young scientists.
The author offers additional historical background, science explanations and the speed formula.
We enjoyed the book.  The book prompted our experiments with falling objects!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Charlotte the Scientist is Squished by Camille Andros illustrated by Brianne Farley*

Charlotte loves science.  She seizes any opportunity she has to apply the scientific method.  Her main problem, however, is her large family!  She has no space  to perform her experiments.  So she applies the scientific method to this personal problem and soon realizes she needs a new conclusion!
Perfect for introducing the scientific method to younger students.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure by Camille Andros illustrated by Brianne Farley*

Sarah Mackenzie interviewed Ms. Andros last week her Read Aloud podcast.  Immediately, I requested all of her books!
This book is a must read for individuals who love science (and who want to promote it)!  Charlotte, a rabbit,  is a serious scientist.  Her grandfather tells her that she will make a difference in the world.  One day her grandfather becomes seriously ill, and soon other animals in the forest are infected by a strange malady.  Charlotte sets out to determine the cause and to find the cure.
Lots of alliteration!
Lots of science/medical words (glossary included in the back).
I read this aloud to my boys, and my nine year old immediately said, "Read it again!".  This book has been written for younger readers, but my boys seemed to like it too!
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.
--We will soon be reading the second book, Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished. 

Mesmerized by Mara Rockliff illustrated by Iacopo Bruno**

"How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France"
Ben Franklin travels to France to convince them to offer financial support to the Colonies during the Revolutionary War.  Ben finds France. . .entranced. . .mesmerized by Dr. Mesmer.  Dr. Mesmer can make any ailing person feel better by waving his wand.
Ben utilizes the scientific method to test Dr. Mesmer and his "amazing" wand.
The perfect book to tie history and science together!
Lots of French words throughout the book (I would have liked a translation page for all of the French words.)
Readers learn about the scientific method, the placebo effect and the origin of the word "mesmerize".
In the back the author goes into more detail about Ben Franklin, Dr. Franz Mesmer, science and the state of the world during this time period.
Well researched but presented in an interesting, fun manner.
Love the end papers-optical illusions!
**Highly, highly recommend this book.
Pair with: Hot Air: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot Air Balloon Ride by Marjorie Priceman, The Case of the Missing Moonstone-The Wallstonecraft Detective Agency Book 1 by Jordan Stratford