maths

New Non Fiction: Back to School numbers.

Katie

Welcome to Term 3! I hope you all had a fantastic break over the school holidays.  Here are some new junior non fiction to help you catch up on your school work.
image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndeticsWhy do reptiles have scales? : and other questions about evolution and classification. 
Wildlife wonders? You better believe it. This book covers anything and everything you want/need to know about the classification and evolution of reptiles and how they have adapted to survive the ever changing environment. This is a great book to use for biology projects and homework. Great for Primary and Intermediate level.

You might also want to check out Why do Plants have flowers? and other questions about evolution and classification. Lots of amazing facts about the evolution and classification of plants, like you find out the age of a tree by counting the rings beneath the bark and apparently find out which flower smells of rotting meat – Whoa!. A great resource to sue for horticulture projects and homework.

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndeticsimage courtesy of syndeticsIt’s time for Animaths! It’s time to improve your maths sssskills by looking at Shapes with Snakes. Become a “roaring” success with maths by Taking Away with Tigers and some maths ant-ics by looking at Adding with Ants.

These books are great to use to introduce young children to simple key maths concepts with the use of  cut out photos of animals. These books are sure to engage the interest of reluctant mathematicians.

 

 

 

All about the Commonwealthimage courtesy of syndetics

According to Wikipedia, The Commonwealth of Nations, commonly known as the Commonwealth (formerly the British Commonwealth),  is an intergovernmental organisation of 53 member states (including New Zealand) that were mostly territories of the former British Empire, with some notable exceptions. The Commonwealth operates by intergovernmental consensus of the member states, organised through the Commonwealth Secretariat, and non-governmental organisations, organised through the Commonwealth Foundation.

Luckily for the library, we now have a junior non fiction book jam packed with information about the Commonwealth. This informative, fact-packed guide also tells you all about the history and the aims of the Commonwealth since its foundation in 1931. Did you know New Zealand is one of the 53 countries led by HM Queen Elizabeth II? A great book to use for Social Studies homework.

 

 

 

image courtesy of syndeticsCool Kids Cook.

Ready for another back to school number that will help you ace Home Economics and allow you to unleash your inner Gordon Ramsey-Jaime Oliver- Nigella Lawson-Chelsea Winter? Donna Hay has released a cookbook for kids. Donna Hay for kids?! How cool is that! Check out the awesome cookbook, catered for cool kids that contains over 40 fun and simple recipes for kids to make for family and friends to enjoy. Found a few tasty numbers like spaghetti bolognese, sausage rolls, chicken noodle soup, cup cakes and chocolate moose. Wow,  I wish I had this book when I was doing Home Economics at school.

 

 

 

image courtesy of knight academy blog

Encyclopedia of the human body : begin to discover the human body.

Got a biology project coming up on the human body? This back to school number can help.  The Encyclopedia of the human body will allow you to discover information about how the human body and anatomy works. You will discover and learn everything from how blood flows through the heart, to how food is digested and where your voice comes from… hmmm!  This is the kind of book that makes *physiology look cool and screams AMAZING!

 

*Physiology: The branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.

 

New Non Fiction: Information Overload!

Katie

Python For Kids.

This is the computer programming manual you must have! Python for kids introduces the basics of the Python programming language (not the snake), covering how to use data structures, organize and reuse code, draw shapes and patterns with turtle, and create games and animations with tkinter. The best thing about the manual is that the new terms are defined; code is colored, dissected, and explained and quirky, full-color illustrations keep things on the lighter side. Also comes complete with  programming puzzles designed to stretch your brain and strengthen your understanding. Great resource for kids aged 10 years and over.

 

National Geographic Kids Infopedia 2013.

Check out this new and updated edition of National Geographic Kids Infopedia that promises you will have fun, get smarter and dares you to explore at the same time! This guide is packed with fun facts, games and incredible photos. Also find out fascinating information, like some frogs glow in the dark when they eat fireflies and Australia’s great barrier reef is the biggest living structure on earth.

 

 

 

 

Maths Puzzles and Games for ages 7 – 9.

Having trouble with your maths homework? This book is here to help kids ages 7 to 9 years do well and excel in maths. Enclosed with this book is a CD ROM with puzzles and games designed to get kids using their maths without even realizing it, addresses the need for children to learn number facts and develop their skills in using and applying mathematics.

 

 

 

 

Information Everywhere.

Want to see the world as you’ve never seen it before? If you’ve got a question, this book has the answer. This  illustrated overview of the physical world  uses infographics and provides facts and information on the connections between the Earth, people, power, and industry. Each page is crammed with up-to-the-minute facts, stats and graphics to give a fascinating snapshot of our planet and what makes it tick.

 

 

 

 

The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia.

This encyclopedia is a treasure-trove of human experience and the perfect research tool for all the family. Comes complete with illuminating photographs, lavish artwork and provides essential guidance that will replace hours of unguided web research. Great to use for history assignments and homework.

 

 

 

 

 

Moshi Monster Character Encyclopedia.

The Moshlings are back in this cool and exciting character encyclopedia! Read all about more that 200 of the wackiest, weirdest and cutest monsters you could ever imagine. You will also learn about each character and the gloopendous world they live in, along with monsterific facts. Great for anyone a fan of Pokemon and Digimon.

 

 

 

 

New Back to School Non Fiction.

Katie

Guinness World Records 2013.

Who is smaller – the new shortest man or the heaviest newborn baby? What weighs more – the largest donkey or the heaviest hot dog? The latest Guinness World records is now available with the answers to those questions  and contains lots more of amazing facts and world records. You can also download the FREE Augmented Reality app to see records come to life in amazing 3D. Guinness World Records 2013 is truly a fantastic read.

 

 

 

 

Train your Brain to be a Maths Genius.

This book is great for anyone who finds Maths a struggle. This book is full of problems, puzzles and fun activites that will boost your brain cells and improve your Maths skills. As a bonus, you will also find information on some of the greatest maths minds in history, from Greek Gods, such as Archimedes, to world War II code-breaker Alan Turning.

 

 

 

 

 

The Weird Series by Erin Frankel and Paula Heaphy:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are being bullied, know someone who is being bullied or if YOU are the bully, these are the books to read. The WEIRD series consists of three books called WEIRD, DARE and TOUGH which are stories of bullying told from all perspectives: the target, the bystander and the child doing the bullying. The weird series is part of Bully Free Kids – Free Spirit Publishing’s bullying prevention resources just for kids.  An excellent resource for children, parents and teachers with information on how to recognize the signs of bullying, how to prevent bullying and positive messages to build your confidence.

 

 Weird Science Mad Marvels from the Way-Out World! by Matt Lake and Randy Fairbanks.

Ever wanted to know what’s WEIRD about science? Ever wanted information on two-headed cows, animals with ears on their knees, frogs falling from the sky and scientists from planet Venus? You will find all the answers and more in this amazing book that takes kids on a scientific ride to the wacky side. From Zany Zoology to Medical Mishaps, the creators of Weird U.S., scout out wonders, but mostly of the astonishing or gross out sort facts from all scientific fields. You will also learn find out all about Crazy Chemistry, Freaky Physics, Mysterious Phenomena and much, much more.

 

 

New Non Fiction for August – Maths and Science from Usbourne, Science Crackers and many more series.

Katie

Having trouble with Maths and Science at school? Here are some new books that can help.

New Non Fiction on Mathematics:

The Usborne Illustrated Dictionary of Maths.

Mathematics is the study of the relationship between size, space and quantity using numbers and symbols. If you are struggling with maths at school, then this is the book for you. This book contains over 500 definitions of all the key terms and concepts; more than 300 useful illustrations and diagrams; over 100 worked examples; comprehensive cross-referencing and detailed index and internet links for recommended websites. This book covers all areas including arithmetic, algebra, fractions and measurement. The book is divided into four areas which covers sections on numbers; shape, space and measures; Algebra and handling data.

 

Maths Dictionary by Carol Vorderman.

Stuck on sums or multiplication? Need a hand with homework? Then this is the book for you. This book takes you through everything you need to know to get ahead in primary school maths. Read all about. Also check out by Carol Voderman,  

Easy Peasy Times Tables. This book takes you through basic times tables up to ten, with an owl calculator that lets you check all the answers. Good for younger children.

What is Maths by Tracey Steffora.

Want to know how you use maths in everyday life? This is the book for you. This is a fantastic picture book that introduces young children to the basic concepts in Maths and how maths is applied around the world. This book covers all basic areas of maths, including shapes, patterns, adding, subtracting and measuring. Also includes notes for parents and teachers. Recommended for a junior level.

Edgar Allan Poe’s Pie by J. Patrick Lewis

Poetry + Math = A tasty treat!

Like puzzles? Want to brush up on Maths, English and poetry at the same time? This is the book to read! Renowned poet, J. Patrick Lewis borrows themes from famous poems and flips them on their head to create humorous verses and riddles in a collection of math-based problem-solving parodies. The poems included by by famous poets including Edward Lear, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allan Poe. This book do include all answers to the poem/math problem.) Information about all poets whose poems have been assembled in this book is also included.

New Non Fiction on Science from the Usbourne series:

What’s Chemistry all about by Alex Firth and Dr. Lisa Jane Gillespie.

What’s inside an atom? Which chemicals make us happy? Why does water change into steam? You will find all the answers to these questions in this new book from the Usbourne series. You will find out what chemistry is about; how it works, why chemistry is useful and a whole lot more! There is also lots of cool experiments to carry out. Recommended for a junior and intermediate level.

 

 

 

 

What’s Physics all about by  Kate Davies.

Why is the sky blue? How did the universe begin? Where does electricity come from? You will find all the answers to these questions in this new book from the Usbourne series. You will find out what physics is about; how it works, why physics is useful and a whole lot more! There is also lots of cool experiments to carry out. Recommended for a junior and intermediate level.

From the Science Crackers series:

Bubbling Biology by Steve Parker.

Why do some plants have flowers? What is the largest living thing? How fast can a shark swim? You will find all the answers to these questions in this new book from the Science Crackers series. You will find out how plants, animals, and microscopic organisms live, grow and survive. There is also lots of cool experiments to carry out.

Fizzing Physics by Steve Parker.

What shape is a magnetic field? How can you see with sound? How many colors are in a rainbow? You will find all the answers to these questions in this new book from the Science Crackers series.  Discover the incredible facts behind colour, sound and energy.

Awesome Astronomy by Raman Prinja.

How many stars are there? How can you talk to aliens? What happens when a start explodes? You will find all the answers to these questions in this new book from the Science Crackers series. Discover the incredible facts of how you can study the night sky and learn about its billions of stars and galaxies.

New Non Fiction

Katie

Here’s the newest non-fiction books in your library:

 

From Zero To Infinity (And Beyond): Cool Maths Stuff You Need to Know by Mike Goldsmith and Andrew Pinder

Having trouble with Maths? Then this is the book for you. It’s like the Horrible Histories of Maths.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve Lost My Hippopotamus by Jack Prelutsky and Jackie Urbanovic

Lost of funny and werid poems that range from various titles like The Fish Are in the Treetops, I’m Ridding on a Snail and of course I’ve Lost My Hippopotamus.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Rhyme Stew by Roald Dahl 

In the mood for more funny and weird poems? Then Rhyme Stew is for you. Any book by Roald Dahl is always a delightful and entertaining read.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Following in Darwin’s Footsteps by Aileen O’Riordan and Pat Triggs

Intersting facts of the life of Charles Darwin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All About New Zealand’s Garden Wildlife by Dave Gunson

Everything you need to know about New Zealand life ranging from birds, plants, insects and Mammals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multiplication Secret Strategy

wcl staff

I always get stuck when I try and multiply 11 with another two digit number. I can do the first nine multiples because you just write the same number twice. Like 2 x 11 = 22 all the way to 9 x 11=99. But multiplying it with a double digit number is another story until I came across this secret strategy that I’ll share with you. For example:

12 x 11 will be 1+2=3

Insert the 3 between the 1 and 2: the answer is 132!

Or 14 x 11 will 1+4=5

Insert 5 between 1 and 4 : answer is 154!

And if the two digits also add up to a two digit number, insert the second and add the first. For example:

75 x 11

7 + 5 =12

Insert the second digit as before between the 7 and 5: 725

Then add the first digit from 12 which is 1 to the 7: answer 825!

Try it: it’s awesome! If you’d like to know more shortcuts about anything check out  Thirty days has September at the library now.