A Drop of Water
#1 in A Book of Science and Wonder Series
on Goodreads (727)
What’s inside...
The book 'A Drop of Water' by Walter Wick features spectacular photographs that capture the various states of water such as ice, rainbow, stream, frost, and dew. The camera's ability to stop action and magnify allows readers to observe water in incredible detail. The book explains scientific concepts like evaporation, condensation, capillary attraction, and surface tension through simple text accompanied by vivid images. It also includes experiments that encourage readers to engage in scientific investigation. By combining art and science, the book stimulates readers to appreciate water's transformations both aesthetically and scientifically.
Discussion points
What happens when water changes its form from ice to liquid to gas? Can you think of examples from the book?
How do the photographs in the book help you understand the science of water?
What was the most surprising thing you learned about water from this book?
Why do you think water is important to us and to our planet?
How can we help keep our water clean and safe after learning from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how water is used in their daily life and relate it back to the book's content.
Use the detailed photographs in the book as a visual aid to explain scientific concepts to your child.
After reading, engage in a simple water experiment, like freezing water or watching steam rise from a pot, to demonstrate the concepts learned.
Discuss the environmental aspects of water conservation highlighted in the book and explore ways your family can contribute to water preservation.
Praise your child's observations and insights as they connect the information in the book to the world around them, fostering a deeper understanding and curiosity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of observation
Explanation: In 'A Drop of Water,' the author uses high-speed photography to capture the moments in which simple water phenomena occur, encouraging readers to look closely and notice details they would typically overlook.
Real-World Application: Children learn to pay closer attention to their surroundings and details in everyday life, enhancing their observation skills and curiosity about how the world works.
Example Lesson: Understanding scientific concepts
Explanation: Through captivating imagery and straightforward explanations, the book illustrates scientific principles like refraction, surface tension, and evaporation in a way that is accessible to children.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these basic scientific concepts to understand natural phenomena around them, such as why raindrops form or what happens when water evaporates from a puddle.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature and environment
Explanation: ‘A Drop of Water’ invites readers to appreciate the complexity and beauty of natural elements, focusing on water—an essential and omnipresent resource.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more conscious about water conservation and the role water plays in ecosystems, promoting environmentally responsible behaviors.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The book fosters a sense of wonder and inquiry by unraveling the mysteries of seemingly simple elements, prompting questions and encouraging further exploration.
Real-World Application: Instills a lifelong love for learning and exploration in children, motivating them to ask questions and seek answers about various scientific topics and beyond.
Example Lesson: Patience and attention to detail
Explanation: The meticulous photography and experiments shown in the book exemplify how patience and careful observation can lead to discovery and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being patient and thorough in tasks at home or school, understanding that some activities require time to yield results.