What's That Through the Microscope? #5

The seemingly tireless Warren Hatch returns with another interactive title in his excellent science series, highlighting here the extraordinary aspects of 21 common objects or creatures through the simple power of magnification. Following the same format as the last What's That Through the Microscope? #4 (VL-9/98), an item is shown without being identified--from several angles or different magnifications--while Mr. Hatch's narration provides verbal clues. After one or two minutes, the subject is identified and sometimes shown unmagnified. Items #10 and #16, for instance, are definitely yucky (stentors and a red water mite, respectively), but under just 7x magnification they become objects of beauty. A fun and informative guessing game offering a surefire way to liven up a science lesson, with quizzes to reinforce the material, this characteristically top-notch production (with great lighting and an eye for the artistic), offered at an incredibly affordable price ($13, if pre-paid, which includes postage) is highly recommended. Aud: I, J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)