All About Light and Sound provides a decent overview of both light and sound appropriate for the 5th grade curriculum. However, the book’s best feature is the back matter, which includes a timeline of important developments (Light and Sound Through Time), and brief biographical information on the Important People in Light and Sound. Students could use this book as a first resource to select a subject for a research project about a significant development or historical person in science.

Grades 4-6

Jankowski, C. (2010). All about light and sound. Mankato, MN: Compass Point Books.

 

Science View: Sounds provides students with a visually-appealing explanation for the concepts related to sound. Each idea (e.g., Loud and Soft, Making Sound, and Ultra and Infra) is presented on a double-page spread with engaging images and an easy hands-on demonstration for each. Teachers could use this book as a read-aloud to review a concept or two at a time, or, use it to present background before doing the suggested demonstration. A Facts and Measurements section and Glossary in the back matter allow a deeper dive into the scientific details without bogging down the main content.

Grades 3-6

Parker, S. (2005). Science view: Sound. Langhorne, PA: Chelsea House.

 

To introduce the topic of Sound in an easy read, Sound: A Question and Answer Book is a great choice. Part of the FactFinders series, this book illustrates the sound curriculum with photos and descriptions of real-world examples. Students (even those reading below grade level) can use this book independently to understand the basic science as well as some of the more nuanced ideas including acoustics and the difference between music and noise. Clear, helpful backmatter includes Fast Facts, a hands-on investigation, a glossary of essential vocabulary, and a list of additional resources.

Reading Level: 3; IL: 2-5

Bayrock, F. (2006). Sound: A question and answer book. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.