Odyssey Adventures in Science

Odyssey Adventures In Science. Peterburough: Cobblestone Publishing Company, September 2010. Print.
Odyssey Adventures in Science. Peterburough: Cobblestone Publishing Company, October 2010. Print.
In publication since 1980.

odyssey.jpg

Review

Odyssey Adventures in Science is part of Cobblestone Publishing, a large parent company dedicated to publishing educational magazines for children of all ages. This particular publication is designed for use in the classroom, and acts as a nice supplement to science curriculum. Cobblestone Publishing as a whole does not allow advertising in their magazines, so this is another magazine that is not bombarding tweens with advertising and marketing. Based on the two issues I reviewed it seems as though there is a monthly theme to the magazine, but the articles cover a wide range of topics related to that theme. For instance, the September issue was dedicated to exploring the differences between cyborgs, bionic and robots. The October issue featured magic and how most magic 'tricks' are actually based in science.
This magazine would be a good addition to any classroom or library. It encourages students to particpate in science as opposed to just spectating. It also gives fresh up to date information, which is hard with textbooks becasue of the new advances that are constantly being made. Having somehting that is published regularly ensures that you are getting the most up to date information.
As far as learnig activities that can be derived from the magazine, there are many. Aside from conducting experiments based on features in the magazine, it could also be used to draw in reluctant readers. In the issue dedicated to magic, a teacher or librarian who notices a student expressing interest in the topic may recommend other books that will satisfy the students interests. These may be nonfiction books such as autobiographies on magicians or P.T. Barnum, or even how to books about performing magic. Fiction titles might also be recommended. One that comes to mind is The Carnival of Lost Soulsitalic text, which is about a young, orphan boy named Jack who is enthralled with Harry Houdini and his tricks, especially those involving handcuffs. Another possible title would be The name of This Book is Secret, which is the first novel in a series of adventures involving a survivalist named Cass and her comedian/magician friend Max Ernest.
Sometimes the magazine also has activities built in. In the September 2010 issue there is a short play involving several students discussing the difference between a cyborg, a bionic body part, and robots. They are trying to determine which is which. Students could be encouraged to write their own plays or to re-enact the one featured in the magazine. This could be a good lead in to a group discussion.

Bosch, Pseudonymous (2008). The Name of This Book is Secret. New York: Little, Brown for Young Readers.

Quimby, Lara (2010). The Carnival of Lost Souls: A Handcuff Kid Novel. New York: Amulet Books.

Target Age

Ages 10-16

Monthly Features

  • Science Scoops- short articles on new advances in technology and science
  • Brain Strain- brain teasing activities
  • Star Chart- features a view of the sky for a specific date and time every month. The student orients themselves with a compass and can view the sky at the date and time and know exactly what they are looking at.
  • Stargazing with Jack Horkheimer- a comic strip feature with astronomy facts
  • You’ve Got Mail- readers respond to prompts issued by the magazine and send in photos, drawings and opinions
  • Ask Dr. Cy Borg- scientific questions answered
  • Animal Angles- different animal featured every month

Awards

  • 1998 Ed Press Finalst
  • 1999 and 2000 Ed Press Winner
  • 2009 Parent's Choice Gold Winner

Marketing

This magazine wil appeal to kids with all kinds of interests. Astonomy, nature, technological advances and stories about tweens extraordinary things will appeal to many tweens. Teachers will love this magazine as well because of the supplementation to their science curriculum.