Science Wizardry For Kids

This revamped, re-styled, and updated edition of the popular hands-on book of experiments for kids demonstrates that learning the fundamentals of science can be exciting and fun. Clear directions for scores of safe and easy-to-perform experiments teach kids principles of physics, chemistry, meteorology, astronomy, geology, and the life sciences. A small sample of the book's experiments include-- Testing various foods for their starch content, and in the process discovering a method for making invisible ink Understanding the physical properties of air by constructing a kite, a miniature windmill, and a paper airplane Forecasting the weather by constructing a home-made barometer from objects that are easy to find around the house Creating a perfectly safe electric current, using just a fresh lemon, a paperclip, and a piece of copper wire These and many more experiments are presented with guidelines for budding scientists, safety rules to remember and follow, and simple advice on thinking and asking questions like a scientist. Brand-new and attractive full-color illustrations on most pages. Editorial Reviews From School Library Journal Grade 3-6--This updated and redesigned edition of a 1992 title includes new materials such as instructions on how to design a solar system model. The front matter includes a list of 12 safety rules, such as asking an adult to help and labeling poisonous chemicals; a page on how to think like a scientist; and practical guidelines for young scientists to follow. Activities, which are presented on a page or a spread each, cover a broad range of topics, including chemistry, light and sound waves, colors, and botany, and are interspersed with general information. For example, in the chapter on movement, an entry explains "How Birds Make It Off the Ground." Green boxed areas provide a list of items needed; most can be found at home. The activities include creating an indicator out of red cabbage to test acids and bases, making an electric lemon, building a simple camera, and designing a terrarium. The directions are presented in easy-to-follow, numbered steps, and simple color drawings appear on every page. The book concludes with a section offering information for parents and teachers and a detailed explanation of how to keep a science notebook. This title offers a variety of simple projects that could be used as a part of the school curriculum or at home.--Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA Copyright å¨ Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Review "This title offers a variety of simple projects that could be used as a part of the school curriculum or at home." --School Library Journal