Synopses & Reviews
Science Rocks! is a cross between a science manual offering youngsters a variety of awe-inspiring ideas for projects that could enliven their school work, and a book of suggestions of fun things to do to fill a few spare minutes, an hour, or a day. By making use of everyday objects commonly found around the home, it is instantly accesible to all. Included are some tougher experiments to encourage family participation and group efforts, such as making outrageously large bubbles with dry ice and liquid soap. Meanwhile, the Brainwaves section features tricks and puzzles than can be carried out alone or used to test family and friends—perfect for rainy days or long car trips.
Review
"Launch a missile with a vacuum cleaner. Make a matchbox microphone. Split a sunbeam and see all the colors of the rainbow. Drum up some DNA. Grow your own germs. Physics, chemistry, biology, and human physiology are the subjects covered in this huge, lavishly illustrated volume, packed with detailed suggestions for experiments to perform at home, at school, and for science-fair projects. The tone is relaxed but never cute, with a browsable design that blends the how-to with explanations of the forces at play. For each experiment, tightly packed double-page spreads include step-by-step instructions, digital images, colored screens and diagrams, lists of equipment needed, discussions of connections to science around us (why salt the ice on the road?), and, wherever necessary, danger symbols with warnings to have an adult present. A sidebar names the scientific principle, with occasional profiles of famous scientists and their breakthroughs. Even with all that, many readers will want to go further, and this will spark their curiosity to find out more." Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.
Synopsis
Jam-packed with activities, this book teaches kids how to use household objects to learn about chemistry, physics, biology, and more. With vivid illustrations and step-by-step instructions, these experiments are instantly accessible to all. Full color.