The Kid's Book of Simple Everyday Science
Here are 40 simple science experiments for elementary-age children, no lab coat required. The book starts off with an important message: “Do you want to be a scientist? You can do it.” Once confidence has been boosted, a list of essentials is covered, including a pictorial spread of required materials, a five-step introduction to the scientific method, and safety information. Then the fun begins. There’s an experiment to answer questions such as “Do yellow and blue always make green?” and “How many ways can you blow up a balloon?” Each activity provides simple step-by-step instructions (no more than seven), along with corresponding numbered how-to photographs. Most of the items necessary to perform these experiments—empty bottles, duct tape, food coloring—are commonly found throughout the house. Kids are encouraged to keep a journal to jot down results, and, along the way, they’ll learn about important scientific principles like density and chemical reactions. It’s true that anyone can think like a scientist, and this title strikes a nice balance between being simple and engaging. Grades 3-6. --Ann Kelley