How to Make a Chemical Volcano and Other Mysterious Experiments - Hardcover

Kramer, Alan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0531151204 ISBN 13: 9780531151204

Publisher: Franklin Watts, 1989

Synopsis

The thirteen-year-old author presents twenty-nine experiments using household chemicals and materials that demonstrate a physical or chemical principle while seeming like tricks.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-- While all the experiments (or demonstrations) here are available in other books, the fact that this was written by a 13-year-old boy gives it extra significance. Chemistry books tend to give reviewers the cold cobbles, as nothing is more certain than the fact that even if they are larded with warning, a tidy percentage of users will bleep over them, hurrying to the "interesting" parts. This book does have warnings, but a number of them are presented in an inconsistent way. A caution on isopropyl alcohol on one page is not given about rubbing alcohol on another, although it, too, can burn eyes and mucous membranes, and is toxic if ingested. Warnings about household ammonia are given for some experiments, but while the warning paragraph is included at the bottom of an experiment involving red cabbage, the word "caution" has been omitted next to ammonia in the equipment list. Also disturbing are the directions for a Mystical Mothball Tree, which allow for the use of a non-heat resistant glass jar or beaker and heat, although small print does warn about the possibility of shatter. Cautions are given about the toxicity of mothflakes (although it is not clear whether this applies to mothflakes made of napthalene or camphor), but the fumes can be irritating when either is exposed to heat, despite instructions given for in-kitchen ventilation. Also, the warnings, cautions, and special instructions are at the end of the experiments rather than at the beginning, making them pointless for young scientists who do the experiment as they read along. With these caveats in mind, remember that other activities included are fun, safe, and demonstrate interesting scientific principles. Kramer's enthusiasm for his subject is obvious and contagious, and his writing skills are well advanced. While one might feel a tad hesitant about this title, there is also a sense of anticipation about his next book. --Patricia Manning, Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Franklin Watts
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0531151204
• ISBN 13: 9780531151204
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 111
• Illustrator: Harvey Paul