It's Not Magic, It's Science!: 50 Science Tricks That Mystify, Dazzle & Astound

Grade 4-6–Using magic as her theme, Buttitta introduces students to scientific concepts such as air pressure, optical illusions, balance, Bernoulli effect, capillary action, density, temperature, and laws of motions. Each trick is one or two pages in length and includes a materials list of basic household items, numbered steps of easy-to-follow instructions, and an explanation of the scientific principles that make the magic work. Whimsical color illustrations add humor and elucidate some of the steps. Explanations of scientific principles and the history surrounding some of the discoveries that are used as a basis for these experiments are included. This book provides an effective way to entice students to learn about science. Peter Eldin's Science Magic (Millbrook, 2002) offers fewer experiments, but has the same science-as-magic premise.–Ann Joslin, formerly at Erie County Public Library, PA
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