Kids are participating in science fairs earlier than ever?and what better way to get them started than with this exciting new guide designed especially for younger children? It’s part of Lark’s successful Science Fair program, and it makes fairs fun, accessible, and educational for early primary grade students. In addition to a super ?Official All You Need to Know to Do a Great Science Fair Project” section, this fully-illustrated collection features 25 curriculum-appropriate activities to choose from, plus guidance on how to perform experiments, analyze the data, and draw conclusions. And kids will love the projects, which include preserving jack-o-lanterns, studying the domino effect, making fruit and vegetable dyes, spinning eggs, and doing some rubber-band bungee.
Grade 3–6—The experiments in this collection are based on everyday things in students' lives, such as Jell-O, potatoes, cereal, foggy mirrors, and exploding soda. Each one has clear, step-by-step directions and culminating questions. Ways to expand and change the projects are also included. Jokes are interspersed to add a bit of fun, and safety tips are included in the introduction and experiments designated "Adult Supervision Required." The illustrations offer a glimpse of what the experiment will include. There are many science-fair books available, but this one clearly introduces the steps necessary to prepare an entry for such an event.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
This colorfully illustrated book offers practical advice on preparing and presenting experiments and instructions for two dozen science projects. Each two-page project opens with a line designed to reel kids. For instance, the project involving eggs dropped from a second-story window (after packing them in boxes with Styrofoam peanuts, starch peanuts, or zip-top bags of air) begins with “Want an excuse to break some eggs? Do it for science!” The introductory section on designing experiments and presenting conclusions is sound and the projects, illustrated with two pictures per double-page spread, provide enough detail to guide students through the steps and help them understand what is happening. A glossary is appended. As the title suggests, dramatic effect seems a high priority here, but students will find the book an appealing, useful guide to some uncomplicated science projects. Grades 4-7. --Carolyn Phelan
