Prize-winning science fair projects for curious kids

Format:

Book

Title:

Prize-winning science fair projects for curious kids

Author:

Rhatigan, Joe.

ISBN:

9781579904784

9781579907501

9780329628482

Edition:

1st ed.

Publication Information:

New York : Lark Books, 2004.

Physical Description:

112 pages : color illustrations ; 26 cm

General Note:

Includes index.

Contents:

Introduction -- Official all-you-need-to-know-to-do-a-great-science-fair-project section -- Projects -- Biology: Pooch smooch -- Zapped! -- Hang up and drive? -- Horrorscopes -- Take a closer look: Astrology, sham science -- Skin-tilating -- Who owns the road? -- Beak freak! -- Huddling for heat -- Moldy slices of life -- Gravity got you down? -- Cloche encounters -- Touching memories -- Hair-raising strength -- Take a closer look: Nursery rhyme and fairy tale science fair project quiz -- Bow-wow blood pressure -- Compost concoction -- Do you see what I see? -- Don't hold your breath! -- Physical science: Attraction of traction -- Parachute power -- Take a closer look: What a drag! -- Gauge your tires -- Crunch your breakfast -- Feel the burn -- Do you smell what I smell? -- Way the ball bounces -- Blockheads -- Take a closer look: Squashing pumpkins -- Popcorn fever -- Pollution dilution -- Reasons for the seasons -- Radical reduce refuse plan -- Keeping warm -- Heating of land and water -- Crystal creation -- Take a closer look: Help! I'm being pelted by space junk! -- Chemistry: Slimed! -- I need more salt, mummy! -- Take a closer look: More on mummies -- Yeast feast -- Magic sand -- It's a stretch -- Take a closer look: Polymers: Chain gang -- Balloonatics -- Shake it up baby! -- Citrus chemistry -- Bubble olympics -- Take a closer look: You've got glycerin in you! -- Food or fuel? -- "Fall"ty predictions -- Now that's repelling! -- Templates -- Acknowledgments -- Note about suppliers -- Index.

Summary:

Contains ideas for cool science projects using items found around the house or at a nearby store. From thinking of a unique science fair experiment to putting fabulous finishing touches on the display, this cool collection of 50 smart and illustrated projects gives budding scientists everything they need to put together a winner-and have fun doing it, too. Kids have seen all the tricks, and they're tired of science fair books that show them (yawn) how to make the "been there, done that" volcano or a boring model of the solar system. Here are experiments they really want to do, on subjects such as slime, magic sand, video games, mummies, dog germs, horoscopes, bicycles, and more. The whole science fair experience is broken down into small, manageable steps, so youngsters won't feel overwhelmed. All safety precautions are taken, with notes on parental supervision, when necessary. The author lives in Asheville, NC.

Subject(s):

Science projects -- Juvenile literature.

Science -- Experiments -- Methodology.

Experiments -- Methodology.

Science projects -- Methodology.

Genre:

Activity books.

Instructional and educational works.

Juvenile works.

Added Author:

Newcomb, Rain.

Holds:

Available:*

Library	Call Number	Status
Searching... McMinnville Public Library	507.8 Rhatigan	Searching... Unknown
Searching... Jefferson Public Library	J 507.8 RHATIGAN	Searching... Unknown

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

From thinking of a unique science fair experiment to putting fabulous finishing touches on the display, this cool collection of 50 smart and illustrated projects gives budding scientists everything they need to put together a winner--and have fun doing it, too. Kids have seen all the tricks, and they're tired of science fair books that show them (yawn) how to make the "been there, done that" volcano or a boring model of the solar system. Here are experiments they really want to do, on subjects such as slime, magic sand, video games, mummies, dog germs, horoscopes, bicycles, and more. The whole science fair experience is broken down into small, manageable steps, so youngsters won't feel overwhelmed. All safety precautions are taken, with notes on parental supervision, when necessary.
The author lives in Asheville, NC.

Reviews (3)

School Library Journal Review

Gr 5-8-Fifty experiments in biology, the physical sciences, and chemistry are presented in an attractive and easy-to-follow format and illustrated with sharp photographs of children and of the materials needed. One of the book's strengths is the first chapter about choosing and doing a project. Ideas include checking out the validity of horoscopes, mummifying fish, testing the effectiveness of sunscreens, and testing spray-on water repellents. Students are shown how to create their own equipment whenever possible, although some of the experiments require purchase of materials. Adult assistance is indicated when necessary. Extensions of experiments are suggested in sections titled "What Else You Can Do." Each project includes an open-ended question, a list of supplies, and step-by-step instructions. The spacious format is several cuts above average for this kind of book. This title adds to Rhatigan and Heather Smith's Sure-to-Win Science Fair Projects (Lark, 2001) and may even entice reluctant students to try more challenging projects.-Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Review

This upbeat book first introduces suitable criteria, then explains (with checklists) how to plan, conduct, take notes, write up, and display a good project. It next outlines more than fifty experiments, with titles such as ""Pooch Smooch,"" ""Gauge Your Tires,"" and ""The Bubble Olympics,"" divided among biology, physical science, and chemistry. Bright photos and occasional art illustrate the cleanly designed pages. Ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

Booklist Review

Gr. 5-8. The authors approach the often-humdrum topic of science fair projects with energy, enthusiasm, and even humor. If even one of those qualities is infectious, students will be off to a good start. The excellent introduction offers advice and encouragement as well as structure for choosing a topic and using the scientific method. Divided into sections on biology, physical science, and chemistry, the dozens of projects help kids answer such questions as How does being on a cell phone affect motor skills and reaction time? (tested with a car-driving video game) and Which cereals have the most iron? Clear, colorful drawings, diagrams, and photos illustrate the text. Safety warnings are usually present: children are advised to ask for an adult's assistance with using a drill to make holes in a metal can, but not for using a craft knife to cut a slit in a plastic bottle. Libraries looking for child-friendly project books will find this one of the most upbeat, engaging, and practical collections of middle-school science fair projects available. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2004 Booklist