Easy Genius Science Projects with Light: Great Experiments and Ideas [Library Binding]

Robert Gardner (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Is the moon really bigger when it rises? Where is the image you see in a mirror? Despite the title, there is nothing “easy” in this lively book in Gardner’s Easy Genius Science Projects series, but the physics involved are nonetheless fascinating and will grab curious readers. With instructions for doing experiments on light sources and paths, colors, lenses, mirages, and much more, the inviting and chatty text for each project includes a boxed list of “things you will need,” all of them commonly available, followed by detailed step-by-step instructions with clear diagrams. In many cases Gardner warns of danger and the need for adult supervision. Excellent boxed suggestions for related experiments make this book a great resource for lab use, and it is sure to stimulate plans for more science-fair ideas and projects. Back matter includes a glossary and bibliography of books and Web sites. Grades 6-10. --Hazel Rochman

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 128 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers (September 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0766029263
• ISBN-13: 978-0766029262
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,206,590 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn the physics of light with these 35 great experiments ~ budding physicists will love this book!, May 11, 2009

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D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Easy Genius Science Projects with Light: Great Experiments and Ideas (Library Binding)

Have you ever found yourself chasing rainbows across the floor wondering where they were coming from? Chances are white light is traveling though a prism separating "white light into a rainbow of colors." If you run the experiment on refraction and dispersion, you can create your own rainbows! In this book you will learn many things about light you may not have been aware of and will have the chance to set up and work on 35 great science experiments, many you could possibly adapt and use at a science fair. However, the author does forewarn you that "judges at science fairs do not reward projects or experiments that are simply copied from a book." Certain safety precautions need to be adhered to and many experiments call for an adult to be in attendance.

There are thirty-five experiments in this book, many dependent on having completed some of the previous experiments. You need to read carefully, follow the instructions, take your time and then you'll have a blast! If not, you'll be disappointed. The chapters, in which you will discover the physics of light, include Light Sources and Light Paths; Lenses, Curved Mirrors, and Real Images; Light and Color; Light, Particles, and Waves; Illusions and Mirages. Each experiment has a list of things you will need, step by step instructions and most, but not all, have diagrams or photos.

This book is not for the faint of heart or the student who thinks he or she can simply open up the pages of this book and have an experiment that can be completed in two minutes. However, for the serious and curious, this is a marvelous book! MIT has some online physics courses and if you are fascinated by this book, you may enjoy those as well. In the back of this book you will find a list of science supply companies, a glossary and additional recommended books and internet sites. Are you a wanna be physicist? If so this is one book you'll need!