Janice VanCleave's Chemistry for Every Kid: 101 Easy Experiments that Really Work [Paperback]

Janice VanCleave (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 13, 1989 | Age Range: 9 and up | Series: Science for Every Kid Series (Book 114)

Why do newspapers turn yellow?

How does bleach make colors disappear?

Why can't you mix oil and water?

Find out the answers to these and other mysteries of chemistry in this fascinating collection of ideas, projects, and activities that teach the basics of chemistry theory and practice.

Turn steel wool into a glutinous green blob. Separate an egg from its shell without breaking the shell. Make copper pennies turn green. Have fun while you learn simple chemistry from a solution of colored water, and the behavior of gases with the help of a soda bottle. Through these and other activities, you'll explore the structure of matter, the workings of acids, gases, and solutions . . . and much more.

You'll find most of the materials you need around the house or classroom. Every activity has been pretested and can be performed safely and cheaply in the classroom, at a science fair, or at home.

Also available in this series from Janice VanCleave:
* ASTRONOMY FOR EVERY KID
* BIOLOGY FOR EVERY KID
* DINOSAURS FOR EVERY KID
* EARTH SCIENCE FOR EVERY KID
* GEOGRAPHY FOR EVERY KID
* GEOMETRY FOR EVERY KID
* THE HUMAN BODY FOR EVERY KID
* MATH FOR EVERY KID
* PHYSICS FOR EVERY KID.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Why do newspapers turn yellow?

How does bleach make colors disappear?

Why can't you mix oil and water?

Find out the answers to these and other mysteries of chemistry in this fascinating collection of ideas, projects, and activities that teach the basics of chemistry theory and practice.

Turn steel wool into a glutinous green blob. Separate an egg from its shell without breaking the shell. Make copper pennies turn green. Have fun while you learn simple chemistry from a solution of colored water, and the behavior of gases with the help of a soda bottle. Through these and other activities, you'll explore the structure of matter, the workings of acids, gases, and solutions . . . and much more.

You'll find most of the materials you need around the house or classroom. Every activity has been pretested and can be performed safely and cheaply in the classroom, at a science fair, or at home.

Also available in this series from Janice VanCleave:

• ASTRONOMY FOR EVERY KID
• BIOLOGY FOR EVERY KID
• DINOSAURS FOR EVERY KID
• EARTH SCIENCE FOR EVERY KID
• GEOGRAPHY FOR EVERY KID
• GEOMETRY FOR EVERY KID
• THE HUMAN BODY FOR EVERY KID
• MATH FOR EVERY KID
• PHYSICS FOR EVERY KID.

About the Author

JANICE VANCLEAVE is a former school science teacher and a captivating presenter at museums, schools, and bookstores nationwide. She is the author of more than twenty other science books for children.

Product Details

• Age Range: 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (March 13, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471620858
• ISBN-13: 978-0471620853
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Chemistry
  • #27 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Experiments & Projects

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My kids LOVE chemistry now! March 14, 2006

By Robyn Cole

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Janice VanCleave's Chemistry For Every Kid is a must have book for upper elementary/middle school science teachers. The experiments are easy to set up and the kids LOVE them! Janice has tackled tough Chemistry concepts and come up with simple experiments that the kids ACTUALLY understand! I have used the activities in this book numerous times and couldn't recommend this book highly enough. The way I use the activities in this book, along with the others in the series, is set them up as stations and have the kids rotate through them. You will not be disappointed with this purchase and your kids will love you for it.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My eight year old daughter asked for a chemistry set ... July 6, 2008

By Luna Ville

Format:Paperback

My eight year old daughter asked for a chemistry set for her birthday; a real chemistry set; one she could do real experiments with. There are no longer many quality chemistry sets on the market. I guess the safety regulations are too strict; making it unprofitable to sell "real" chemistry sets. I ordered this book. I was concerned I would end up having to mail order supplies, but I made one trip to the grocery store and my daughter was set to work through the book.

The coolest part, to her, was the potential danger inherent with some of the supplies. She worked through six experiments in three days and proudly tells her younger neighborhood girlfriends "Sorry, You can't touch those things. It's too dangerous. It's Chemistry."

The best part for me, the experiments are carefully arranged in a progressive manner so that they start from the simplest and safest activities. She can work through them in order, with supervision, safely building her confidence and skills.

Unlike many books that purport to promote science, but are really just a collection of entertaining activities, this book includes the science concepts behind the wow. So, she really is learning.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars simplistic September 29, 2005

By J. Brown

Format:Paperback

No handwriting required and no over-the-head scientific explanations. It is clear, simple, and EASY to pull off the shelf and use. I recommend previewing the list of materials for the week to be sure you have the needed items. Substitutions can effect the experiment. I use this with ages 4-10 and they ALL enjoy the experiments. The experiments are simplistic and easy for young children to grasp the idea yet have enough information to get the parents thought process going! A great introduction to chemistry that takes very little time to prep and do. I even use this book as birthday party entertainment! A favorite with us.

28 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great! April 7, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

My mom bought this book for me, and I was always begging to do more experiments. They're so easy and fun to do. This is a must have for kids who are doing science fair projects!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Science Stuff for Kids! January 16, 2008

By Royce A. Osborn

Format:Paperback

My boys are 6 and 7 and they LOVE doing the Science experiments in this book. The items needed are easy to find, usually common household item, but nothing too fancy. It has really changed how they view "science" and it's fun to see them question what they are learning. You can never get the gears cranking at too young an age and this book opens the door to a interesting introduction into the world of science.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and Easy to Follow April 25, 2010

By Tish

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is very practical and easy to follow. Most of the materials are household items or easy to find.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for learning basic chemistry concepts for kids March 16, 2008

By "unknown"

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I originally ordered this for my daughter from the library and she loved it so much we bought it. Most projects are one page to its very simple and step by step. I even learned a few things as a father!

But more importantly its great for working on along with your children together.

5.0 out of 5 stars Even more quailty time with the kids! May 4, 2013

By Branden A. Olson

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Turn off the T.V.! Put away the video games!! Get you kids using there brains and get some hands on experiaces with this awesome book of experiments! I kid you not, I spend more time with my kids doing these experiments on the weekends than doing anything else!! Try it! You won't be sorry!