Prize-Winning Science Fair Projects for Curious Kids [Paperback]

Joe Rhatigan (Author), Rain Newcomb (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2006 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

New in Paper
It's coming sooner than you think--the time to prepare for the next science fair! For projects, for presentation, for blue-ribbon winning ideas, there's no better place to come than here.

From thinking of a unique science fair experiment to putting fabulous finishing touches on the display, this cool collection of 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 another 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.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 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
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

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 © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (January 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579907504
• ISBN-13: 978-1579907501
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #133,123 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Experiments & Projects

More About the Author

Joe Rhatigan is the author of more than fifteen titles for children and adults, including The Kids' Guide to Nature Adventures and Out-of-This-World Astronomy. He's the former editorial director of Lark Books' children's program, which he launched and ran for seven years. The program's biggest successes included 101 Places You Gotta See Before You're 12!, The Boo Boo Book, and My Very Favorite Art Book: I Love to Draw. Joe lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with his wife, three kids, and cat.