Sandbox Scientist: Real Science Activities for Little Kids [Paperback]

Michael Ross (Author), Mary Anne Lloyd (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

Young children are natural scientists at play. While they bake mud pies and pour and measure water, they are observing, theorizing and developing science skills, as well as having fun. Children two to eight years old will thrive on the many open-ended science experiences including: ice and bubbles, compost and seeds, magnets and gears, potions and plant prints and more.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Age 2^-7. Ross presents ideas for letting young children explore science freely, through play. Each chapter in the book contains a number of activities related to a theme such as light, water, or building. Ross discusses the materials, the setup, and the science behind each one, as well as recalling the experiences and reactions of children doing that activity. Humorous drawings in a bold "retro" style appear throughout the book, but their purpose is mainly decorative. Preschool and primary-grade teachers and parents will find this an upbeat, practical guide to science activities for young children. Carolyn Phelan

About the Author

 Ross is the author of over 35 children's books. He lives at the edge of Yosemite National Park.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press; 1 edition (August 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556522487
• ISBN-13: 978-1556522482
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #456,104 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Ridiculous, September 13, 2007

By 

Ruby (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sandbox Scientist: Real Science Activities for Little Kids (Paperback)

I stopped at the library to look at this book before I purchased it. I'm glad I did. I randomly glanced at the experiments. Almost all of them required hard to find materials, some things I never heard off. For example one experiment wanted you to have an old turn table. Another one parts from a taken apart VCR. There is an experiment that requires cut copper pipes. A few needed PVC (PCV?) pipe holders. This is supposed to be for preschoolers. If you have a garage full of old parts great, but if you are looking for a book that you can have fun with your child using things from around the house this is not for you. You'll spend more time looking for materials in thrift stores and hardware stores then doing the actual experiments.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great to plan a preschool science curriculum!, October 26, 2007

By 

Stephanie "EBBsMum" (DC Metro Area) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sandbox Scientist: Real Science Activities for Little Kids (Paperback)

I teach preK, and I have used this book at two schools to plan science activities for my class. Each chapter has 2-8 activities for that topic. It includes a supply list, general guidelines on setting up the learning center, and some anecdotes from children using the center in the author's experience. Some of the topics include water, air, simple machines, kitchen science, and outdoor science. While a few activities in the book suggest some hard-to-find materials, that is not the norm. Most of the activities do use household items. And if you are a teacher, send home a note to parents to help find the rest! I highly recommend this book to preschool teachers and parents alike.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A surprise of a book!, January 8, 2006

By 

The Handy Lady (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sandbox Scientist: Real Science Activities for Little Kids (Paperback)

I checked this book out from the library and now I want my own copy! The experiments are very unstructured and feel like playtime to my little engineer. Easy to set up and I don't have to deliver a lecture about what it is we're studying; he simply gets to play and I get to watch him (it's fun and amazing).