Science and Ecology: How to Make a Chemical Volcano and Other Mysterious Experiments [Paperback]

Alan Kramer (Author), Paul Harvey (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1991

The thirteen-year-old author presents twenty-nine experiments using household chemicals and materials that demonstrate a physical or chemical principle while seeming like tricks.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In recent years, the fascination among kids with chemistry sets has seemingly dwindled. And after all the terrorist bombings worldwide, many parents are probably reluctant to have their kids messing around in the basement with the test-tubes and chemicals that used to be de-rigeur in adolescent development. But here's a delightful book of simple chemistry experiments that any kid can do with household compounds like baking soda, vinegar, and whatnot -- perfectly safe, and highly educational as well (and the volcano seems like it would be very cool). And, I was pleased to find out that it was written by a 13-year-old! Recommended.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-- While all the experiments (or demonstrations) here are available in other books, the fact that this was written by a 13-year-old boy gives it extra significance. Chemistry books tend to give reviewers the cold cobbles, as nothing is more certain than the fact that even if they are larded with warning, a tidy percentage of users will bleep over them, hurrying to the "interesting" parts. This book does have warnings, but a number of them are presented in an inconsistent way. A caution on isopropyl alcohol on one page is not given about rubbing alcohol on another, although it, too, can burn eyes and mucous membranes, and is toxic if ingested. Warnings about household ammonia are given for some experiments, but while the warning paragraph is included at the bottom of an experiment involving red cabbage, the word "caution" has been omitted next to ammonia in the equipment list. Also disturbing are the directions for a Mystical Mothball Tree, which allow for the use of a non-heat resistant glass jar or beaker and heat, although small print does warn about the possibility of shatter. Cautions are given about the toxicity of mothflakes (although it is not clear whether this applies to mothflakes made of napthalene or camphor), but the fumes can be irritating when either is exposed to heat, despite instructions given for in-kitchen ventilation. Also, the warnings, cautions, and special instructions are at the end of the experiments rather than at the beginning, making them pointless for young scientists who do the experiment as they read along. With these caveats in mind, remember that other activities included are fun, safe, and demonstrate interesting scientific principles. Kramer's enthusiasm for his subject is obvious and contagious, and his writing skills are well advanced. While one might feel a tad hesitant about this title, there is also a sense of anticipation about his next book. --Patricia Manning, Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (February 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531156109
• ISBN-13: 978-0531156100
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,781,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A note from the author:, October 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: How to make a chemical volcano and other mysterious experiments (Hardcover)

Hi, I'm Alan, the author of How to Make a Chemical Volcano and Other Mysterious Experiments. The book is aimed at children in 4th - 8th grades; however, I've received mail from readers between the ages of 5 and 15. The book contains many experiments that can be done at home--with items commonly found around the house. Each experiment is preceeded by a short mystery story to entice the reader to perform the experiment, because the experiment solves the mystery!

For the story about how I wound up having a published book at the ripe old age of 13, or to have your copy autographed please e-mail me at the address above.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A chemical cookbook for rainy day fun, September 15, 2004

By 

Kara Reuter (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Science and Ecology: How to Make a Chemical Volcano and Other Mysterious Experiments (Paperback)

This book includes 30 chemistry experiments presented by the 13-year-old author who exhorts his readers to take on the role of "Detective of Chemistry" and reminds them that "chemistry is fun!" Brief narratives ("mysteries") introduce the chemical recipes. For instance, the "Black Ink Formula" is presented as a solution to a classmate's problem with a dried out marker the night before an assignment is due. Though a little corny, the scenarios do add a bit of personality to what would otherwise be a rather dull chemical cookbook. For the most part, the directions for each experiment are easy to follow. While the text does include some illustrations and diagrams, more extensive use of visual step-by-step guides with more diagrams or even photographs would be helpful. Some of the experiments do require some unusual supplies, such as coal, moth flakes, and cobalt chloride, but the book does include an introductory chapter called "Setting Up Your Lab" which offers tips and advice on where to find the necessary items. The text also includes careful warnings to children about handling materials such as Ex-Lax, ammonia, and isopropyl alcohol and suggests that children work with an adult when using the stove or an iron. Parents will also appreciate the tips to avoid making a mess, such as laying down newspaper on a table, or conducting the experiment in the sink. Most experiments can be performed with minimal adult supervision. Both children and parents alike will appreciate this book, especially for some rainy day fun. The book includes a bibliography as well as a thorough index.

5.0 out of 5 stars fun to do projects with your grandchildren, February 11, 2012

By 

mo - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Make a Chemical Volcano and Other Mysterious Experiments (Library Binding)

the book arrived promptly and gave me lots of time to get the ingredients together to do some of these experiments with my granddaughter. much better than plastic toys!