Science on the Loose: Amazing Activities and Science Facts You'll Never Believe [Hardcover]

Helaine Becker (Author), Claudia Davila (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 11, 2008 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Infused with Helaine Becker’s trademark wit and irrepressible energy, Science on the Loose encourages young readers to release their inner scientist so that they can think, do, and learn in the most entertaining way possible. Whether it’s to test density in fruit, determine dominant genes, or make slimy goo, each experiment follows accepted scientific procedure, is easy to conduct, can be safely performed using ordinary household materials, and makes for a satisfying, surprising adventure in science. Each experiment features a “What’s Going On?” component that explains the science behind the results in a clear and concise way, so even when an experiment just feels like silly fun, children are learning about chemistry, climate change, genes, the senses, photosynthesis, the scientific method — even Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. From fooling our senses to discovering whether Jell-o can have brain waves to creating ice cream by kicking a can, Science on the Loose feeds into children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. A helpful listing outlines all the scientific principles covered in the book — an indispensable tool for teachers and a mark of a serious science book for parents. Claudia Dávila’s amusing illustrations strike the perfect note.

Editorial Reviews

Review

After devouring Science on the Loose, kids, and even adults, will have many of their burning questions answered and not realize that they have just started exploring the scientific world. (Canadian Children’s Book News )

Feed your young reader’ budding curiosity with this book chock full of fascinating and wacky facts about everyday science…Becker will turn your youngster into an inquisitive scientists…This fascinating book will keep your bookworm entertained for hours. Tuck it away for a rainy vacation day and you’ll score big. (Chronicle Herald )

This is one of the very best books of science activities for students in upper elementary school...Many of the suggested explorations are new or set in a context that is original, very well-suited to the age of reader for whom the book was written, and, where possible, connected to the results or current or historical research. (CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials )

[Science on the Loose is perfect for kids 8 to 12. It lets them learn something useful without making them feel like they're learning. (Journal-Advocate )

About the Author

Helaine Becker has published in many children's genres, from humorous verse to educational textbooks. Her knack for blending humor and education into a satisfying package that both delights and informs is recognized by critics and booksellers across North America. Her award-winning books include Boredom Blasters, Secret Agent Y.O.U., and Science on the Loose. Originally from New York, she lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons.

Claudia Dávila was born in Chile and raised in Toronto, where she studied Fine Arts at York University. She is now a freelance designer, illustrator, and graphic artist and used to be the art director of chickaDEE and Chirp magazines. She lives in Toronto with her daughter and husband, fellow illustrator Michael Cho.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Maple Tree Press (March 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897349181
• ISBN-13: 978-1897349182
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 9.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,165,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Helaine Becker is the bestselling writer of children's fiction, non-fiction and verse. Her Scholastic chapter book series, the Looney Bay All-Stars, has sold over 170,000 copies to date. She also is a two-time winner of the Silver Birch Award; for Boredom Blasters in 2006, and Secret Agent Y.O.U. in 2008. The Insecto-Files has been shortlisted for 2010.

In addition, she is in high demand as a presenter and performer at schools across North America. She has twice been selected for the Canadian Children's Book Week Cross Country tour, travelling to both Yukon and Nunavut to present to school children. She has been a featured speaker at the Frye Festival in New Brunswick, Aloud International Children's Festival in Ontario, Weaving Words Conference in Alberta, Literacy for Life Conference in Saskatchewan, and the Red Cedar Awards in British Columbia. She was also a featured speaker at the 2009 Orange County Children's Book Festival in Costa Mesa, California.

A New York native, she has lived in Toronto for more than 20 years. She has been on the executive board of CANSCAIP (the Canadian Society of Children's Authors and Illustrators), and is a member of the Writers Union of Canada. She is married with two teenage sons and has the cutest dog in the world, Ella.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars She teaches about Proprioception!, January 15, 2012

By 

S. Young "Moominmuppet" (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Science on the Loose: Amazing Activities and Science Facts You'll Never Believe (Paperback)

This author has earned my undying love by sharing, amongst much other sciencey goodness, information about the sense of proprioception (my personal favorite sense), and fun experiments kids can do to test this themselves! Although I haven't read the entire book in detail yet, I've been deeply impressed by the approach she takes to making relatively complex scientific concepts both understandable and accessible to young kids. Even the introduction, which explains scientists partially as "people who like to ask weird questions" is a great way to reach kids and get them imagining themselves as scientists. The experiments introduced include a number that I didn't get to do myself until high school science classes. This isn't to say they're complex or difficult, and I'm pleased to see them addressed to younger readers and explorers. I borrowed it from the library to look it over, but it's a must-buy now!

5.0 out of 5 stars children's book that hooks the imagination, May 22, 2008

By 

C. Alford - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Science on the Loose: Amazing Activities and Science Facts You'll Never Believe (Paperback)

My ten year old grandson loves this book and his younger brother, age seven, tries to steal peeks at it as it is kept close to the older one's side. I am waiting to see what he has to tell me about this book as he seems immersed in it.