Science in Seconds with Toys: Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less [Paperback]

Jean Potter (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Make glow-in-the-dark stars!

Learn how an Etch-A-SketchR(r) erases pictures!

Create a kaleidoscope from your toys!

Discover why a SlinkyR(r) slinks down stairs!

Experience the science of toys and games with these quick, easy experiments and activities from Jean Potter. You can complete each in ten fun-filled minutes or less, and the clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations help you get it right every time. The projects help you learn about everything from why a swing goes higher when you pump your legs to how Silly PuttyR(r) pulls up comic strips from the newspaper. You will find most of the required materials already in your toy chest, home, backyard, or neighborhood.

The 101 activities in this book cover every aspect of the science of toys and the games you play, including swinging, bouncing, throwing, sliding, and much more. You'll discover why a football spirals as it zips through the air, learn how to make your cereal jump out of the bowl, find out why goggles make you see better underwater, and make your own homemade paint --all with the help of a leading educator.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5?You can't get much simpler than this, yet the book is straightforward and effective. A different activity (most don't really qualify as experiments) is presented on each page. First, a question is posed, then the materials needed are listed, followed by the step-by-step procedures for carrying out the activity (usually involving not more than three or four steps). A one-paragraph explanation gives the reason for whatever occurred. Questions include: "How does a yo-yo work?" "What keeps a Hula-Hoop moving?" "How does an Etch-a-SketchR work?" "What purpose does the ball serve in a whistle?" Although some of the inquiries are more intriguing than others, the author does have a knack for thinking up questions that kids may not ask themselves, but that are interesting nonetheless. The explanations are direct and clear; the list of suggestions for further reader is limited. A well-done, five-page glossary is included, as is the breakdown of the activities by concept. A great source for the naturally curious.?Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

This innovative approach to science and science experiments makes learning fun. Included are dozens of fast and creative science experiments that children can do with toys. Frisbees, slinkies, etch-a-sketch, yo-yo's and more will demonstrate and teach scientific principles and concepts from physics and chemistry in ten minutes or less.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (January 21, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471179000
• ISBN-13: 978-0471179009
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #756,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #91 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Chemistry

More About the Author

Jean Potter is an experience early childhood consultant and the award-winning author of ten activity books that focus on art and science. Jean believes in making learning fun! Her career includes:
- classroom teacher
- director of West Virginia state ECE program
- Deputy Assistant & Acting Assistant Secretary of Education for the US Dept. of Education, Washington DC.

Jean Potter is a published author of children's activity books. Some of the published credits of Jean Potter include Science in Seconds for Kids: Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less, Nature in a Nutshell for Kids: Over 100 Activities You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less, Science Arts: Discovering Science Through Art Experiences (Bright Ring Publishing) with MaryAnn F. Kohl, and Snacktivities!: 50 Edible Activities for Parents and Children (Robins Lane Press) with MaryAnn F. Kohl, Storybook Art (Bright Ring Publishing) with MaryAnn F. Kohl, Global Art (Gryphon House) with MaryAnn F. Kohl, and Cooking Art (Gryphon House, Inc.) with MaryAnn F. Kohl.

Jean lives in Charleston, WV with her husband and their triplets. She enjoys gardening, skiing, and playing at the beach.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Science in Seconds with Toys, March 23, 2001

By 

Karen Kelly (Ludlow, VT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Science in Seconds with Toys: Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less (Paperback)

My kids got tired of their toys. We do not have the money to buy new ones, so my eye caught this book. I LOVE IT!!!. The book gives a whole new adventure to our kids toys. They not only learned some important science concepts with them...they now look at all of their toys and try to think of other ways to use them. This book saved me money and taught my children some important academics! I highly recommend!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is Fun +++++, March 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Science in Seconds with Toys: Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less (Paperback)

I bought this book at a bookstore and liked the content. It is a very easy to use book to use with children. I have used it with my kindergarten kids and my kids who are older at home. There are so many good ideas and concepts to learn that even we teachers can learn from it! I like the book very much...in fact so much that I am going toget this author's other books through Amazon!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New uses for old toys, June 7, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Science in Seconds with Toys: Over 100 Experiments You Can Do in Ten Minutes or Less (Paperback)

My kids got tired of their toys. i got tired of buying them new ones. So I found this book and discovered through it....new uses for the toys they already had. It was like buying all new toys. I cannot recommend this book enough if you don't want to go out and buy new toys. And, it teaches kids the science behind the toys, which is an added benefit.