Sure-to-Win Science Fair Projects [Paperback]

Joe Rhatigan (Author), Heather Smith (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

In order to win at the science fair, go to the experts: these blue-ribbon science experiments are based on those from real students, and they're smart, imaginative, fun to do, and sure to be a hit with the judges! Youngsters will find over 50 exciting and challenging choices in all the major categories. Using easily found materials, they'll test such things as whether people who play video games have a different reaction time than those who don't, or if sound travels better underwater than through air. Easier projects come first, more difficult ones after, and many include a section called "Take a Closer Look" with research suggestions and additional information.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up-Up-to-date experiments with surefire appeal; step-by-step instructions; clear, color photographs; and age-appropriate models are all part of this attractive, well-researched title. The authors give straightforward but imaginative directions for choosing a topic and an honest assessment of the time and effort a good experiment will take, along with precise instructions for record keeping, the use of constant and variable controls, and the successful presentation of results. A variety of research venues is suggested, including interviews, print, and the Internet, although no Web sites are given. Some of the more than 50 experiments ask questions about organic foods, secondhand smoke, synthetic and natural fibers, biodegradability, and truth in advertising. Emphasis is placed on biology, the physical sciences, and chemistry. The illustrations give good scientific information and show a sense of humor. Full-color photos of cornflakes in blue milk or a healthy, green plant wearing earphones add visual appeal. All experiments that contain any safety risk are clearly labeled with an "Adult Supervision Required" tag at the top of the page. A welcome addition to science-fair literature.

Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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

From Booklist

Gr. 6-10. Sudents stumped about what to do for a science fair will find a gold mine of instructions in this well-written, easy-to-grasp volume that includes nearly 60 amusing, sometimes ingenious biology, physical science, and chemistry projects. The introduction describes the scientific method and discusses how to see a project through to completion; a handy eight-week schedule checklist is included. Project descriptions (usually two pages long) are divided into sections that introduce the purpose and the problem, summarize the experiment, list required materials, and discuss the procedure. A "Take a Closer Look" segment offers explanations of results, and ideas to extend or vary the project are noted in "What Else Can I Do?" With an attractive, colorful layout, clear instructions, and inviting tone, this book is sure to attract science fans. Randy Meyer
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 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books; 1ST edition (August 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579903746
• ISBN-13: 978-1579903749
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #799,373 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Book!, February 16, 2009

By 

Iluv2read - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sure-to-Win Science Fair Projects (Hardcover)

Wow! This is a great book. Every 2 grades (2nd,4th,6th,8th) my daughter participates in the school science fair. 2 years ago while looking 4 ideas we stumbled upon this book at a local library and looked thru. My daughter decided 2 do "Powerful Produce", a project involved with fruit and electricity. And u know what? The title is rite. She won second place!This year she found the book again and is doing one of the projects. This book is great if u can't think of any ideas/projects 4 an upcoming science fair. It's easy 2 read and has pictures and photographs which make it less boring.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, November 18, 2009

By 

G. Northcott (Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sure-to-Win Science Fair Projects (Paperback)

We have had to do many science fairs throughout my children's Jr. High and High School experience. This is one of the best little books we have found.The experiments are clear and concise. They are also easy to do with items commonly found in the home.

The book starts off with Science Fair Basics which ranges from forming a hypothesis to researching your topic etc. The book clearly explains each experiment. Tells you exactly what you need for the project. It walks you through the procedure. It also gives you additional ideas if you want to explore the topic further.

All my kids have had good luck with this book. Some have gone on to place in their respective science fairs. Some haven't, but it basically came down to how much time and effort they were willing to put into the project. All my children who took this seriously and followed the procedures in this book did very well.

I wish they would produce a volume two that had some more ideas!