The Usborne Big Book of Experiments (Big Book of Experiences) [Paperback]

Alastair Smith (Editor), Howard Allman (Illustrator, Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1996 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Big Book of Experiences

This is an introduction to science activities, showing how to set up and carry out dozens of investigations, using everyday things. The book is split into themed sections which show a range of activities, including chemical reactions, nature projects and tests on the senses. All the activities are accompanied by a list of facts and a quick quiz question. A section at the back of the book explains the scientific terms that are used during the experiments. Step-by-step instructions ensure that each project is easy to follow.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Usborne Pub Ltd (August 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0746022883
• ISBN-13: 978-0746022887
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #115,663 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Physics
  • #69 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Experiments & Projects

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Class Loved This Book!, May 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Usborne Big Book of Experiments (Big Book of Experiences) (Paperback)

As a second grade elementary school teacher, I am alwayslooking for educational books that I can use with my class. Ourschool library carries "The Usborne Big Book of Experiments". Our school was having a science fair and I found this book to be very helpful. My class loved the pictures and the experiments were exciting. Most of the supplies they could find at home. I am going to purchase this book for my own library,I've used it so much. I give this book an A+.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good book for beginners, but some errors..., February 27, 2005

By 

M. D. G. (Fayetteville, AR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Usborne Big Book of Experiments (Big Book of Experiences) (Paperback)

I had a chance to look over this book when my wife (a pre-school teacher) brought it home from work. Overall, it is well-illustrated and does an adequate job explaining the phenomenon presented in each experiment, considering the target audience.

However, I did find two obvious errors in the book, both on page 72. There it states that "It's a fact! The same side of the Moon always faces the Sun. The other side is always in darkness."... that statement is absolutely FALSE! [Perhaps they originally meant to state that the same side of the moon always faces the Earth, which IS true... but their statement that "... the other side is always in darkness" seems to indicate that they might have had it wrong from the beginning anyway.]

Regarding the question "Does the Moon spin?", also on page 72, the book states "No. However, it does revolve around the Earth - once every 28 days or so." Well, it's only half-wrong here. Of course the moon spins! How else could it keep the same side pointed at us as it revolves around the Earth every 28 days or so?

I understand, of course, that it is unrealistic to expect perfection. I could certainly forgive a typo here and there, or a simple mis-statement. However, I feel that, in an educational publication like this, the accuracy of the information being presented is much more important than nice illustrations. Anyway, I'd probably give the book a higher rating, if not for these obvious errors.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Variety of Simple Experiments, July 5, 2006

By 

Jan Peczkis "Scholar and Thinker" (Chicago IL, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Usborne Big Book of Experiments (Big Book of Experiences) (Paperback)

As a science teacher, I have found many of these experiments useful. They range from kitchen chemistry to basic life science. One of the experiments which my classes especially liked was the launching of rocket balloons.

Usborne gives good details on how to grow crystals. His suggested model human arm is easily constructed from basic classroom materials. He also shows how to construct a simple maze for pillbugs to travel through.

One shortcoming of this book is the near lack of experiments that are quantified, a feature especially needed for older children. However, many of them can be quantified with a little imagination. It would also be helpful if Osborne were to include a greater number of controlled experiments.

The contents of the book are nicely illustrated, and in color.