Ace Your Science Project Using Chemistry Magic and Toys: Great Science Fair Ideas

Children's Literature - Hazel Buys

At times, the most difficult part of a school assignment that requires creativity, is coming up with an idea. For students in need of a middle or high school science project, here is help. More than two dozen science project ideas, based on chemistry and physics, alternate with a discussion of magic and illusions based on the same scientific principles. An introduction gives a general overview of the book's contents and explains the sections labeled "Science Fair Ideas." The scientific method is described and the reason for the popularity of science fairs gives useful behind-the-scenes advice, along with admonition in "Safely First." The chapters' concepts progress from simple to more complex. Each chapter is accompanied by colorful line drawings illustrating the project described and includes a list of materials needed, followed by an explanation of how the project works, called "The Science Behind the Magic." For experiments recommended as candidates for a science fair project, a suggested project design concludes the chapter. At the end of the book a list of "Further Reading" includes books and internet addresses followed by an index. This book, one in the "Ace Your Science Project" series, would be an excellent resource for middle school as well as high school science classrooms. Reviewer: Hazel Buys

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8–These three series offer a wealth of information and differ only in the topics they include. All begin with an introduction that discusses science-fair projects and the scientific method and lists safety tips. The texts consist of five chapters of themed experiments–for example, some of those in Animal Science Project are “Clever Lab and Field Studies” and “Studying Human Behavior.” The chapters introduce the concepts and the experiments that follow demonstrate them. Many entries conclude with ideas for science-fair projects; as in the publisher’s “Score! Sports Science Projects” series, they are indicated by a trophy symbol. Each experiment includes a materials list, steps to follow, questions to consider, and diagrams that clarify the directions. When something potentially dangerous is involved, an adult is listed as the first material in the list and a reminder is included in the experiment. Worthwhile purchases.