Air

Two titles chock-full of activities that kids can do on their own with household materials. Both are interesting to read and appealingly presented. Air introduces its properties and many uses. Detailed descriptions allow readers to make observations firsthand. Making wind and string instruments, hot-air balloons, and paper airplanes are among the projects included. Water explores the composition and versatility of the compound in its multiple forms. Illustrated experiments demonstrate such principles as the water cycle, pressure, surface tension, and chromatography. Both volumes feature informative full-color photographs and illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions. Philip Sauvain's Water (New Discovery, 1992) is a comparable presentation. —Zenata W. Pierre, Portland Public Schools—SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Presents simple experiments demonstrating the basic scientific principles of air.

Two titles chock-full of activities that kids can do on their own with household materials. Both are interesting to read and appealingly presented. Air introduces its properties and many uses. Detailed descriptions allow readers to make observations firsthand. Making wind and string instruments, hot-air balloons, and paper airplanes are among the projects included. Water explores the composition and versatility of the compound in its multiple forms. Illustrated experiments demonstrate such principles as the water cycle, pressure, surface tension, and chromatography. Both volumes feature informative full-color photographs and illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions. Philip Sauvain's Water (New Discovery, 1992) is a comparable presentation. --Zenata W. Pierre, Portland Public Schools--SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Kristin Harris - Children's Literature

The "Experiment With" books are designed to introduce young children to some basic concepts of science and provide simple activities that kids can do with minimal assistance from adults. The series includes books about air, light, movement and water. Air is critical to our survival, but we can't see it or smell it. The numerous activities in this book explore some simple concepts about air, and provide some valuable information. Putting two balloons on either side of a strip of wood to make a scale allows you can determine how much air weighs. Two different size jars over burning candles demonstrate that candles need air to burn. A helicopter made from a piece of paper shows how air and wind help plants disperse seeds. Experimenting with cutting a hole in a paper parachute tests whether the hole will make hitting the target easier. Animals have special fur or feathers to help them trap air next to their bodies to keep warm and dry. One of the more interesting experiments involves creating a gas heavier than air that puts out a candle. There is a helpful glossary included. These activities are diverse and some can be done with little adult supervision. 2001, Two-Can Publishing,