Cool Chemistry: Great Experiments with Simple Stuff

Library Journal

Gr 4-6-This text presents six categories of chemical experiments including "Physical Properties," "Liquids," and "Acids and Bases." Each one begins with a list of required materials (generally available in the home), followed by an explanation of "What to do" and "How it works," and some additional suggestions for activities. While the experiments are not difficult, the explanations can be a bit technical and rely on readers' understanding of the definitions provided in the first few pages. Simple black-and-white drawings complement the text. The book is similar in content to Janice VanCleave's Chemistry for Every Kid (Wiley, 1989); however, VanCleave's work has more experiments and a more appealing layout. Detailed experiments appropriate for science fairs can be found in Robert Gardner's Science Projects about Chemistry (Enslow, 1994). Libraries needing additional titles on experiments should consider Moje's, but with this note of caution: safety guidelines (working with ammonia, rubbing alcohol, etc.) are considered in the preface and in an introductory chapter but not repeated under the individual experiments.-Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WA Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.