Experiments with Electricity and Magnetism

For young readers who want to learn about the world in a practical way, Cool Science is perfect. They can discover scientific principles for themselves by carrying out step-by-step activities. Budding scientists learn how to conduct fair tests and record and assess their results.

Key Features

Easy-to-follow experiments in a simple step-by-step format

Dynamic photos and illustrations aid comprehension

Troubleshooting and safety tips

"What You Will Need" boxes

Glossary of key scientific terms and index

This book shows children the power of two of the great invisible forces that govern modern life. After a look at naturally occurring electricity and magnetism, the reader learns about the applications of human-made forms through a series of practical experiments and exercises.

School Library Journal

Gr 4–6—Readers are encouraged to explore basic science laws and principles via hands-on activities. Each volume begins with four pages of background information, a safety note, and tips for performing successful experiments. The activities range from simple, such as making a "Human Gyroscope" (Force), to complex, as in "Measuring Food Energy" (Heat). Many of them are routine, like "Separating Colors" (Light), but others are unusually complicated, such as "Curie Point" (Electricity). All the experiments have a list of goals, a difficulty rating, safety and troubleshooting tips, and an illustrated list of supplies; many require a well-equipped lab or a trip to a hardware store. None include introductory information or concluding explanations. These titles may provide supplementary activities for a classroom setting, but collections with series such as the uncannily similar "In Touch with Basic Science" (Enslow, 2008) will be fine without them.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI