Is Science Magic?

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-- Despite the mysterious title, this is a collection of simple experiments for elementary level students. Experiments are sorted into energy chapters, such as sound or heat; and matter chapters, featuring phenomena such as melting and chemical changes. An explanation and thought question (without answer) accompany each experiment. Where necessary, adult supervision is recommended to perform the required steps. Numerous black-and-white photographs of children performing the experiments accompany the text. Most of the experiments are standard demonstrations well explained. Unfortunately, some of the underlying concepts are jumbled by poor organization. Archimedes' Principle is introduced in a different chapter than floating and sinking, and capillary action appears before the chapter labeled ``Capillarity.'' In a few experiments, the science is also jumbled. Explanations for why liquids mix and why a balloon won't inflate inside a bottle are completely incorrect. Also, there's no explanation of the difference between atoms, molecules, and chemical bonds. --Alan Newman, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. Junior High Up