Let's Play Science

Fun, easy experiments that help children ages 5–8 grasp science basics—effortlessly: that’s what Let’s Play Science is all about. Written by an expert who teaches at one of America’s most highly regarded schools, it will grab kids’ attention and provide a firm foundation for future learning. Mary Stetten Carson knows what her audience likes and how they absorb information: she covers such popular topics as growing things, the human body, magnets, machines, water, and more. Each activity is explained in the simplest language, often with questions that gently guide youngsters through the scientific process. Among the entertaining experiments: playing a “touch game” with different objects; making a rainbow in a glass; and constructing a coat hanger balance.

Children's Literature

A bespectacled bunny guides a pair of mice through a series of kindergarten and first grade science activities. The book is divided into five sections. In "Growing Things," children do typical kindergarten activities from sprouting seeds to pressing leaves. The advantage here is that the chapter encourages kids to get outside and move around to collect seeds and leaves. "Use Your Body" includes activities that explore each of the senses individually. The chapter on "Lights, Shadows and Air" mostly employs observation. In "Balances, Pulleys, Magnets, and Water," kids have the opportunity to build some simple machines to carry out active and interesting experiments. The final chapter, "Some Easy-to-Care-For Pets," describes containment, care, and feeding requirements for gerbils and several types of insects. Simple line drawings give the book a coloring book feel. The activities use readily available materials, most of which are part of typical household inventory. Directions are brief and simple. Many activities conclude with an offset section designed to stimulate further thought or suggest other experiments. Reviewer: Heather N. Kolich