Projects That Explore Energy

School Library Journal

Gr 5-7-There are only 11 demonstrations in this book of energy projects, 3 of which concentrate on environmental issues, and 1 on nuclear fission (with all the data supplied). In fairness, the authors do include a number of classic energy demonstrations such as the solar cooker and a simple calorimeter. Also, the connections they draw between living organisms and energy consumption are good. However, in many sections, the science is simply wrong. Moreover, the authors seem to have little appreciation of the scientific process. What is the message for children when the stated hypothesis before each demonstration contains the ``answer'' to the project and the main conclusion, found only at the back of the book, is essentially ``my hypothesis was correct.'' Black-and-white photographs, diagrams, and drawings illustrate the book.-Alan Newman, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC