Raceways: Having Fun with Balls and Tracks

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8 Zubrowski presents amusing projects based on scientific phenomena in an effort to illustrate the principles of gravity, momentum and kinetic energy. Each project has been designed with creativity and imagination and will attract and excite most children, but there are several problems that will limit applicability. First, cost or availability of some materials (record player, plastic or wood molding) may be prohibitive. Second, construction of some devices may be too difficult for children; faulty construction will lead to frustration and failed projects. Third, although all scientific explanations are accurate, they are sparse; students who are capable of doing these projects unassisted would also be capable of absorbing fuller explanations of the demonstrated phenomena. However, all of these problems could be overcome with the assistance of a creative classroom teacher. Costs and the elaborate setups would make group use of apparatus and discussion of observations and results of greater benefit. Used in this way, these projects are ideal for upper elementary or junior high science classes. Doty's drawings clarify the sometimes thin textual instructions. Allen Meyer, Vernon Area Public Library, Prairie View, Ill.