Join Books.org — it's free

Science & Technology Experiments
Science With Toys by Potter β€” book cover

Science With Toys

by Potter
Available on Bookshop Write a review

Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.

Log in to track your reading progress.

Overview

Make glow-in-the-dark stars!

Learn how an Etch-A-SketchR(r) erases pictures!

Create a kaleidoscope from your toys!

Discover why a SlinkyR(r) slinks down stairs!

Experience the science of toys and games with these quick, easy experiments and activities from Jean Potter. You can complete each in ten fun-filled minutes or less, and the clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations help you get it right every time. The projects help you learn about everything from why a swing goes higher when you pump your legs to how Silly PuttyR(r) pulls up comic strips from the newspaper. You will find most of the required materials already in your toy chest, home, backyard, or neighborhood.

The 101 activities in this book cover every aspect of the science of toys and the games you play, including swinging, bouncing, throwing, sliding, and much more. You'll discover why a football spirals as it zips through the air, learn how to make your cereal jump out of the bowl, find out why goggles make you see better underwater, and make your own homemade paint --all with the help of a leading educator.

Presents over 100 simple experiments using all sorts of toys to explore various scientific principles.

Synopsis

Make glow-in-the-dark stars!

Learn how an Etch-A-SketchR(r) erases pictures!

Create a kaleidoscope from your toys!

Discover why a SlinkyR(r) slinks down stairs!

Experience the science of toys and games with these quick, easy experiments and activities from Jean Potter. You can complete each in ten fun-filled minutes or less, and the clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations help you get it right every time. The projects help you learn about everything from why a swing goes higher when you pump your legs to how Silly PuttyR(r) pulls up comic strips from the newspaper. You will find most of the required materials already in your toy chest, home, backyard, or neighborhood.

The 101 activities in this book cover every aspect of the science of toys and the games you play, including swinging, bouncing, throwing, sliding, and much more. You'll discover why a football spirals as it zips through the air, learn how to make your cereal jump out of the bowl, find out why goggles make you see better underwater, and make your own homemade paint —all with the help of a leading educator.

Children's Literature

Each page of this slim paperback volume contains materials, procedures and an explanation of a simple experiment that can be performed in ten minutes or less using readily available toys. Blocks and yo-yos figure in here. So do ping-pong balls, chalk, balloons, swim goggles, and all sorts of other implements that we consider an everyday part of a child's play world. It's a nifty way to underscore the message that 'science' doesn't have to be something difficult in a box labeled 'school.' Sections divide the content into topics like 'Balancing, Swinging and Spinning,' and 'Floating, Bouncing and Pushing.' More teacherly terms like ballistics and jet propulsion are noted as well for each experiment. Includes a glossary and reading list.

About the Author, Potter

JEAN POTTER has been a kindergarten teacher, a state education director, and the Acting Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education for the United States. She is an award-winning author of books and educational materials for young children. Her books include Science in Seconds for Kids and Nature in a Nutshell for Kids (both published by Wiley).

Reviews

There are no reviews yet. Log in to write one.

Editorials

Children's Literature - Uma Krishnaswami

Each page of this slim paperback volume contains materials, procedures and an explanation of a simple experiment that can be performed in ten minutes or less using readily available toys. Blocks and yo-yos figure in here. So do ping-pong balls, chalk, balloons, swim goggles, and all sorts of other implements that we consider an everyday part of a child's play world. It's a nifty way to underscore the message that 'science' doesn't have to be something difficult in a box labeled 'school.' Sections divide the content into topics like 'Balancing, Swinging and Spinning,' and 'Floating, Bouncing and Pushing.' More teacherly terms like ballistics and jet propulsion are noted as well for each experiment. Includes a glossary and reading list.

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5You can't get much simpler than this, yet the book is straightforward and effective. A different activity most don't really qualify as experiments is presented on each page. First, a question is posed, then the materials needed are listed, followed by the step-by-step procedures for carrying out the activity usually involving not more than three or four steps. A one-paragraph explanation gives the reason for whatever occurred. Questions include: "How does a yo-yo work?" "What keeps a Hula-Hoop moving?" "How does an Etch-a-SketchR work?" "What purpose does the ball serve in a whistle?" Although some of the inquiries are more intriguing than others, the author does have a knack for thinking up questions that kids may not ask themselves, but that are interesting nonetheless. The explanations are direct and clear; the list of suggestions for further reader is limited. A well-done, five-page glossary is included, as is the breakdown of the activities by concept. A great source for the naturally curious.Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL

Book Details

Published
January 1, 1998
Publisher
Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
Pages
128
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780471179009

More by Potter

Similar books