Children's Non-Fiction, Science & Technology

Shocking Science Fun & Fascinating Electrical Experiments

Name: Shocking Science Fun & Fascinating Electrical Experiments
Author: Shar Levine
ISBN: 9780806922713

by Shar Levine

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Overview

Children will be "shocked" to learn that with just a few wires, batteries, bulbs, and buzzers they can unlock the mysteries and magic of electricity! These simple, safe experiments will prove enlightening on everything from electrons to circuits to wattage. Bend paper with a comb that's "charged up" with static electricity. Find out what lemons, potatoes, and coins have to do with electricity by using them to discover how a battery works, and then get right down to the "nuts and volts" of the matter by making one of your own. Also see why "opposites attract," construct a circuit board, send a coded message with a buzzer, and do lots of other great experiments. Cartoons throughout add to the fun. The authors both live in Vancouver, British Columbia. 80 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 10.

Suggested experiments studying static electricity and electrical circuits, with easily obtained supplies. Includes historical information and glossary.

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Editorials

Children's Literature - Karen Leggett

The cover of Shocking Science entices young scientists with a bright photograph of a lemon-powered light bulb and the promise of "fun and fascinating electrical experiments." Inside there are cartoons and photos on every page along with experiments on electrical currents and charges, magnets and circuit boards. Unfortunately, while the glitz may appeal to pre-teens, the text and lists of required supplies are much more adult. The "basic supplies you need to have before you get started" include a direct current electric motor, a 16-volt capacitor and a potentiometer. Just the lemon light alone requires strips of copper and zinc as well as insulated wire with alligator clips. These are not projects for a last minute rainy day activity at home, although middle or high school science teachers might find useful experiments here to try in the classroom.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-This attractive book covers the basics of electricity. An introduction emphasizes safety first and puts forth a complete list of supplies, most of which are readily available at home or from a hardware store. Levine and Johnstone present the history and theory behind static electricity, and explore electricity step by step through various concepts such as capacity, conductivity, flow of electrons, magnetism, and resistance. The history of research on the properties of electricity, nomenclature, and the construction of a basic circuit board are included. Full-color photographs and drawings extend the text. This volume complements Bob Bonnet and Dan Keen's Science Fair Projects with Electricity and Electronics (Sterling, 1996).-Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|