SCIENCEWORKS

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 22, 1986

Seventy-five experiments and science tricks developed at the Ontario Science Centre, each listing the easily obtained materials needed and giving a brief explanation of the scientific principles at work. The exaggerated, cartoon-like illustrations are unattractive, but help to clarify the instructions. Measurements are given in metric and standard measures. Six categories include Science Show, Outdoors, Energy Savers, Body Tricks, Puzzles and Mysteries, and Things to Make. The catchy titles are not helpful in locating specific experiments: e.g., ""Whodunit?"" explores fingerprinting, ""Magic wand"" discusses static electricity; there is no index. Useful experiments include building a periscope, a camera obscura, and a solar cooker. The experiments seem safe with the exception of ""Red Hot Trick,"" which has the experimenter hold a lead pencil to a flame till it glows red hot, then press it to a coin tightly wrapped in a piece of cloth. The collection would be more useful if fewer experiments were presented in greater detail, but it should help meet the perennial demand for science-fair projects.

Pub Date: April 22, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 86

Publisher: Addison-Wesley

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION