Junk Drawer Chemistry

October 1, 2015
Grades 4-7 With an emphasis on engaging rather than expensive projects, Mercer offers 50 experiments that let children explore chemistry concepts through common and inexpensive household items. Divided into such broad topics as solutions, reactions, and acids and bases, the experiments include the purpose, a list of necessary items From the Junk Drawer, and simple, step-by-step directions with accompanying photographs of each step. Questions throughout help guide student thinking and processing, while a concluding The Science behind It section explains how the experiment works and the chemistry involved. Although the experiments require few ingredients, they don't sacrifice learning or fun. By creating rice stress balls, students begin to understand properties of matter; using vinegar to turn an egg into rubber shows them how chemical reactions work; and making slushies is a cool way to introduce thermodynamics. Intermittent facts, such as Dynamite can be made from peanuts, add further interest. Whether for home or school use, this experiment book will get more than periodic use.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)