Super-Sized Science Projects with Volume

January 1, 2004
Gr 3-6-There are some good ideas to be gained from perusing these titles, but readers should be forewarned to take the word "sensational" in stride. Both books begin with a brief explanation of the topic and safety precautions. Some of the activities suggest adult assistance but the majority of them can be done by students alone. Needed items can be found around the house or are easily obtained. Cartoon illustrations demonstrate details or key procedures. The books start with simple concepts and advance to more difficult ones. Explanations of the results are not given forthright but come in subsequent activities. Some "experiments" are labeled as being excellent for science fairs but generally entail the collecting of data and comparing results. Most students will not spend the time or effort needed to conduct these activities correctly without guidance. Glen Vecchione's 100 First-Prize Make-It-Yourself Science Fair Projects (Sterling, 1999) is a better choice for serious science-fair fare.-Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2003
\deflang1033\pard\plain\f3\fs24 Reviewed with Robert Gardner's \plain\f3\fs24" Really Hot Science Projects with Temperature\plain\f3\fs24 .

Gr. 2-5. Books in the Sensational Science Experiments series are devoted to relatively simple projects. The page design seems busy, but the books are considerably brighter and more attractive than most books of experiments. Each presentation comprises a list of equipment, one or more illustrations (pictures, charts, graphs), and step-by-step directions. The books' introductions provide useful information on topics such as the history and types of thermometers, advice for entering science fairs, and safety tips. \plain\f3\fs24" Really Hot \plain\f3\fs24 includes such experiments as observing diffusion in hot and cold water and measuring the dew point. \plain\f3\fs24" Super-Sized\plain\f3\fs24 explores topics ranging from determining the volume of a quart and a liter to the amount of air in a container of sand. Gardner's clear, informal explanations are echoed in LaBaff's colorful illustrations. Students, teachers, and home-schooling parents will find these books to be good sources for both ideas and explanations. Each book closes with a glossary and lists of recommended books and Web sites. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)