Cool Chemistry Concoctions: 50 Formulas that Fizz, Foam, Splatter & Ooze by Joe Rhatigan, Veronika Alice Gunter, Tom La Baff (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

What could be more entertaining than grossing out parents with a homemade batch of disgusting, runny slime? These 50 irresistible experiments, explained in terms that children will appreciate, show how enjoyable science can be. All the activities appear on colorful, illustrated spreads with an engaging cast of kid characters who show how the science fun is done. Most of the experiments use ordinary household materials, and they provide some cool visual and tactile effects.

Stephanie L. Petruso - VOYA

Younger teenagers will enjoy the activities in this entertaining book of simple science projects, most of which can be completed with materials that are already lying around the house. It is a perfect book to bring out on a rainy day or even outside on a sunny one. Each project is presented in the simplest terms so that young readers can often perform them without assistance. The projects are purposely messy, and each includes an interesting explanation of why it works. Intriguing one-page articles on science are scattered throughout the book to teach readers how these activities relate to real life, with subjects such as the science of mummies or how people used to make soap with animal fat and ash. LaBaff's colorful and humorous illustrations add to the book's youth appeal, as do eye-catching project titles such as "Bendable Bones" and "Soda Slobber." Upper elementary students and young teens with an interest in science and making messes will have a great time trying out the easy projects in the book. Although the title is recommended for public libraries and school libraries through sixth grade, the activities are simply not involved enough for an older teen's science assignments. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P M (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2005, Sterling, 80p.; Glossary. Index. Illus., Ages 11 to 14.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-This lively book offers an engaging introduction to science experiments. The projects, many of them classics, are simple and require household materials, although one item, a 35mm film canister, may be difficult to acquire. The zany cartoon illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the text, which is fun and informative. Readers are reminded that some activities require adult help, and they are encouraged to copy and tack up nearby the two pages of lab rules that are included. Each project begins with "What You Need," followed by "What You Do" and "Why It Works." Explanations are clear and concise. The glossary is comprehensive, and the words are italicized in the text. A metric conversion chart is included. While the projects would not be appropriate for a science fair, they tell how to make slime, volcanoes, stalactites, water bombs, and shrunken heads (using apples and Epsom salts) and are sure to interest kids.-Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

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Table of Contents