Use science to create REAL magic with 30 dazzling experiments you can do at home—the perfect science gift for kids!
Written by biochemist Cara Florance, The Science Spell Book is the perfect way to engage kids while teaching them about science. Readers will learn about physics, biology, chemistry and more with amazing activities like:
Each experiment includes simple instructions, diagrams to follow along with, and an explanation of the science behind each magical experiment.
May 15, 2022
Science enchantment explored through 30 projects. Florance offers an intriguing entry into scientific phenomena for middle-grade readers. She groups these magical-seeming but science-based projects into five broad categories: infusions (acids, bases, and indicators), illumination (light), sorcery (forces such as gravity and electromagnetism), alchemy (physical and chemical changes), and mimicry (biologically inspired engineering). Each section includes an introduction explaining why these phenomena appeared magical to people in the past and a brief overview of the scientific concepts. Each activity is introduced with a "spell" consisting of four rhyming lines that outline the project's process and outcome. The materials will require some adult help to obtain, and adult supervision is often suggested. The step-by-step directions are clear and accompanied by colorful drawings and photographs. The projects range widely in scope and difficulty. Using pliers, readers take apart a highlighter pen to make flowers fluoresce under black light. Young people are also invited to complete an electric circuit through a pencil-line drawing and create "rune stones" with clay and small magnets. More skilled readers can cook food that glows under black light and make meringues from chickpea liquid and candles in a solar oven. For those who like to tinker, there are clever wiggle-bots made with hobby motors, batteries, LEDs, and hot glue. Teachers and youth group leaders as well as parents will welcome this volume. Wizardry with appeal for those both science-inclined and not. (glossary) (Nonfiction. 8-12)
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June 1, 2022
Grades 2-5 Magic was once a way to explain the natural world. This delightful collection of 30 experiments flips this notion, showcasing the science behind seemingly magical activities while still embracing the wonder of nature. Chapters focus on a natural phenomenon inspired by magic, such as illumination (light), sorcery (forces), and alchemy (physical and chemical changes), with such outcomes as a magic wand (which lights up when grasped in a way that completes a circuit), divination (a homemade compass), and transfiguration (a color-changing snack!). The experiments, in turn, require a combination of easily accessible natural products (e.g., ground turmeric and cream of tartar) and craft items (e.g., LEDs and hobby motors). Each experiment begins with a rhyming, rhythmic incantation (which embeds a scientific explanation of the project) and includes overviews of both the historical aspects of the magic and the scientific concepts involved, step-by-step directions, and color photographs of the completed project. Spot art throughout reinforces the relationship between science and magic and illustrates some of the scientific concepts. Enchanting fun for kitchen scientists, classroom connections, or library programming.
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July 1, 2022
Gr 3-6-In this unique approach to science, Florance attempts to capture readers' sense of wonder about the natural world and combine it with a scientific explanation of how these wonders occur. In this way, excitement and explanation are joined. The book is combined into five sections-infusions (pH and indicators), illumination (light), sorcery (forces), alchemy (physical and chemical changes), and mimicry (biology-inspired engineering). Each section contains several activities for children to try out and observe, many of which require several materials and adult supervision. The activities are introduced with a magical spell for readers to chant, some information about the "magical" history involved, colorful photos, and the science involved. For example, the section on infusions begins with a brief historical look at plants as medicine, an explanation of how acids and bases can cause chemical changes, and a chant along, with directions for making a blue tea that changes color when an edible acid is added. The author's knowledge and enthusiasm are evident throughout, and the detailed layout will keep readers engaged. The many activities provided are interesting and doable, but they vary in difficulty and amount of materials needed. VERDICT This is an appealing resource to encourage children, parents, teachers, and librarians to explore, enjoy, and celebrate science.-Myra Zarnowski
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