Reviews (10)

Fun, fun, fun!!!
I have a just turned 5 year old that LOVES science and experiments.Although this book I believe was recommended for older children, there are plenty of experiments that I can do with him at his age and get immediate results.Since there are experiments that are targeted for older children, this is one of the rare books that we'll be able to use for several years down the road.I love it so much it's going to be one of my staples in gift giving - it's easy & fun enough for those even not interested in 'science'.

great book for young minds
My 6 year old son absolutely loves this book.He was so excited about the experiments that everyone we knew was told about the new experiment.He understanding what he is doing with the experiments.I would recommend this book and I have to his teacher at school.

Kidz Love Science
I bought this book for my son, and liked it so much that I bought 10 copies to give to each child at my son's birthday party.He wanted a science party so this was the perfect take-home gift for the kids. Beats a goody bag full of candy and plastic toys... but I don't want to digress on how I hate goody bags at birthday parties!The experiments here are interesting and easy to set up.And, the puzzles and games on the side make it something the kids can pick up and read on their own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Experiments    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. School & Education    7. Science    8. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    9. Science & Nature - General    10. Experiments & science projects    11. Schools & education centres   

Reviews (1)

Must-have book for Physics instructors
Lots of classic demos plus some unusual ones. Each chapter includes explicit instructions, background material, safety warnings, and references. A terrific resource for science teachers (specifically in physics) at all levels, though most useful at the high school or college level. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Methods Of Instruction And Study (General)    3. Physics    4. Physics (General)    5. Science    6. Teaching Methods & Materials - Science & Technology    7. Experimental techniques    8. Experiments & science projects    9. Science / Physics   

Reviews (7)

Our sons answer
While looking to educate my adopted Chinese son ... only in this country for two years, I noticed his interest in life sciences and chemestry. So, we bought him his first Microscope for this Christmas and were trying to figure out how we can teach him the many things/uses we had forgotten in 42 years since my school days. Well ..... this book is the perfect answer. Not only does it explain the microscope, but it gives great experiments and things to build from household items as tools to carry my son further than I could. The writting will be a little dense per page for his understanding, but any good parent that will use this to help their child will be able to take that child to high knowledge and functionality in the microscope realm.

Excellent Seller
The item arrived in condition as described and it got to me fast

Awesome book!
Santa brought our seven year old a nice microscope and a copy of this book.It is FULL of great ideas for experiments-including where and how to get samples.My husband and I found it fascinating, and we are all enjoying the new toy. I don't know how much use a microscope would get without a great book guiding you along.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Science    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    6. Science & Technology - Experiments & Projects    7. General science   

Reviews (6)

Amusing catapults, interesting history, but no metric units
This book contains easy-to-follow instructions on how to build different catapults. Unfortunately there is no data regarding approx. distance and height for the suggested projectiles, why you must try for yourself. All units are english/american, which means you must translate this to metric units if you are more used to that.
Good reference for siege weapon builders
This is a juvenile title that is well illustrated with step by step directions for building several working models of weapons (from a simple sling to a trebuchet). It even gives directions for making rope. In addition to showing how to make siege engines, it covers their history, the reasons they were developed, how they were used and what caused a decline in their popularity. I can see a student using this book to make a model for a history class, or an SCA group adapting the information for a full-sized weapon.
Excellent story book and manual.
This book is divided as chapters that begin with a narration of a battle or siege, and then and then presents the instructions on how to build several catapults. I learned my archetype of a catapult is an onagre, and that is one of the oldest kind, so I am severely obsolete. The instructions on how to build the models are very clear and easy to follow. The book is appropriate for young audiences, yet entertaining for adults too.
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Subjects:  1. Artillery    2. Ballista    3. Catapult    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Design and construction    7. History    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    10. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / How Things Work    12. Warfare & defence   

Reviews (7)

Everything has worked as written
My DH is using this and other books for a science and gadget class with 10 K-2 kids.He likes this book as the experiments are easy and fast paced enough to keep the kids' attention, a real issue with this bunch.
A lot of parent/kid fun
I have bought many of these kinds of books for my now 5.5 year old.Each book is different, some with more stuff that is age appropriate than others, but I've ALWAYS manage to find at least a few things in these books to have an hour of fun father/daughter time.This book is no exception.The simple experiments on color, gravity and energy are quite simple, enjoyable to do, and my daughter did learn a thing or two.The old she gets, the more I'll be we will draw from this well written book.
I like it!!!!
I disagree with Dixie who had written the previous review! The bookwas not written for 3 year olds! A good parent reviews the info and suggested age levels in the review section before buying. We have been very happy with these books. After buying one other, we bought this one and love it just as much. These experiments are simple to read and study. But the teach important science concepts so I am as happy as a mom can be...but again...I read the age level before buying the book! Someday I hope to make a list of recommended books...this will be one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Science    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Experiments    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Science    8. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    9. Science & Technology - Experiments & Projects    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Energy, weight, force & movement    12. General science    13. Interactive & activity books & packs    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Experiments & Projects    15. Natural history & pets   

Reviews (4)

This Book Is Really Good Book.
Before i read this book, i know rocks just is rocks.But after i read this book, i know rocks is very important for my life.This book have many good point.For example it have more pictrun and easy letter in this book.So not too difficulty.There are still some left many interesting think in it.I willing recommend it to other people interested with rocks.

This Book Is Really Good.
Before i read this book, i know rocks just is rocks.But after i read this book, i know rocks is very important for my life.This book have many good point.For example it have more pictrun and easy letter in this book.So not too difficulty.There are still some left many interesting think in it.I willing recommend it to other people interested with rocks.

This Book Is Really Good.
Before i read this book, i know rocks just is rocks.But after i read this book, i know rocks is very important for my life.This book have many good point.For example it have more pictrun and easy letter in this book.So not too difficulty.There are still some left many interesting think in it.I willing recommend it to other people interested with rocks. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Nature    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Mineralogy    8. Minerals    9. Nature - Rocks & Minerals    10. Rocks    11. Science & Nature - Earth Sciences    12. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    13. Science & Nature - Rocks & Minerals    14. Science & Technology - Earth Sciences    15. Science & Technology - Experiments & Projects    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Nature / Rocks & Minerals   

Reviews (5)

To increase awareness of science, buy this ...
Simple fun filled experiments which easily captures children's attention. What is outstanding is the huge spectrum of experiments -- indoor - outdoor, simple - complex, tips & tricks and the list goes on. Thanks to this book my daughter interest has increased to the extent that she now wants to participate in Science Fairs. Clearly a very useful book that every family should benefit from.

When your kids say :" I'm bored", this is the book for them!
The experiments in this book are very basic and simple fun activities that are easy to follow and which children -even adults- will enjoy. The book simplifies and explains many fundamental scientific concepts that we encounter daily. The scope of these experiments is very wide , from daily science to weather, chemistry,... which are all implemented with very readily available items. This is a book that will keep inquisitive children motivated and busy for hours, they will especially love the science tricks. The second book : "365 More Science Experiments with Everyday Materials" complements this book. One should get them both!

Fabulously fun resource!
I purchased this book for the science division of our home schooling studies. It is laid out very well and it's easy to understand.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 4-6    2. Experiments    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Juvenile literature    5. Sale Children - Children's Books - Ages 9-12    6. Science    7. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    8. Science & Technology - Experiments & Projects    9. Scientific recreations    10. Experiments & science projects    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Experiments & Projects    12. Sale Books   

Editorial Review

Do you know that right now 16.5 tons of air are pressing on your body?Or that with a simple experiment you can "see" a hole in the middle of yourhand? Have you ever tried turning a bucket of water upside down without thewater falling out? With DK's remarkable introduction to science, young readerscan learn many of the most important principles of chemistry and physics--andhave a whole lot of fun while they're at it. This big, handsome volume containsmore than 60 hands-on projects testing key scientific theories in magnetism,gravity, liquid density, sound vibrations, the laws of reflection, and muchmore. In addition, the book features information about famous scientists, newtechnological advances, and basic theories behind everyday objects andactivities. Gorgeous photos and clear, step-by-step instructions make this alearning experience budding young scientists won't mind a bit. Don't be fooled,though. Every page is packed with accurate, up-to-date information, and readersare encouraged to take their scientific exploration beyond the limits of thiswell-organized book. (Ages 10 and older) Read more

Reviews (3)

Great for Children (and some adults)
Having been trained in science (PhD in Physics) and having taught physics at the university level for 40 years, I think this is the best tool I have ever seen for presenting basic physical principles at a level that intelligent people 8 years old and up can really understand.It has no competition that I am aware of.Outstanding idea and execution.

Great for Children (and some adults)
Having been trained in science (PhD in Physics) and having taught physics at the university level for 40 years, I think this is the best tool I have ever seen for presenting basic physical principles at a level that intelligent people 8 years old and up can really understand.It has no competition that I am aware of.Outstanding idea and execution.

Shows younger folks just how much amazing fun science can be
Ideal for both classroom and homeschool curriculum supplementation, The Way Science Works is an exciting introduction for young readers to the deductive process of science and the marvels that mankind has discovered about the natural world. Offering more than sixty experiments and hands-on projects suitable for budding scientists age 10 and older (with safety precautions detailed where needed), The Way Science Works offers a fascinating glimpse into everything from the workings of the atom to understanding the true nature of gravity, to optical illusions and magnetism. Hundreds of excellent color photographs illustrate this superbly organized instructional reference. Although filled with fascinating revelations which would appeal to readers of all ages, The Way Science Works is particularly geared to show younger folks just how much amazing fun science can be! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Science    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Experiments    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Science    8. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    9. Science & Nature - General    10. Science & Technology - Experiments & Projects    11. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / How Things Work   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. General    6. Juvenile Architecture    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile Science Fair Projects    9. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    10. Design & technology    11. Experiments & science projects   

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 4-6    2. Experiments & Projects    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Juvenile literature    5. Methodology    6. Science    7. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    8. Science projects    9. Experiments & science projects    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Experiments & Projects   

Reviews (4)

My kids LOVE chemistry now!
Janice VanCleave's Chemistry For Every Kid is a must have book for upper elementary/middle school science teachers. The experiments are easy to set up and the kids LOVE them! Janice has tackled tough Chemistry concepts and come up with simple experiments that the kids ACTUALLY understand! I have used the activities in this book numerous times and couldn't recommend this book highly enough. The way I use the activities in this book, along with the others in the series, is set them up as stations and have the kids rotate through them. You will not be disappointed with this purchase and your kids will love you for it.

simplistic
No handwriting required and no over-the-head scientific explanations. It is clear, simple, and EASY to pull off the shelf and use. I recommend previewing the list of materials for the week to be sure you have the needed items. Substitutions can effect the experiment. I use this with ages 4-10 and they ALL enjoy the experiments. The experiments are simplistic and easy for young children to grasp the idea yet have enough information to get the parents thought process going! A great introduction to chemistry that takes very little time to prep and do. I even use this book as birthday party entertainment! A favorite with us.

Janice VanCleave's Chemistry for Every Kid: 101 Easy Experiments that Really Work
The book is in very good condition and will replace a library book that was lost. Thank you. Nancy L. Bert - Branch Manager - Blue Ridge Summit Free Library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Experiments    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Science & Nature - Chemistry    7. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Chemistry   

Editorial Review

Whether your favorite middle or high-school student is interested in thedemonstrating the greenhouse effect (with shoeboxes, soil, and plasticfood wrap), sympathetic vibration (with a couple of soda bottles), orthe breathing rate of goldfish, former science teacher Janice VanCleaveprovides helpful advice for designing experiments to impress judges atthe science fair. In the first section, the author explains theimportance of understanding the scientific method, selecting a topic,identifying its category, research, overview, experimental data, projectsummaries, the display, and presentation and evaluation. The second partof the book offers project ideas for 35 science fair topics within thecategories of astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics,stressing that "The point is not to copy the projects in this book butto use them as exploratory experiments...." Each experiment is clearlypresented with a brief introduction, a statement of purpose, a list ofneeded materials, a step-by-step procedure, a description andexplanation of the results, and ideas for taking the experiment indifferent directions. Nine appendices provide additional information onrandom error of measurement, percentage error, sources of scientificsupplies, and more, and a glossary and index conclude the book.VanCleave comes through again with this inspiring, no-nonsense resourcefor science fair participants. (Ages 11 and older) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Experiments    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Science    7. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    8. Science & Nature - General    9. Science projects    10. Experiments & science projects    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / General   

Reviews (6)

A fun way to introduce science to little kids!
It's absolutely perfect for our 3- and 5-year olds! It's a great way to introduce science concepts to them.The experiments are simple to prepare, very interesting and lots of fun.Also, most of the materials are common items used at home.We have done a number of the experiments without spending much money at all.It comes very handy, too, during rainy or snowy days.The activities help keep the kids from getting bored inside the house.

Outstanding resource
My kids loved these fun learning activities. Enough to keep them busy through early childhood. Nothing canned here. . . all creative and discovery-focused. Makes biology and even physics accessable to very young children. You can't go wrong with this outstanding guide.

This series is GREAT
This is really handy for the budding scientist in your preschooler. Experiements are written so that the early reader can understand and do the experiments on their own (it lets the reader know when a parent needs to help or supervise, such as when scissors are involved) and has question that the parent can use to further expand on projects. Also check this whole series, such as math play, arts and crafts from around the world, rainy day play, weather, shapes, etc. My son loves these activies. Plus for the price, you can't beat it.(...) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity programs    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Education / Teaching    4. Experiments    5. Experiments & Projects    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Preschool & Kindergarten    9. School & Education    10. Science    11. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    12. Science & Nature - General    13. Study and teaching (Elementary    14. Study and teaching (Elementary)    15. Teaching Methods & Materials - Science & Technology    16. First experiences    17. General science    18. Time & seasons   

Reviews (2)

Never disappointed by a Janice VanCleave book
You will not be disappointed with this book! Janice VanCleave's Biology For Every Kid is divided into these categories: plants, zoology, and the human body with tons of simple hands-on experiments that you can do for each. I use these experiments all the time in my 7th grade classroom and the kids love them. Learning is so much better when it's hands-on! I would highly recommend this book for upper elementary and middle school science teachers.

A little interest boost for elementary school biology
I reviewed this book in The Home School Manual ================Read more

Subjects:  1. Biology    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Experiments    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Science & Nature - Biology    7. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    8. Biology, Life Sciences    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Biology    10. Teaching of a specific subject   

Reviews (4)

janet vancleave review
this is an excellent resource for teachers or parents.experiments are fun and easy to do.

This book makes learning physics fun!
I would highly recommend Janice VanCleave's Physics For Every Kid. I am a 6th & 7th grade science teacher and have used activities from this book numerous times. There are so many tough concepts in physics and sometimes all it takes is a simple activity that the kids can see. The way I use the activities in this book, along with the others in this series, are to set them up as stations and have the kids rotate through them. It's an easy way to create hands-on learning and the kids LOVE it! This book is divided up into these categories: electricity, magnets, buoyancy, gravity, balance, flight, simple machines, inertia, motion, light, heat, and sound. I think the activities in this book are intended for grades 4-6, but could be adapted for younger or older kids. You won't be disappointed!

Physics is Fun
This book is just right for introducing physics concepts to children in the 8-12yrs. age range.My students prefer learning the concepts by "doing" rather than by justreading about them in a science text. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Experiments    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Physics    7. Science    8. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    9. Science & Nature - Physics    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Physics    11. Sound    12. Waves, light & optics   

Reviews (1)

Good Resource Tool
We have been using this book with Sonlight Curriculum this year.My children range in age from 6 to 12 years old.The book at times is too difficult for the 6 year old and too easy for the 12 year old, but in general it has been very useful.The chapters are short and difficult concepts are clearly explained.My children are alwys excited to get to the activity section of each chapter, but are disappointed about half the time.The 'activities' usually always work, but they are not always very fun or interesting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Science    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Food    5. Food Science    6. Health & Daily Living - Diet & Nutrition    7. Health - Diet & Nutrition    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Nutrition    11. Nutrition And Diet    12. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    13. Science & Technology - Experiments & Projects    14. Body & health    15. Dietetics & nutrition    16. Experiments & science projects    17. Juvenile Nonfiction / Health / Diet & Nutrition   

Subjects:  1. Body, Human    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Experiments    5. Human physiology    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Science & Nature - Anatomy & Physiology    9. Science & Nature - Biology    10. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    11. Science projects    12. Experiments & science projects    13. Human biology    14. Interactive & activity books & packs    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Biology   

Reviews (6)

A lot of hype, book does not deliver the "best" projects
I bought both of Van Cleave's "Best Science Fair Projects" books for my middle school child and was not impressed, in fact, I returned the first "Best Science Fair Projects" book as it was simply a waste of time and money.Readers should be advised that the majority of Van Cleave's projects are for very young children in early grammar school years, they are not for children who are planning for science fairs at the middle school or high school level, at least not on a competitive level.Many of Ms. Van Cleave's projects are demonstrations of certain basic science principles and that may be interesting for parents to try at home with their children in their spare time, but how does a child convert any of these into real projects that are supposed to ask a question, investigate the question, and proceed with an experiment to prove or disprove what the child is investigating.I cannot see where a book that contains projects such as "Can You Make a Diagram of an Insects Body" and where the materials required are cutting out the Head, Thorax and Abdomen out of construction paper to make a model insect, I cannot see where this is a project worthy to be called a "best science fair project," much less receive the praise that the other reviewers have given.

Great Book for all Ages!
I think this book is great forscience project ideas. I used an idea from this book for the 2001 science fair at MacArthur Middle, and I won first prize! My little brother who goes to Maryland City Elementary used a project and he, too, won first prize! I think that this book should be a must in every library and home. Thank-you Janice Vancleave!

Great Science Fair Guideline
...This book is very thorough.It tells you how science fair projects should be presented.It had sample science fair projects.It gave outlines on abstracts, reports, etc.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Exhibitions    4. Experiments    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Science    8. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    9. Science projects    10. Experiments & science projects    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Experiments & Projects   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Experiments    5. Experiments & Projects    6. General    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile Science (General)    9. Juvenile literature    10. Methodology    11. Science    12. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    13. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / How Things Work   

Reviews (1)

Both interesting and informative
I reviewed this book for The Home School Manual =============================Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity programs    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Desert ecology    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Science & Nature - Environmental Science & Eco Logy    9. Science & Nature - Environmental Science & Ecology    10. Science & Nature - Experiments & Projects    11. Study and teaching    12. Animals    13. Botany & plant sciences    14. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Science & Technology    15. Trees & wildflowers