From School Library Journal
Gr 4-6-These 48 activities are designed to stimulate understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of our ecosystem. They are organized into five chapters: "A Breath of Fresh Air," "Waterworks," "Earthborn," "All Fired Up," and "Our Fine Feathered (and Leafy) Friends." A two-page explanatory overview precedes each section. Activities include making a solar water heater, paper, a composter can, and natural cleansers. Each project has a list of supplies needed, step-by-step instructions, an explanation of what's going on, and "More ideas-" that offers additional things to do. Safety tips are included and the more dangerous procedures recommend adult assistance. Illustrations enhance the lively text, which can be used in the classroom or at home.
Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Grade 4-6-This text presents six categories of chemical experiments including "Physical Properties," "Liquids," and "Acids and Bases." Each one begins with a list of required materials (generally available in the home), followed by an explanation of "What to do" and "How it works," and some additional suggestions for activities. While the experiments are not difficult, the explanations can be a bit technical and rely on readers' understanding of the definitions provided in the first few pages. Simple black-and-white drawings complement the text. The book is similar in content to Janice VanCleave's Chemistry for Every Kid (Wiley, 1989); however, VanCleave's work has more experiments and a more appealing layout. Detailed experiments appropriate for science fairs can be found in Robert Gardner's Science Projects about Chemistry (Enslow, 1994). Libraries needing additional titles on experiments should consider Moje's, but with this note of caution: safety guidelines (working with ammonia, rubbing alcohol, etc.) are considered in the preface and in an introductory chapter but not repeated under the individual experiments.
Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
