From Amazon.com
From super-secret Zoober Labs, hidden on the island of Kia Ora in the South Pacific, comes this book of experiments that the "budding mad professor can easily complete using materials around the house." Each of these 25 projects is wonderfully illustrated--on laminated, spiral-bound pages--by author Mark Frauenfelder, a former editor of
Wired magazine. Broken into four sections, the book provides a basic science lesson before getting down to the experiments, including bits on the scientific method and Asimov's four rules of robotics. Explicit directions and safety tips follow, and each project ends with a How It Works nugget that unravels the mystery behind the science. The experiments include a bunch of old standbys that no budding mad professor should be without--rock candy, vinegar and baking soda volcanoes, returning tin cans-- as well as a host of unfamiliar slimes and putties that should spark interest in how molecules work. (The description of how polymers work will undoubtedly serve double duty as a refresher for most parents.) Many of the experiments require supervision for younger children, and a few use somewhat less common home materials, but instructions are given in each case on where to find them. (Ages 9 to 12)
--D.J. Morel
Product Description
On a tiny island in the South Pacific, a super-secret laboratory has apparently disappeared! All that's left behind is a mysterious egg-like device, containing a sole book: Mad Professor. It describes wonderfully strange slimes and putties, miniature robots and transport devices, portable structures, and bizarre sound generators...Not only is Mad Professor the last trace of this mystery lab, it's also the perfect craft book for boys! Dozens of recipes and cool projects show kids of all ages how to concoct a variety of projects from widely available household ingredients. More advanced projects such as hovercrafts and countertop volcanoes are also included. With playful illustrations, Mad Professor is full of activities that are fun, icky, and educational.
