Spring 2024

Dive In!: 10 Fun Experiments Using Water

From the Set Bring Science Home

Water molecules are amazing--and so is just plain water! In this book, young scientists investigate how water droplets can magnify, the magic of surface tension, and the effects of adding salt to water when potatoes are in it! Each of the 10 projects includes a Background section to explain the science topic at work, materials, clear step-by-step instructions, and an Observations section helping young scientists understand what they've done. Several projects include science fair ideas and expanded versions of the experiment to engage readers further. A discussion of the scientific method and helpful glossary conclude the book.

Format List Price Your Price Qty
$35.95 $26.95
Interest Level Grade 4 - Grade 6
Reading Level Grade 5
Dewey Number 333.91
Lexile
ATOS Reading Level
Guided Reading Level Z
Language English
Publisher Scientific American
Format Reinforced book
ISBN 9781725349926
Copyright 2024
Number of Pages 64
Dimensions 6.5 x 9.125
Graphics Full-color illustrations

Booklist Review of Bring Science Home

Each volume of the Bring Science Home series offers 10 theme-related science experiments. All four titles follow the same format. A catchy title sets up a guiding question, followed by background context on why people might want to find the answer, explanations of key scientific principles, and nitty-gritty details: time requirement, materials, preparation, step-by-step directions, ideas for further exploration, observations and results (a series of open-ended questions), and clean-up. All projects are perfectly safe for home or classroom environments and most require household materials. Some activities are time-honored standards; other reflect updated components. In Dive In! student scientists use a traditional water-filtering activity to strain out food dyes found in energy drinks. Pages feature bold fonts and highlighted boxes set off in bright blocks of color; each selection ends with a recap of the scientific method, a glossary, and lists of resources. Most of these activities will require initial adult direction, but kids should then be able to take the lead. These tried-and-true activities are sure to engage young audiences.

SLJ Review of Bring Science Home

Each of these books offers 10 activities that include clear directions and expectations. Readers might construct an artificial hand, explore surface tension, or create fractal prints. The amount of time needed, a materials list, and the steps for preparation, procedure, and even clean up are listed. A background section explains how the activity works and where it may be seen in the real world, while an “Observations And Results” section explains details of what happened and how to correct any problems. Many of the activities also have additional suggestions to make the experiment suitable for science fair competition. A list of additional resources includes books, websites, and videos for further exploration of topics. VERDICT Especially helpful for their clarity of instructions and use for science fair ideas. This set would also be useful in a STEM lab.