365 Simple Science Experiments with Everyday Materials

This two-volume series is a great introduction to hundreds of simple scientific experiments, each involving modest materials that are easy to find and instructions that are easy to read, accompanied by friendly cartoon illustrations. The series seems to be written for children to read -- a precocious ten-year old should be able to do most of these experiments, although people of all ages will find these activities exciting and fun. Adults can certainly use this book as a guide for science exploration -- you might want to read ahead and try some experiments in advance, to make sure the instructions make sense and get the intended results. Although the scientific principles are explained in general terms, the book is designed to keep the text to a minimum, so the scientific chatter is perhaps less thorough than some parents or teachers might like... If it's important, you can research the principles elsewhere had prepare more in-depth explanations using other sources of information. For the most part, though, these books are pretty brilliantly planned: the experiments are easy to reproduce and the scientific principles are mostly pretty self-evident. We've had a lot of fun using these books, and I'm sure you will as well... Highly recommended! (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain children's book reviews)

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.

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!

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.Using materials most people have around the house you can simply flip to the beginning and follow the headings for ideas. What can you use straws for? Try out the section on "Clutching at Straws", make an Oboe, balance scale, spear a potato, etc.Would you like to know other uses for lemon juice? Start on page 36. Keep going- check out soap suds, strings, paper cups, experiments with temperature, etc.Basically you get it, you could spend many great minutes or hours teaching your kids through hands on learning. Many of these can be done by an older child with very little help- a perfect solution to the "I'm bored" problem.Please- turn of the TV, electronic games. etc. and let them use their brains- actively.This is a wonderful book, one that every household would benefit from.

I've picked up many books which claim to demonstrate science with "everyday materials." Most times the "everyday materials" are not something I keep on hand. Like cheesecloth. Who keeps cheesecloth on hand? But the demonstrations in this book really are simple and really do include basic household supplies. I've used the book with my five year old and have found the demonstrations and explanations to be thorough enough to engage his interest. And I've enjoyed myself too!