Awsome Experiments in Force and Motion

by Michael Anthony DiSpezio

Special Features: Cahners Business Information (c) 1999 Gr 5-8-Over 70 physics experiments are presented in five broad areas, covering inertia, buoyancy, surface tension, air pressure, and propulsion. Each entry includes a brief introduction, a list of materials needed, instructions, and a discussion of the scientific theory behind the results. This last section is what really makes the experiments meaningful. Some of the explanations raise questions concerning alternate approaches to the problem or ask readers what would happen if a step were changed or if a different material or item were used. The activities rely primarily on inexpensive household objects for effective results. While easy to duplicate, they demonstrate the intended principles and encourage critical thinking. The author's style is lighthearted but clear. Each experiment is accompanied by at least one cartoonlike black-and-white line drawing that illustrates a step in the process. Safety warnings remind readers to enlist an adult's help whenever sharp edges, heat, or any other hazard is involved. In quality and level of the projects, this book is similar to Robert Gardner's Experiments with Motion (Enslow, 1995). Either one will be adequate in most collections.-Jeffrey A. French, Euclid Public Library, OH?

Genres: Science

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999