Mason Jar Science: 40 Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments

by Jon Adolph

Mom's Choice Award Gold Winner
Nautilus Book Awards Silver Winner

Heatproof, transparent, and durable, the mason jar is a science lab just waiting to be discovered. Unlock its potential with 40 dynamic experiments for budding scientists ages 8 and up. Using just a jar and a few ordinary household items, children learn to create miniature clouds, tiny tornadoes, small stalactites, and, of course, great goo and super slime! With a little ingenuity, the jar can be converted into a lava lamp, a water prism, a balloon barometer, and a compass. Each fun-packed project offers small-scale ways to illustrate the big-picture principles of chemistry, botany, biology, physics, and more.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Science, Middle Grade, German Literature, Stem

136 pages, Hardcover

Published May 29, 2018

Reviews

[Mehsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I was really interested in this one, I wanted to see what cool things they were going to do with mason jars, and the first part (with slimes and all that) was great, but after that?

I just lost my interest. Not only because the experiments were kind of boring, but because I have already read about experiments like this. Tornado in a jar? Check. Ecosystem? Check. Caterpillars? Check. Making a Stalactite? Check. Making candy? Check. And I could go on. I just wished they would pick some new experiments, I am sure there are tons of them out there and it is just a shame that they picked those that are featured heavily already in so many books. I am sure there are tons of new (and more interesting) experiments they could have featured, especially with so many Youtube videos doing a lot of awesome stuff.

But the slimes were fun, though I still think it is funny that it is coming back again, slimes were also popular when I was a kid, though we generally didn’t use the ingredients the kids use these days. :P

Plus I did think it was a bit of a shame that some ingredients, but also one or so experiments are just impossible if you live in the EU. Hummingbirds? Sorry, I have only seen them in documentaries or in books, and maybe in the zoo (not sure about that though). Several ingredients are probably found here, but it is hard and would require a lot of asking around, and I have no clue what alternatives would fit. Same goes for measurements or temperatures, I would have to calculate those as well as I am living in a country that uses Metric and Celsius (oh wait, almost everyone uses Celsius :P). There is a chart at the end of the book, but I do think it is easier to just grab my phone or computer instead of flipping back and forth between that page. But it is nice that they at least added a chart, so props to that.

I did like that the information was clear, the steps (along with photos) were nice and easy to follow along, I also liked that we got some extra information that explains the experiments some more. Plus there were also some fun facts that fit with the experiments.

And kudos to the fact that almost all these experiments can be done without adult supervision. I know that, as a kid, I also much more preferred to do my own thing, and not have an adult hang around to help/do stuff. Kids can just try these on their own.

But yeah, I had higher expectations. I am not too sure if I would recommend it. It was fun, but again, I would like to see some newer experiments instead of so many of the same ones.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book to help spark creativity and a love of science in younger children. Geared toward 7-10 year olds, these experiments can be done by children with minimal adult supervision. From goo to weather, the book has chapters that cover chemistry, gardening, physics and ink making. Lots of pictures and specific recipes with ingredients that are easily found at the grocery. All you'll need is a supply of glass jars. Great for the summer doldrums or a rainy day. You'll be the favorite parent, grandparent or friend when you give the children on your list a copy of Mason Jar Science. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A doorway to wonder science resource

My Review: Mason Jar Science: 40 Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments by Jonathan Adolph was a 5-Star gem. Wow! Why couldn't science be this exciting when I was in school?

About the Book: Learning about science is so thrilling. This book makes it fun and approachable. Young scientists will learn so much while reading this book. They will learn about science terminology, earth science, chemistry, botany, the scientific method, and more. They will be performing their own "lab" experiments and making their own observations. This amazing resource should be in every early learning and intermediate learning science class at the ES level. (It may even appeal to early MS students).

My Final Say: This book is a worthwhile investment. I think it will capture the attention of any student. It's simple, easy to follow, and not intimidating in any way.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Y
Status: Grades 2-6
Level: G

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Storey Publishing), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combine my own love for science with the wonder of a child experiencing homemade “magic”? A recipe for fun every time!

[Maddie Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I did every single experiment in the book and it was great. Highly recommend water fireworks! It was amazing! The book explains every experiment and tells you what happens and why it happened.

[Theresa Grissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really, really cool. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book. I originally requested this because it looked like something my 10 year old science loving son would enjoy. Boy, was I right! He immediately wanted to try out many of the experiments in the book. What is neat about this is that all supplies needed are common household items. The experiments are very simple and relatively quick to create. (Some are observations over time) Each project is laid out in a very clear and informative way showing the science behind each one. Very kid friendly. I will definitely be purchasing a hard copy for my elementary library as well as one for my son.

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well illustrated, funny and clear experiment collection would be great to share with a tween! Using mason jars as your main element for chemistry experiments at home is a great idea.
Begins with a cool flow chart of the scientific method translated into easy to understand terms.

Each experiment includes sections on Materials, instructions (with photo ilustrations), a "What's going on," "What to watch for," and "take it further" and/or "Tell me more." I find the "what to watch for" segment especially helpful, since I've stared cluelessly at home experiments more than I would want to admit. Additional sidebars on "Science in Real Life" and "Speak to a Scientist" add more tidbits.

The experiments are mostly ones you will find in other books, but they often have interesting little tweaks to them: for instance, two different kinds of 'slime'-- "Goo" activated with contact lens solution, and "Slime/Flubber" activated with starch -- are included, if you ever wondered if the results were different. Chemistry projects include antacid powered lava lamp, water 'fireworks', goo and slime, microwaved recipe for 'play clay', red cabbage 'chemistry set', vinegar and salt on pennies, sugar crystal growing, alum ice, several different bubble recipes and suggestions for bubble wands. Earth Science includes a filtered terrarium (yes, they suggest what types of forest plants to use), 'museum' displays for your collection, baking soda stalactite strings, cornstarch quicksand (oobleck), homemade compass, Dead sea in a jar (floating egg on brine). Weather projects include baloon barometer, tornado in a jar, make a cloud in a jar, and rain gauge. Botany includes chinese cabbage capillary coloring, viewing a sprouting seed, carrot forest, sprouted sweet potato, avocado pit sprouting, "grass head" jars, berry ink, seedling 'exercise'. Biology includes a bug vacuum, hummingbird feeder, containers for worm composting, crickets, and caterpillars, the rubber egg, homemade fermentation pickles, yeast balloon inflation. Physics include the 'walking water colors,' tower of liquids (density layers), balloon vacuum tricks, light bender with water, and -- which I've never seen elsewhere: Heron's fountain, a gravity powered water bubbler, as well as the unspillable jar, silverware balance, and unwettable paper towel.

[Michelle Mallette · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my full review at https://mmbookshelf.wordpress.com/201...
Two visiting grandsons put this appealing book to the test! The cover is nicely done - both boys leafed through it without prompting. The introductory pages cover What’s So Great About Science?, Why Mason Jars?, and Using the Scientific Method to Solve Mysteries. Then the 40+ experiments are divided into five sciences: The Magic of Chemistry, Earth Science for Earthlings, The Root of All Fun – Botany, It’s Alive! Biology, and Understanding Matter in Motion – Physics. Each experiment includes a materials list, step-by-step instructions with photos, guidance in what to watch for, and an explanation of the science behind the experiment. Most include a “Take it further” section giving ideas of what else you can do in the experiment. I counted 43 experiments in total, all of them with huge kid-appeal and requiring minimal adult help: instructions on making slimes, quicksand, and crystals, creating a cloud, making your own compass by magnetizing a sewing needle, and cool tricks like making a paper towel “unwettable,” and making coloured water move from jar to jar. Some of them are instant gratification, and others are designed to take several days to reach fruition. There is diversity in the young faces that occasionally appear in the many photos. The endmatter includes a glossary, metric conversion chart (it's a U.S. book so it uses cups and tablespoons), a chart for noting barometric pressure, and a five-page index. The type is suitable for a competent reader, which is why I set the age starting at 8, though younger kids will enjoy exploring this with adult help. My thanks to Storey Publishing for the review copy provided in exchange for my honest review.

[Whatmykidsandiread Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange #partner
This book is a perfect way to add a pop of science into your day.

Mason Jar Science, by Jonathan Adolph, is a newly published book of science experiments you can do in mason jars (which as a not-very-good canner, I’m swimming in). The 40 fantastic experiments in this book hit on practically every aspect of science.
My kids chose to try one in the chemistry category, making play dough, and it was super easy, well-explained, and fun. But there’s sooo many more we’d like to try:
▪️making cornstarch quicksand
▪️worm composting
▪️making a homemade compass
▪️making the best bubbles ever (seriously, there is some great strategy in here for bubble-making.). ⚪️

The thing I loved most about this book is how each experiment was doable, and for the most part, used ingredients you’d have around your house. So, whenever you have a few minutes, you can pull out a mason jar and voila! Science. 🔍

Each experiment also has two useful sections to help with understanding: “What to Watch For” and “What’s Going On,” along with all sorts of other great facts, features, real-life application and so much more. It’s a lot of learning crammed into this book and we thought it was totally cool. 👍🏻

Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Julie Overpeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the @storeypub for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own
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Mason Jar Science
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My Rating: 5/5
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This book full of 40 science experiments for elementary students using a mason jar and a few mostly-household ingredients (a few, like guar gum, may require a special purchase). With the popularity of mason jar recipes right now, who doesn’t have mason jars? The book includes old standbys like slime and crystals, but it also includes things like a homemade bug vacuum and hummingbird feeder. Extras alongside the experiments are sections called “Tell Me More” and “What’s Going On”. The instructions are simple and easy to follow and most can be done completely by the kiddos. The experiments are grouped by discipline--chemistry, biology, physics, etc.

As a kid, I would have done every single experiment in this book. Since my own kids are now grown, I can’t wait to buy a copy for my nieces and nephews. Easy, hands on fun.

[Lilia Rappach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason Jar Science: 40 Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments, by Jon Adolph, is a great book for teachers (and future teachers). This book contains a variety of creative science experiments that are student friendly and can easily be done in the classroom, using simple materials. These hands-on experiments, such as making slime and creating tiny tornados, help students practice using the scientific method, while encourage them to ask questions and be curious. I would for sure use this book in my classroom to not only get ideas for my own science lessons, but as a way of getting students excited about science and learning through hands-on experiments.

[Kelly (purplebookstand) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason Jar Science

I requested this book because my daughter is mad on slime and all things creative! Mason Jar Science contains 40 different experiments that can be performed using a mason jar. The experiments look like great fun, we will definitely be trying some out! I really like how the science behind the experiments is explained as well, incorporating education into all the fun.

I can’t wait to show this to my daughter, it’s great and I really do recommend it to those who have children, or those who are children at heart! Four well deserved stars from purplebookstand.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book, for free, in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a mixed bag much like the other books I've read in this category.
Most of the experiments in the book don't seem like they'd be that interesting for my daughter and several of the ones that do sound interesting she's done already. That being said, the author does an excellent job describing the science behind the experiments which is something exceptionally rare.

[Rebecca Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great and really well designed book! It is perfect for mid to upper elementary and is full of experiments that can be done in one sitting with easy to find supplies and impressive results. There are also activities that last up to a week. I will definitely be testing a bunch of these with my kids at the library. I also think the intro about science and the glossary are very handy.

[Mostly Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boys and I loved this book! Filled with a ton of science experiments for elementary kids! Great explained experiments and explanations for you r little ones. We had most items required for the experiments! This book will be great for summer time/ or rainy day fun! Make sure you pick this up for your little ones fun!

[Alyssa Lundy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: informational fiction
Age group: 3rd -6th

This book teaches random facts about science and all things involved. It is a good way to introduce to a younger child interest in chemistry things about it at a young age. My younger brother loves this book, but I always tell him I could never integrate it in my classroom.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason Jar Science

I love this book! This is one I would recommend parents to purchase if they can afford it! There are so many fantastic experiments in this book for children and they do a great job of explaining what you need, how to do it , and why it happens!

[Heather Pehnec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy, simple and delightful experiments with ingredients many people will already have on hand - vinegar, baking soda...

[Dream On · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really fun and educational! During this quarantine, I'll be doing some of these!!! I like the slime! The slime is the best!

[NayDoubleU · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun

Pretty cool ideas and easy to follow instructions. Great for elementary students and older. Great illustration photos as well. Fun

[Sawyer K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer (5.5) wants to give this book 10.5 stars. His mom also wants to give it 10.5 stars. It explains the scientific method perfectly, which makes this scientist mom thrilled. Most science books for kids don’t explain the scientific method and without it, it’s just having fun, not doing experiments. We’ve already done two of the experiments and it truly is stuff you already have in your home. Ok, we raised grandma’s cupboard for expired alkaseltzer tablets and got expired contact solution from the eye doctor. But most ingredients are things like water, oil, food coloring, etc. And it doesn’t just tell you how to do the experiment. It then “takes it farther” and explains more of the why.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to seeing this book for quite a while now! Loads of cool science experiments for kid to try. There's chemistry, earth science, botany, biology, physics projects that would be perfect for kids during the summer. They can make their own mason jar garden bird feeder, and loads of other cool things. I'd think this would be a good gift to start the summer, maybe toss in a mason jar or two, as well! Great book!

[Barbra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a head for science and a mason jar this is the book for you. Forty fun and easy experiments in bold text with simple instructions fill the pages of this make it yourself instructional book. Using Chemistry, Earth Science, Botany, Biology and Physics children can create, and Learn More, and Take it Further. An awesome gift for young researchers aged eight to fourteen. Adults will love this too!

[Sarah Adolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great science projects for kids! Easy to follow directions using products you have at home. Fun for the whole family.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a godsend for any one needing to prepare a small science based demonstration for kids of all ages. Many of these experiments have been around in some form or another, while others I have never seen before. There are different recipes for Gak, slime and dough, depending on your needs. All experiments use household or easily obtained items, and several of them can safely be displayed on a desk without harm if you are only making a display. This covers a broad amount of subjects from weather, to plants, to quicksand and everything is easily explained using correct scientific terms, and explaining the scientific method.

[H Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of 40 simple and fun science experiments that kids can easily perform with mason jar. The experiments in this book starts from chemistry. and expand to other areas in science in a very-well organized manner. For most experiment, there is an extension that provide children more information about the science behind it. At the beginning of the book, there is also a great chart showing the process of how scientists working in their real day life, raise question, make assumption, test, validate, back and forth. As a scientist and children's book writer, I cannot overstate how important it is for children to learn this process. They will benefit from this methodology all their life, not just for solving problem in science, but also in their everyday life.

Mason jar has been invented for a long time, while the experiments in this book apparently provides it with new blood. With the most trending things like slim in the book, sure kids will like it. I am also quite surprised to see that a lot of the experiments are beautiful! There are highly-decorative science experiments in the book too. This is great, because often times as I read in book, scientists look messy, which is not true in real life at all. A lot scientists are highly-organized, otherwise it would be difficult for us to trace back things.

I would strongly recommend this book !

[Moon Shine Art Spot ~ Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was easy to follow and lots of fun even for those of us who do not always understand science. Fun, easy activities in an easy to follow format.

GREAT book.

[Tara Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like candy to the budding scientist. It is beautifully laid out, with well- explained experiments and explanations. A fantastic addition to any library, school, or home. With support, even very small children would be excited to try. Excellent for all ages and a fun and educational offering to a maker space as well. Also, the metric conversion chart at the end is a thoughtful touch.

[Birdie O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've tried a couple experiments out of this book with my homeschooled 7-year-old and we both LOVE it. She's so excited to do them, and the instructions are really easy to follow. She was helping me read them and loved that she could do most of the stuff herself (not the case in other books we've tried). We're looking forward to doing more experiments in the coming weeks. Excellent resource for parents of science-minded kids, especially those homeschoolers at a loss about science. Using the tips on why the reaction occurred, we were able to look up supplementary information and make a full lesson out of it!

[Andréa]

Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher at ALA Midwinter 2018.