Explorabook: A Kids' Science Museum in a Book

by John Cassidy, The Exploratorium

8.9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches spiral paperback
1 pound

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Childrens, Reference

100 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started reading Salt Fat Acid Heat, and it’s bringing me back to these books. This is exactly what learning should be. I used to pretend that these were my college textbooks; they were so fun. These books taught me what “theoretical” ideas were. Some of the experiments are down right goofy and impossibly in order to deliver the gravitas of their messages. I had fun and felt smart.

Salt Fat Acid Heat is the first book that I’ve read since then that makes me feel this way; I can’t wait to put my joy and excitement to practical use!

[Timmyb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to spend hours in the summer building tiny fires and killing ants with the Fresnel lens included in the book.

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book for kids would be perfect for a rainy day activity or during summer vacation. Many of the experiments are easy to do and a child interested in science will enjoy the explanations about why something happens. This book is also fun in that it includes the magnet for the magnetism experiments, a mirror page, a page that divides light into its colors, a mixture to make bacteria, and pages of optical illusions. Take a break from technology and have fun with this book!

[Pug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this interactive book as a kid. An engrossing way to pass those hours in the backseat driving to Florida every Christmas. (Way before I started to get carsick riding in the backseat.) Then, as now, I loved the fun, funny and old-timey photos. But I never, not once, did any of the experiments. And, although I enjoyed the trip down memory lane, rereading it now, the book seems very wordy and complex (that is, boring) for a kids book.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A do it yourself hands on book for kids and adults.

My kid and I particularly enjoyed the agar kits for growing mold and the handlebar magnet. There's also optical illusion images, a refracting/diffracting screen and reflecting page for visualizing optical effects.

I highly recommend the book.

[Carole Skees · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes learning fun, through personal experimentation.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a lot clearer and a lot more honest about what you can and can't understand. My copy was used and didn't come with the magnet, but it still has the agar packets in it! I'm not sure I retained that much from this book as a child though, beyond enjoying the optical illusions. The coolest thing in here probably is the bendy mirror, so that you get to see yourself in a mirror but the way everyone else sees you rather than your own reflection.

[Toby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this as a kid and absolutely loved it. With the attached magnet, refractive lens, agar gel, and so on it gave me a chance to get hands on with some of the science talked about in the colourful book, and I would say that this book possibly founded my love of science. I wish there was something similar available for kids these days!

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Potential Problems: If you use items you need to re-order them.
Personal Response: I found it to be a VERY fun book, and I can’t wait to share it with my future children and do those fun activities with them.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite book fair buys as a kid. I think I'm going to purchase it for my classroom!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun overview of different science principles. Sort of like a kid-friendly science museum in a book.

[Katsumi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the way science should be taught--FUN! It's a great interactive book that explains everyday "stuff" & complex science in an easy to understand and entertaining manner.

[Richard (Rick) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good science book with manipulatives (a page that is a mirror, an attached magnet, etc.) so kids can act out the experiments mentioned.