Professor Figgy's Weather and Climate Science Lab for Kids: 52 Family-Friendly Activities Exploring Meteorology, Earth Systems, and Climate Change

by Jim Noonan

Professor Figgy’s Weather and Climate Science Lab for Kids provides 52 exciting projects and educational activities, both inside and outside the home, to explore the fascinating, ever-changing, and universal subject of weather.

As champion of educational fun Jim Noonan (aka Professor Figgy) guides you through the topics of weather and climate through fun and easy activities , he also teaches the importance of affecting change in the world, through the lens of our climate’s uncertain future .

With a foreword by DIY trailblazer Martha Stewart , this comprehensive, hands-on weather and climate learning resource collects captivating activities covering subjects such
 
Each experiment
 
The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics , including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

Published April 12, 2022

About the author

Jim Noonan was born in Newport News, Virginia and grew up in Westerly, Rhode Island where he lived for almost twenty years. As a tried-and-true New Englander fond of the region’s four seasons, he had a front-row seat to some of the most incredible and striking weather in the world. Raised on Mr. Rogers and Mr. Wizard, with a healthy dose of building blocks and chemistry sets, he developed a passion for creativity, science, and learning at a very young age.

Jim graduated from Dartmouth College, where he studied theatre and chemistry, and received an MFA in acting from the Yale School of Drama, where he was Artistic Director of the Yale Cabaret in his third year. He moved to New York City to pursue acting professionally and started a small theater company called Fabulous Productions, producing and performing original work for almost a decade.

While working as a crafter in the art department at The Martha Stewart Show, Jim brought his dual loves of science and crafting to on-air appearances with Martha herself, sharing the wonders of kitchen science and crystal growing with audiences across the globe. Along the way he developed Professor Figgy’s Fabulous Science Kits (www.professorfiggy.com), a popular line of educational, science-based, crafting kits for kids, families, and teachers.

After over 15 years of working in New York City as a creative professional for clients like Ralph Lauren Home, Martha Stewart Crafts, ABC’s “The Chew”, and Scholastic Instructor Magazine, Jim started a creative projects business of his very own. Most recently, he opened an online lifestyle shop called Bergen Street, where he makes and sells bespoke textiles and vintage home decor.

Jim lives in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn with his husband who is a public-interest attorney. When he’s not hard at work formulating fabulous science kits or sewing up a storm, he likes to get away with friends and family to the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. Iceland is one of his favorite countries, with its stunning combination of gorgeous scenery and fascinating Earth science, and he can’t wait to get back there very soon!

Reviews

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is FULL of fun and thoughtful science labs for children ages 8-12. The younger children in this age range will need assistence going through most of the labs but I think there is a lot that older elementary aged children could do independently.

The books focuses in on climate and weather, and is divided in to 7 different units:
Earth's Atmosphere
The Sun
Clouds & Rain
Wind
Severe Weather
Snow
Climate Change

Each unit contains about 7 different labs, each of which is nicely detailed. Materials needed are clearly defined and step-by-step instructions are given with relevant photographs and figures. I will say that I have seen other science lab books for kids that include more photographs than what is included here; I do wish there would be a bit more for clarity.

Explanation of the lab and results are given as well, and of course any additional tips or safety information you may need.

The "level" of experiments varies throughout the book -- I do think some labs would be best suited for different ages and interests. There is a lab to make a rain stick, for example, which would be great for a younger child or one who is more craft-minded. There is another lab which has you make your own litmus paper to measure the pH of rain which would be better suited for an older child. I like that there are a variety of options! There are 52 labs in all and surely something for everyone.

This book would be great for any educator or science-loving family.

***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Quarto Kids. Opinions are my own.

[Deb Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of Professor Figgy's Weather and Climate Science Lab for Kids by Jim Noonan. I wish that had been available when I was teaching hands-on science to my fifth graders! So many fun and educational labs and experiments to conduct and models to create. Some of the labs are more model/art project which is perfect to get the reluctant scientist involved and motivated to conduct a more complicated lab. This is such a timely book with our climate extremes we are experiencing. The book begins by explaining the difference between weather and climate and how they are related. There are seven units with 7-8 labs each. I like that the book encourages students/readers to begin a science journal and keep track of what they accomplish. Nothing super formal, just begin to register thoughts and ideas. Each lab has Tools and Materials section followed by a Safety Tips, Hints and Tricks section. The Safety Tips identify where adult supervision is needed, where you can substitute materials or a helpful hint makes the lab easier to complete. I wish the materials that need adult supervision were highlighted or starred for quicker recognition. An estimated time is given to complete the lab. The protocols are listed carefully with key photographs to help the scientist along the way. The final experiment picture shows what it should look like at the end. I love the Creative Enrichment: Taking It Further section because it suggests variables to test and gets the scientists to go beyond the initial lab. The Science Behind the Fun section makes connections and adds fun facts behind the scenes. The Resources and References section at the end of the book provides links for further reading and research on a topic that caught your attention. After reading this book, I was excited about hands-on science again and will be trying some of them on my own!

[Novel Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of the 52 Lab type books. We have quite a few of the art versions, and they are great for kids to flip through and get ideas. Professor Figgy’s Weather and Climate Science Lab for Kids is for kids ages 8-12. Youngers kids may need some help, but older elementary kids can likely do everything in this book on their own. The book focuses on climate and weather, addressing Earth’s atmosphere, the Sun, clouds and rain, wind, severe weather, snow, and climate change in general. The book is divided into units. Materials are clearly listed, the step-by-step instructions are clear and include photographs and figures. The full colour photographs are used to draw interest in projects . Projects are simple, so families like mine who are very science oriented may find that the level is much lower than anticipated.

Disclaimer: A copy was provided by the publisher.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-organized activity book for families to build models and make crafts to help children better understand meteorology and climate change. Bite-sized chunks of information make for an easy read and learning experience when paired with the activity. Some activities require tools that may not readily be available, but work-arounds are suggested. Enrichment opportunities are also provided to take learning further. Table of contents and index make it easy to quickly look up a topic and connected activity. Pictures make directions clearer. Great book for younger grades in elementary school.

[OjoAusana · Rating 5 out of 5]

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* really cool books! great for summer/ boring days at home, would totally buy!

[Cecile · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.9. Disappointed again.