Smash It! Crash It! Launch It!: 50 Mind-Blowing, Eye-Popping Science Experiments

by Rain Newcomb, Bobby Mercer, Tom La Baff (Illustrations)

Crash, boom, bang: destroy! There's nothing children love more than the satisfying smashing and bashing of things being demolished. They always do it for sheer amusement; now they can do it in the name of science. And they'll enjoy it so much  that they won't even think they're learning physics as they're wrecking stuff. Just imagine the expression on kids' faces as they watch a microwaved marshmallow grow bigger…and bigger: up to four times its size. Will it blow up? Think of the delight as they power cardboard racecars with ordinary balloons or launch homemade rockets. All the scientific terms are explained in language that children will both understand and appreciate--and the safety precautions make sure the science stays fun and worry-free.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

80 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2006

About the author

Rain Newcomb is a faculty member at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet, Minnesota. Previously, she taught at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Michelle]

Great book for STEAM physics experiments.

[Lisa]

There were only about 7 or so experiments in this book of 50 that I would actually perform with my kids. Alot of them seemed pretty wasteful food-wise. Some just seemed REALLY messy, even for outdoors. I cant wait to try the Exploding Marshmallows but only on a small scale with a mini marshmallow. Other exciting experiments: Leaning Tower of Nickels, Paper Cup Crunch, Flying Marhsmallow Machine, Loopy Airplanes. Glad I didnt buy this book, only borrowed it from the library because it isnt worth the $$.

[Marcia]

On the lookout for maker space projects, I grabbed this book of experiments. 50 fun ideas to share the laws of physics. Many involve food, some messy, others pretty routine (fettuccine bridges and egg drops). A good resource for ideas with easy to understand explanations of the science behind the fun.

[Amy]

excellent ideas for cool little science activities that could easily become "fair worthy" projects.

[Tina Grove]

Such a cool book with lots of little projects to do. Great ideas for STEM programming at the library or projects to do with my nephews!