Children's book (collection fo short stories) about a group of teens doing science [s]

[Chris]

This is a book I read ages ago as a kid. I can only remember a handful of details that are so specific a Google search is useless.

--It is a children's book
--The book itself is quite large for a children's book (slightly smaller than normal for adult's book)
--It consists of several short stories
--These are about a group of male teenagers (or children?) doing science-y stuff and solving crimes and problems in their town
--It is set in America
--It is in first person
--The main character's name is Charlie
--It is quite humourous? As a kid I found a few jokes in it quite funny.
--It is really obscure.

There is a plot that I can vaguely remember involving a drought. Another one involving a weather balloon, but I might be getting bits of my childhood confused now.

This is so little to go on, posting it here is the faintest of hopes. Any help would be appreciated.

[Kris]

This is probably too recent - Science Sleuths: Solving Mysteries Using Scientific Inquiry by Howard Schindler?

Around what year did you read the book?
Were they more like scientists or detectives?
Was the reader supposed to try to solve the problem or puzzle before the ending?
Was it more about solving crimes or problems in general?

[Andy]

Mad Scientists' Club The Mad Scientists' Club, perhaps?

[Kris]

Andy's suggestion looks very promising. Charlie and a weather balloon are mentioned in the book, according to books.google.com.

[Chris]

That's it!!! My childhood is restored! Thank you so much!

Now I just need to figure out how to move it to solved...

[Andy]

Glad to help!