Experiments with a Flashlight

Gr 2–4—Following brief introductions, each of these volumes offers 10 to 14 very simple demonstrations of chemistry or physics in action. The activities involve no more than two to six clearly explained steps, use easily available materials and substances, and conclude with an expected result. Big color photos, many showing young experimenters at work, make the projects easy to visualize. Lemon doesn't start off well, as readers are directed to cut a lemon in half on their own, and are unlikely to "Grow a Lemon Tree" from seed—but later endeavors include making invisible ink, a battery, and a bendable chicken bone, as well as making litmus paper and then going on to use it in tests. With similar versatility, a ruler is put to multiple uses: to make measurements, as a lever, a catapult, a balance beam, a whirling hummer, and more. There are no quizzes or reviews, but print and web lists lead to further hands-on resources.