Experiment with Outdoor Science: Fun projects to try at home

by Nick Arnold, Giulia Zoavo (Illustrator)

Overview

Science isn’t limited to the classroom—it can be found out in the garden! This photographic book of experiments and projects covers covers chemical reactions, states of matter, microbiology, and much more—all with materials and equipment that can be found at home.

The STEAM Ahead series shows readers that science isn’t limited to the classroom—it can be found out in the garden, cooked up in the kitchen, and brought to life with paper and paints! Each book features clear, step-by-step instructions and has a fresh, contemporary design, with an emphasis on fun, achievable experiments to give kids hands-on experiences. The science behind each experiment is explained, giving readers the theory behind the practical activities. 

Titles in the series include:
STEAM Ahead: Experiment with Kitchen Science
STEAM Ahead: Experiment with Outdoor Science
​STEAM Ahead: Experiment with Art
STEAM Ahead: Experiment with Engineering

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780711243989
Publisher:	words & pictures
Publication date:	03/17/2020
Series:	STEAM Ahead Series
Pages:	80
Sales rank:	654,117
Product dimensions:	7.75(w) x 9.95(h) x 0.55(d)
Lexile:	IG810L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 10 Years

About the Author

Nick Arnold is a British writer of science books for children, best known for his hugely successful, award-winning series Horrible Science—one of which was awarded the Aventis prize. He is a keen supporter of libraries and founded the Appledore Book Festival after leading a campaign to save six libraries from closure.

Giulia Zoavo is an Italian illustrator based in Brooklyn who loves to tell stories and make people smile.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: MOVING MOMENTS
Float your boats
Massive megaphones
Make a parachute
Kite flight
Flying frisbee 
Getting in a spin
Snowball flight tests

Chapter 2: MIXING AND SEPARATING 
What goes around comes apart
Make giant bubbles 
Blow a bubble snake 
Volcanic eruptions
Soil secrets

Chapter 3: PLANTS
Grow potatoes
Growing cuttings
Glass garden
Everlasting flowers
Bark rubbing

Chapter 4: BUGS AND BIRDS
Snail racing
Super-strong shells
Wandering woodlice
Giant spider’s web
Bird breakfast

Chapter 5: SKY AND SPACE
Make a windsock 
Measure the Sun 
Shadow secrets 
Shadow time 
Make a rainbow
Rainy day science 
Moon mission
Map the stars

Glossary
Index 

Editorial Reviews

04/24/2020

Gr 3–6—Five topical chapters are designed to get readers outside and get curious. Topics include "Moving Moments," "Mixing and Separating," "Plants," "Bugs and Birds," and "Sky and Space." The chapters feature one experiment per spread with color photographs, supply lists, written instructions, and illustrations where needed. "Moving Moments" describes floating with boats; testing sound waves with a megaphone; learning about gravity and drag with a parachute; seeing the concept of lift in action with a kite and a helicopter; observing Bernoulli's principle with a flying disk, and discovering mass and momentum with artificial snowballs. The experiments dig into scientific concepts and provide easy-to-comprehend scientific explanations. An author's note advises completing the experiments in the order they were written to help readers make the most sense of the science presented. Most projects require several tools and supplies. The inclusion of experiments that require trapping and exploiting animals is unfortunate; a better choice would be to encourage children to carefully observe creatures in their own environment. VERDICT There are plenty of outdoor science books available—this one won't be missed.—Heather Acerro, Rochester Public Library, MN

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