Cool plastic bottle and milk jug science

Gr 3-8-The projects in these books are at least as much science experiments as they are craft activities. Whether readers are learning about circuits by making their own flashlight out of office supplies and household items or making a mess with a vinegar rocket, they're getting a quick lesson on Newton's third law of motion or the movement of charged particles. Most of these projects are easily accomplished, requiring only a few easily sourced materials-lots of recycled containers, bendy straws, balloons, and the like. Written instructions are clear, and photographs of the project at various stages of construction are very helpful. Science-centered "Reusable Knowledge" sidebars are illustrated with diagrams or photos when necessary. A sharp black, white, and green color scheme gives the titles a sophisticated look. VERDICT Great page design and cool projects combine to make this series a winner. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A clever idea--using common recyclables to conduct science experiments--is undermined by a lack of unique activities and an emphasis on constructing rather than thinking. Each collection ranges across biological and physical science topics, with no scientific connections across the activities. Photographs clearly depict the products that result from each experiment. Critical thinking questions are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. [Review covers the following Edge Books: Recycled Science titles: Cool Plastic Bottle and Milk Jug Science and Amazing Cardboard Tube Science.] (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.