The science spell book : magical experiments for kids

The science spell book Magical experiments for kids

Cara Florance

Book - 2022

"Have you ever wished you could cast a real spell with the wave of a magic wand? Have you ever wanted to mix a real color-changing potion? Now kids can perform magical feats with a few simple ingredients and a little help from science. Written by biochemist Cara Florance, Science Spells is the perfect way to engage kids while teaching them about science. Each experiment includes simple instructions, diagrams to follow along with, and an explanation of the science behind each magical experiment. Experiments include: Elixir of Enlightenment: Brew a stunning color-changing tea Sanguine Energy: Use electricity to draw a picture Fluorescent Feast: Create a meal that glows under a black light Magic Wand: Build your very own wand that lights ...up when you grasp it And more!"--

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Subjects
Science > Experiments > Juvenile literature.
Science projects > Juvenile literature.
Published
Naperville, Illinois : Sourcebooks Explore [2022]
Language
English
Main Author
Cara Florance (author)
Physical Description
206 pages : color illustrations ; 24 cm
ISBN
9781728232522
  • Introduction
  • Foreword for Caregivers
  • How to Use This Book
  • What to Keep in Your Cupboard
  • Infusions
  • Elixir of Enlightenment
  • Brew a stunning blue tea that changes color when an edible acid is added to it!
  • Masked Message
  • Use pH indicators to relay secret messages!
  • Spectral Breath
  • Use your breath to change the color of a solution!
  • Color Inversion Spell
  • Create colorful salt-painting art using only one paint!
  • Sanguine Energy
  • Draw with electricity!
  • Transfigured Fare
  • Enjoy a color-changing snack!
  • Illumination
  • Spellbound Circuit
  • Draw the conductors of a circuit using a pencil!
  • Magic Wand
  • Create a magic wand that will light up when you grasp the stick in a certain way!
  • Fluorescent Feast
  • Create a meal that glows under a black light!
  • Astral Invocation
  • Make your own candles with a solar oven!
  • Extinguishing Effervescence
  • Combine baking soda and vinegar to create carbon dioxide, then use it to extinguish a flame without touching it!
  • Glowing Gauntlets
  • Create bracelets that light up when you cross your wrists!
  • Sorcery
  • The Oracle
  • Turn a classic wiggle-bot into a future-predicting game!
  • Rune Stones
  • Make trick stones that attract and repel each other like magic!
  • Planet Portal
  • Make a spin art box to create your own multimedia planet-inspired art!
  • Chaotic Calling
  • Learn about chaos theory by making art with magnets and a pendulum!
  • North Divination
  • Make a homemade compass!
  • Magnetic Manifestation
  • Generate a magnetic field using electricity to create an electromagnet!
  • Alchemy
  • Starch Transmogrification
  • Create a biodegradable bioplastic from household items!
  • Forge of the Microbes
  • Use microbes in kombucha to grow a biomat, then dry it to create a leather-like material!
  • Aquafaba Ascension
  • Use the liquid from a can of chickpeas (called aquafaba) to create a stunning and sweet treat!
  • Primal Pigments
  • Make your own watercolors and paints using natural products!
  • Magical Manna
  • Make artisan yeast bread with a twist-a purple center!
  • Sorcerer's Stone
  • Extract pink dye from avocado stones!
  • Mimicry
  • Arachnid Revivification
  • Assemble a wiggle-bot that will spin a web with your help!
  • Forest Nymph Conjuring
  • Craft a movable hand!
  • Dance of the Druids
  • Use dance to communicate the location of a treasure!
  • Biomineralization
  • Grow your own beautiful crystals!
  • Mercurial Larva
  • Create a trick toy that flips and turns when it is tilted!
  • Bewitching Blossoms
  • Make fluorescent cut flowers!
  • Glossary
Review by Booklist Review

Magic was once a way to explain the natural world. This delightful collection of 30 experiments flips this notion, showcasing the science behind seemingly magical activities while still embracing the wonder of nature. Chapters focus on a natural phenomenon inspired by magic, such as illumination (light), sorcery (forces), and alchemy (physical and chemical changes), with such outcomes as a magic wand (which lights up when grasped in a way that completes a circuit), divination (a homemade compass), and transfiguration (a color-changing snack!). The experiments, in turn, require a combination of easily accessible natural products (e.g., ground turmeric and cream of tartar) and craft items (e.g., LEDs and hobby motors). Each experiment begins with a rhyming, rhythmic incantation (which embeds a scientific explanation of the project) and includes overviews of both the historical aspects of the magic and the scientific concepts involved, step-by-step directions, and color photographs of the completed project. Spot art throughout reinforces the relationship between science and magic and illustrates some of the scientific concepts. Enchanting fun for kitchen scientists, classroom connections, or library programming.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review

Gr 3--6--In this unique approach to science, Florance attempts to capture readers' sense of wonder about the natural world and combine it with a scientific explanation of how these wonders occur. In this way, excitement and explanation are joined. The book is combined into five sections--infusions (pH and indicators), illumination (light), sorcery (forces), alchemy (physical and chemical changes), and mimicry (biology-inspired engineering). Each section contains several activities for children to try out and observe, many of which require several materials and adult supervision. The activities are introduced with a magical spell for readers to chant, some information about the "magical" history involved, colorful photos, and the science involved. For example, the section on infusions begins with a brief historical look at plants as medicine, an explanation of how acids and bases can cause chemical changes, and a chant along, with directions for making a blue tea that changes color when an edible acid is added. The author's knowledge and enthusiasm are evident throughout, and the detailed layout will keep readers engaged. The many activities provided are interesting and doable, but they vary in difficulty and amount of materials needed. VERDICT This is an appealing resource to encourage children, parents, teachers, and librarians to explore, enjoy, and celebrate science.--Myra Zarnowski

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

Science enchantment explored through 30 projects. Florance offers an intriguing entry into scientific phenomena for middle-grade readers. She groups these magical-seeming but science-based projects into five broad categories: infusions (acids, bases, and indicators), illumination (light), sorcery (forces such as gravity and electromagnetism), alchemy (physical and chemical changes), and mimicry (biologically inspired engineering). Each section includes an introduction explaining why these phenomena appeared magical to people in the past and a brief overview of the scientific concepts. Each activity is introduced with a "spell" consisting of four rhyming lines that outline the project's process and outcome. The materials will require some adult help to obtain, and adult supervision is often suggested. The step-by-step directions are clear and accompanied by colorful drawings and photographs. The projects range widely in scope and difficulty. Using pliers, readers take apart a highlighter pen to make flowers fluoresce under black light. Young people are also invited to complete an electric circuit through a pencil-line drawing and create "rune stones" with clay and small magnets. More skilled readers can cook food that glows under black light and make meringues from chickpea liquid and candles in a solar oven. For those who like to tinker, there are clever wiggle-bots made with hobby motors, batteries, LEDs, and hot glue. Teachers and youth group leaders as well as parents will welcome this volume. Wizardry with appeal for those both science-inclined and not. (glossary) (Nonfiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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