Chemistry Science Fair Projects Using French Fries, Gumdrops, Soap, and Other Organic Stuff

April 1, 2005
Gr 7 Up -This book opens with a simple explanation of organic chemistry and a discussion of the various materials that are needed for the projects that follow. Students are encouraged to build upon the 29 experiments presented and to develop their own inquiries. Ideas for further experimentation and a thorough discussion of safety rules and advice are included. The experiments become more complex as the book progresses. Some of them require materials available only from a school laboratory or a science supply company (a list is appended), such as maleic and fumaric acids and copper sulfate crystals. Simple black-and-white drawings complement the text, and illustrations of chemical structures help to demonstrate reactions. A sound addition to science collections." -Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WA"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2005
Beginning with some safety guidelines, this book focuses on using everyday materials to illustrate scientific principles. The thirty experiments, which generally assume some prior knowledge, include materials lists, clear explanations of the process, and lists of associated project ideas. The tables and charts are instructive and break up the dense text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)