BooksForKidsBlog

Saturday, January 27, 2007

It's Science Fair Time! Books to Save Your Sanity


Mid-winter is the favorite time for school science fairs, and if there's one in your future, do I have some books for you! Believe me, you'll need 'em.

A good science project book should begin with a clear presentation of the scientific method, suggestions on choosing a project, forming the hypothesis, designing experiments, collecting and interpreting data, writing a conclusion, and preparing an oral and/or graphic presentation. Projects described should have lists and sources of materials, complete directions, and clear illustrations. Start with a basic book strong on process and then look for titles specializing in specific areas of science.

Here are just a few of the many available online, at your bookstore, and in your school and public libraries:

Complete Handbook of Science Fair Projects, by Julianne Bochinski. (Best for middle and high school students)

Janice Van Cleave's Guide to the Best Science Fair Projects, by Janice Van Cleave (duh!). (good for grades 3-6)

Quick-but-Great Science Fair Projects, by Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone. (Also good for grades 3-7).

Janice Van Cleave's Help! My Science Project Is Due Tomorrow. (for the procrastinator who has to turn in something!)

Sports Science Projects: the Physics of Balls in Motion, by Madeline Pl Goodstein. (Make an A in science and improve your field goal percentage?)

Electricity and Magnetism Science Fair Projects, by Robert Gardner. (Gardner has similar project guides for most areas of the physical and natural sciences.)

If your young scientist needs a little motivation (or diversion), try these fiction books for a dose of "misery loves company" and a few laughs:

Jake Drake, Know-It-All, by Andrew Clements. Jake sets out to ace the school fair to win a super computer, but he learns something about knowledge being its own reward in the process.

I Was a Third-Grade Science Project, by Mary Jane Auch. When brainy Brian and Josh demonstrate their science fair project on hypnotism, Brian manages to hypnotize Josh into behaving like a cat, and only their formerly lame partner Dougie manages to save the presentation.

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5 Comments:

  • Here is the most complete science fair instantly downloadable ebook, Super Science Fair Projects.net that covers every aspectic of doing a science fair project 129 pages. You can't go wrong!

    By Blogger Madeline, at 7:42 PM  

  • Dear Madeline,
    That's a cool suggestion, especially for the procrastinators who don't have time to wait for UPS! Will post it for whoever needs it. Thanks!

    GTC

    By Blogger GTC, at 10:08 AM  

  • Great post; thank you! I have also found some great science fair tips/ideas and other free education resources at www.sciencefairsanity.com.

    By Blogger Samantha Shirley, at 6:57 AM  


  • Nice blog.
    Great information.
    In 2002, based on need, Bookworm central moved into larger warehouses in Manassas, VA. From that time to now, the scope of work continues to expand to assist stakeholders in building and delivering customized literacy programs, providing an updated online shopping platform, operating as a bulk order fulfillment and distribution facility, exploring and developing technologies that support like-minded collaborators, and offering special services such as training's, workshops, collection and content development for literacy supporters.

    By Blogger sanjay, at 1:10 AM  

  • Nice blog.
    Great Information.
    Online Book fairs
    Host your own school bookstore! Customize your school landing page to welcome your community; post messages, and share recommended book lists. An alternative to traditional online book fairs, your school bookstore provides year-round access to great books and games, while offering fundraising opportunities to benefit your organization and community alike.

    By Blogger sanjay, at 1:59 AM  

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