Chemistry Projects with a Laboratory You Can Build »

Does mass change when water freezes? What is the source of the gas in a seltzer tablet? How is the rate at which something rusts affected by different chemicals? Learn to build your own chemistry lab with simple materials found around your home. Then it is time to start experimenting! Find answers to these and many other questions, along with great ideas for your own science fair project.

School Library Journal

Gr 7-10- Two interactive science books. Gardner begins both volumes with a brief discussion of their subjects, then defines science fairs and stresses the importance of going beyond these initial experiments if one expects to enter an actual competition. The scientific method is described in a fair amount of detail, and there is a serious discussion of safety issues. Experiments that require adult supervision are clearly marked, and readers are often directed to a science teacher for one or more of the listed items. The projects can be a bit overwhelming for students to tackle independently, but they will find the "you will need" lists quite useful. In Astronomy , students should be familiar and confident with math. In Chemistry , they need a certain understanding of chemical equations. The digitally rendered diagrams are helpful in clarifying the written directions. These volumes are involving and entertaining, but they might work best in a classroom setting.-Karen Scott, Valley Intermediate School, Pelham, AL