Description
Book SynopsisInspire a lifelong passion for science and nature with these outdoor physics, chemistry, and biology experiments for kids!
In Outdoor Science Lab for Kids, scientist and mom Liz Heinecke presents 52 family-friendly labs designed to get kids outside in every season. From playground physics to backyard bugs, this book makes it fun and easy to dig into the natural sciences and learn more about the world around you.
Following clear, photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions, have fun learning about:
-
The laws of physics by constructing and using a marshmallow catapult.
-
Centripetal forces by swinging a sock filled with gelatin snack and marbles.
-
Earthworms by using ground mustard seed dissolved in water to make them wriggle to the surface.
-
Germination by sprouting a sapling from a pine cone or tree seed.
-
Surface tension and capillary action by growing baking soda stalagmites and stalactites.
- And so much more!
Along with the experiments, you’ll find:
- Tips for keeping a science journal.
- Suggestions for taking your experimentation to the next level with “Creative Enrichment.”
- Accessible explanations of “The Science Behind the Fun.”
- Safety tips and hints.
The experiments can be used as part of a homeschool curriculum, for family fun, at parties, or as educational activities for groups. Many of the simple and inexpensive experiments are safe enough for toddlers, yet exciting enough for older kids, so families can discover the joy of science and STEM education together.
*Outdoor Science Lab for Kids was a 2017 Finalist for the AAAS/Subaru Prize for excellence in science books.*
The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields.
Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels.
Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.
Table of ContentsIntroduction
Unit 1. Captivating Creatures
Lab 1. Macroinvertebrate Marvels
Lab 2. Water Bear (Tardigrade) Hunt
Lab 3. Tadpole Transformation
Lab 4. Butterfly Garden
Unit 2. Driveway Physics
Lab 5. Produce-Bag Parachutes
Lab 6. Crazy Catapult
Lab 7. Cardboard-Box Projector
Lab 8. Sock Centrifuge
Lab 9. The Bernoulli Effect
Unit 3. Invertebrate Inspection
Lab 10. Bug House
Lab 11. Sweep Net Insect Inspection
Lab 12. Fishing for Flatworms
Lab 13. Earthworm Eruption
Unit 4. Picnic Table Chemistry
Lab 14. Foaming Slime
Lab 15. Giant Bubbles
Lab 16. Sidewalk Frescos
Lab 17. Lemonade Stand Lip Balm
Lab 18. Super Spheres
Unit 5. Bountiful Botany
Lab 19. Flowerbox Phototropism
Lab 20. Marvelous Moss
Lab 21. Petal Bomb
Lab 22. Aquatic Oxygen
Lab 23. Tiny Trees
Unit 6. Atmospheric and Solar Science
Lab 24. Solar Heat Beam
Lab 25. Sun Prints
Lab 26. Bike-Pump Cloud
Lab 27. Flipped Water Glass
Lab 28. Ultraviolet Wave Detector
Unit 7. Garden Hose Science
Lab 29. Siphon Roller Coaster
Lab 30. Kiddie Pool Boats
Lab 31. Wave Science
Lab 32. Water Elevator
Unit 8. Playground Physics
Lab 33. Ramp Races
Lab 34. Swing Pendulum
Lab 35. Picnic Blanket Relativity
Unit 9. Glorious Gardening
Lab 36. Allelopathy Experiment
Lab 37. Comprehending Compost
Lab 38. Plant Race
Lab 39. Garden Guest Book
Unit 10. Excellent Ecology
Lab 40. Protected Pitfall Traps
Lab 41. Algae Aquarium
Lab 42. Capture-Mark-Recapture
Lab 43. Moonlit Nature Walk
Lab 44. Quadrat Sampling
Unit 11. Earth Science
Lab 45. Supercool Experiment
Lab 46. Crystal Caves
Lab 47. Soil Filtration
Unit 12. Frozen Fun
Lab 48. Ice Cream Keep Away
Lab 49. Mouthwatering Maple Candy
Lab 50. Snow Melt Experiment
Lab 51. Frozen Volcanoes
Lab 52. Cold-Air Balloons
Resources
Acknowledgments
About the Author
