Horn Book Review
These volumes provide outlines for science fair projects in the behavioral (Family) and environmental (Junkyard) sciences. The procedures include just enough structure to help novice experimenters get started. There are no answers provided; instead, well-placed questions encourage creativity and further thinking. Each volume includes humorous cartoon spot illustrations and a section on preparing presentations. Reading list, websites. Ind. [Review covers these Science Fair Winners titles: Experiments to Do on Your Family and Junkyard Science.] (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Each book in the Science Fair Winners series sketches out 20 science projects related to a theme. Within the theme, the topics vary but generally deal with interesting issues that are relevant to both contemporary scientific research and everyday life. The projects found in Junkyard Science often deal with environmental science and recycling. The useful introductory section of each book lays out the goal of preparing a science-fair project, the methodology for carrying out such a project, and the sciences and social sciences to which the projects relate. Individual activities are broken down into steps, including instructions for carrying out the project, relevant vocabulary, time needed, and recent research findings. Each project is presented simply in three to four pages, but many of them are quite sophisticated and might be difficult for middle-schoolers to carry out without some adult help. Still, the casual writing style and Goldin's playful illustrations make the books and the projects approachable, and the pull quotes from scientists are engaging. A concluding section discusses preparing the project for presentation in a fair, and back matter features an index and a list of print and online resources, including places to find supplies.--Aronin, Miriam Copyright 2010 Booklist
