Annotated Build-It-Yourself Science Laboratory

Science is best learned hands on and this well-organized resource provides everything you need to create a home (or school) laboratory from the building of a complete science lab (including the workbench!) to 1600+ activities in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Lab activities are designed to be easy to implement at home and use mostly items that are easy to find locally. The author provides a resource list for purchasing items locally and online. Also included are an extensive chemical list (including common substitutes) and helpful appendices with weight and measure charts, temperature conversion table, periodic table, and extended notes. 305 pgs. pb.

Beginning with general science lab set up and safety practices, the book then divides into separate science fields. The Chemistry is a natural extension of the general lab safety. Projects vary and include generating oxygen, growing a crystal coal garden and crystal candy and more.

The Physics section, divided into six chapters, covers astronomy and light, atomic energy, electricity and magnetism, force, measurement and motion, geology and meteorology. Diverse projects include making a star chart, model planetarium, making (or recharging) a magnet, making a mercury switch, creating doorbell, mineral identification, making a volcano and much more.

Biology labs conclude the sections and introduces general biology equipment including making a basic, low power microscope. Basic microscopic activities follow before the chapter concludes with zoology projects.

Concluding projects are questions, called "Can you work like a scientist?" which challenge further investigation of the topic. Beyond these are abundant research ideas which are open-ended questions for investigation and span all three science fields. Worth mentioning, the research projects cover three grade and skill levels: Primary, Intermediate and Upper levels. While most activities are intermediate and upper levels, there are foundational activities for younger children as well. An example of a primary activity is "What effect has temperature on the rate at which snow melts?"

Simple black and white graphics, clearly explained purpose, materials and instructions are included. Wonderful resource for families and co-ops or classrooms who want to kindle student curiosity in STEM. ~ Deanne