Painless Science Projects (Barron's Painless)

Book info: Painless Science Projects (Barron's Painless) (Paperback, 276 pages) – Barrons Educational Series, 1998. Language: English.

This book was written for kids who find science courses--and especially, science projects--daunting. Author Faith Hickman Brynie promises that she will show them "how to carry out a project that's as much fun as a day at the beach." Her opening chapter tells how to ask good science questions and shape them into promising plans for a project. Chapter 2 offers guidance in transforming an idea into a logical design that's safe, practical, and affordable. Succeeding chapters instruct on collecting and organizing data, writing a report or giving an oral presentation, building a display, and improving a project as it evolves. She also provides helpful checklists on topics ranging from safety to seeking expert help. Kids learn to enjoy doing original science projects, rather than merely repeating experiments taken from books. Middle school and high school students who think they hate science will change their minds in a hurry when they use this book. About the Author Faith Hickman Brynie is the author of 14 books on science and health topics. Several of her books have won recognition as "Best of the Year" from the American Association for the Advancement of Science; as "Children's Choice Selection" from the International Reading Association; and inclusion on the New York Public Library's "Books for the Teen Age" honor list. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. (from the Introduction) Introduction

A science project is like the ocean:

* To some kids, it's a chance for a cool, refreshing swim.

* To others, the water looks deep, the undertow seems strong, and every wave threatens drowning.

Whether you're a "science-swimmer" or a "science-sinker," this book is for you. It will show you how to carry out a project that's as much fun as a day at the beach. Soon, you'll find yourself splashing happily in that sea called science--no matter how wide, deep, and cold it may look to you now.

Chapter One tells you how to ask good science questions and shape them into promising plans. You'll examine different kinds of projects and discover some surefire ways to ruin your project every time.

Chapter Two provides some clues on how to find information about your topic. Chapter Three helps you shape your ideas into a logical design that's practical, safe, and affordable. In Chapter Four, you'll learn how to collect data and turn your numbers into tables, graphs, and useful statistics.

Chapter Five suggests ways to tell the world what you've found with displays, written reports, and oral presentations. Chapter Six is packed with a dozen, dandy checklists that will help you keep your head above water as you swim through your project. The lists give a quick review of everything from materials and supplies to project safety.

So for all you kids standing on the shore feeling either eager or afraid to dive in, this book is calling, "Come on in! The water's fine! "

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(excerpt from chapter 1):

Idea Hunt

All kinds of questions about the natural and physical world are fair game for science projects. Have you ever wondered

-how a pendulum clock keeps time?

-why farmers put fertilizer on crops?

-if Brand X cookie contains more chocolate chips than Brand Y?

-whether left-handed people are better artists than right-handed people?

-if you could build a robot to clean your room or program a computer to do your homework?

THINK FOR A MINUTE about everyday things you take for granted at home, at school, or in your community. What questions can you ask about them? How might you find answers--not by asking an expert or looking in an encyclopedia--but on your own?

Help! Where do I start?

You've already started if you've asked a question about the world you live in. That's where science projects begin--with questions you want to answer. But if you're stuck, don't worry. Ideas for science projects are everywhere.

In a pocket notebook, jot down things you see, hear, think about. Don't worry if your ideas are right for a science project. Just record them before you lose them.

Use your notebook to record things you notice or think about. You might write things such as

-that pond out by the highway. I wonder what lives there.

-people playing guitars in the subway. Why do the strings have different pitches?

-leaves falling it the park. Why are some red, some yellow, some brown?

-seeds in my grapes. Do green grapes have fewer seeds than purple grapes?

-ketchup on my T-shirt. Will one detergent get the stain out better than another?

-On the news, they said eating broccoli is good for you. I wonder if my friends eat many vegetables.