Janice VanCleave's Weather: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn Into Science Fair Projects

by Janice VanCleave

Overview

The perfect science fair idea books . Spectacular Science ProjectsJanice VanCleave's Weather
* Why does it rain?
* What causes thunder and lightning?
* How does a cloud form?
Janice VanCleave's Weather includes 20 fun and simple experimentsthat allow you to discover the answers to these and otherfascinating questions about weather, plus dozens of additionalsuggestions for developing your own science fair projects. Learnwhat causes lightning with a simple experiment using a roll of tapein a darkened room. Make a barometer from a soda bottle, straws,modeling clay, and colored water. Use a shoe box, plastic wrap, andsome soil to understand the greenhouse effect. All experiments useinexpensive household materials and involve a minimum ofpreparation and cleanup. Children ages 8-12 Also available in theSpectacular Science Projects Series Janice VanCleave's AnimalsJanice VanCleave's Earthquakes Janice VanCleave's ElectricityJanice VanCleave's Gravity Janice VanCleave's Machines JaniceVanCleave's Magnets Janice VanCleave's Molecules Janice VanCleave'sMicroscopes and Magnifying Lenses Janice VanCleave's VolcanoesKids.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780471032311
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	02/28/1995
Series:	Spectacular Science Project , #9
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	8.11(w) x 8.21(h) x 0.21(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

JANICE VANCLEAVE, the author of the popular Science for Every Kid series, is a former science teacher and a captivating presenter at museums, schools, and bookstores nationwide.

Table of Contents

Straight On!

Blue Sky.

Highs and Lows.

Up and Down.

More Heat.

Hot Box.

On the Move.

Windy.

Fronts.

Cloud Maker.

Rainy.

Dew Drops.

Frosty.

Icy.

Layered.

Flashers!.

Boom!

Twister.

Stormy.

Indicators.

Glossary.

Index.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 3-6-Twenty experiments about weather designed to guide children toward developing their own science-fair projects. Each chapter includes a ``recipe,'' which states the problem in the form of a question, e.g., ``What is the shape of a tornado?'' or ``How does frost form?,'' a list of materials, and a step-by-step procedure. The expected results are stated in a brief sentence or two, followed by a lengthier ``Why?'' section. ``Let's Explore'' contains recommendations for modifying the experiment slightly and additional questions related to the problem. ``Show Time!'' includes advice on setting up a science-fair display, and ``Check It Out!'' has suggestions for further study of the topic and ideas that might be developed into science-fair projects. Some of the line drawings show procedural steps, diagram results, and provide explanations; others are space fillers. Terms defined in the glossary appear in bold type. There is no bibliography, a disappointing omission in a book purporting to encourage research. The activities are standard fare, and the ``cookbook'' approach is attractive to science-shy students and teachers. However, young people seriously interested in developing original projects should be directed to other titles about weather for background information and inspiration.-Carolyn Angus, The Claremont Graduate School, CA

School Library Journal