The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science: 64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists

The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science: 64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists Review

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Always at a loss what to give our nephew for a Christmas present, came across this book at a local hobby store and found a better price on Amazon. I thought it'd be really fun as the science experiments require stuff usually found around the house! I also thought it'd get a kid away from computer games,nurture some science exploration, and avoid the "gift card" commercialization of Christmas giving! Well...not. The kid sorta threw it to the side like..."another loser gift for Christmas" attitude. I don't know if it's because he's 11 and already passed this, or just a Playstation/Wii guy, but this was definitely not a good gift for him. (As a MOM I would buy this for MY kids if I was still at that stage in the game. I'm a Gram already though so would consider it for my own grandkids now and do the experiments with them myself). I WISH parents would nurture this kind of hands on learning more often versus letting kids sit at pc/tv games, but...oh well.

As for the book itself, I think it was nicely written, fun and silly drawings to keep kids interested and amused, short and sweet directions, easy to find materials, real science theories... and I pictured it being a real hit. Can't figure it out : /

The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science: 64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists Feature

• Use ice to light a fire, make milk vanish or a CD hover.
• Detailed instructions and images make performing the 64 experiments in The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science easy and fun.
• Parental supervision recommended.
• 205 pages.
• Hardcover.

What could be more fun for kids than to have the kind of rip-roaring good time that harkens back to pre-video game, pre-computer days? Introducing 64 valuable science experiments that snap, crackle, pop, ooze, crash, boom, and stink! From Marshmallows on Steroids to Home-Made Lightning, the Sandwich Bag Bomb to Giant Air Cannon, The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science awakens kids' curiosity while demonstrating scientific principles like osmosis, air pressure, and Newton's Third Law of Motion.

Kids will love performing these experiments, which use common household ingredients and equipment, in front of an audience or for themselves (though many require adult supervision). Entries are categorized into seven chapters according to scientific theme and are written in a simple-to-follow recipe format. each includes a detailed explanation of the scientific principle involved and a "Take Care!" section with special tips. The book's design and illustrations recall the pulp fiction look of science magazines from the days when space travel was still considered sci-fi, while the author's voice is wry and a bit conspiratorial. He assumes his readers are clever and never coddles them. Drop Mentos into a bottle of diet soda and stand back as a geyser erupts! Launch a rocket made from a film canister! Encase your little brother in a giant soap bubble! For young scientists—and the young at heart—this book is a blast. Literally.

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Customer Reviews

Terrific Book - P. G. Kile - Palm Bay, FL
Every parent and grandparent should have this book. The kids are so fascinated and excited while performing each experiment. AND they learn something, too. Our grandson used the Frankenstein's Hand for his science project at his pre-K class. The kids thought it was great and he won first place. These are projects using everyday materials...they're easy. Buy one now!

Scary Fun! - SRaye - NOVA USA
Turn 'em loose and stand back. But beware......harmless and scary at the same time. Good bet for filling up those rainy days.


May 31, 2010 18:44:05