How science works

by John Farndon (primary_contributor)

An exciting and colorfully illustrated collection of one hundred science experiments and projects from a best-selling series offers a unique way for children and parents to come together in a fun exploration of the wonders of science. Reprint.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Childrens, Reference, Juvenile

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

John Farndon is an internationally known author, as well as a playwright, composer and songwriter, whose work has been performed at such theatres as the Donmar and Almeida in London and the Salisbury Playhouse and selected for showcases, such as Beyond the Gate.

He has written hundreds of books, which have sold millions of copies around the world in most major languages and include many best-sellers, such as the award-winning Do Not Open, which received rave reviews in the USA and became a cult-hit as well as featuring on the New York Times and Washington Post best-seller lists. In earlier years, he wrote mostly for children, and has been shortlisted a record four times for the junior Science Book prize. Books such as How Science Works and How the Earth Works each sold over a million copies worldwide. But recently he has written much more for adults.

Many of his books focus on popular science, and in particular earth science, nature, and environmental issues. His Practical Encyclopedia of Rocks and Mineral is widely used as a reference work by geologists, while The Atlas of Oceans, his big book on endangered life in the oceans for Yale in the USA (A&C Black in the UK and Australian Geographic in Australia), garnered glowing reports prepublication from major figures such as the Cousteaus, Carl Safina, Nancy Knowlton and Harm de Blij.

But he has covered a wide range of topics, from contemporary China to the food market. The history of ideas and intellectual curiosity is a particular speciality.

In 2010, his book for Icon Do You Think You're Clever? was a best-seller, reaching the top 20 on Amazon and the top 10 in South Africa and Turkey, and was shortlisted for the Society of Authors Education Award. The follow-up The World’s Greatest Idea was selected as one of the top 50 Wish List books of the year in South Africa.

He has been interviewed extensively on radio and TV stations around the world, and conducted talks, demonstrations and displays at many events, from the Brighton Science Festival to the Oxford Literary Festival.

Reviews

[Maryam Fehmina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful book indeed! Full of interesting experiments of physics and chemistry. I myself did some of the experiments from it. More over, the describtion given in the book , for a particular topic is logical enough to satisfy the reader. The language is simple and lucid, easy for a 7th-10th grader to understand.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book, introducing the fundamental principles of science. Although the book is geared for children, the entire family could learn from this book. (P through I). Any question a child may have a bout "how things work" can be found in thi sbook and explained in a way both a child and a non scientific minded adult could understand. In today's world, children use the web to have questions answered. But his book is fun to peruse with an adult where both the parent or teacher can interact and learn together. The book is illustrated using familiar concepts to explain often difficult principles.

[Ylva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for accessible science fair projects. Color pictures go over better than the more typical b&w drawings and clear directions means kids will be able to do it solo.

Dig it out again during summer break and for next years science fair.

[Cws]

J507.8Han

[Walt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although written for younger audiences, some of the concepts are difficult for youngsters to understand.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book my father got me when I was in elementary school helped me with runner up in the science fair that year. Great for kids. start young and they will love science just like I do.

[Awaisarif225 · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Caroline L.]

i love it