The Secret Life of Cosmetics: A Science Experiment Book

by Vicki Cobb

Briefly discusses the history of cosmetics and gives instructions for experiments which show how and why cosmetics such as shampoo, toothpaste, soap, and nail polish work.

Hardcover

First published November 19, 1985

About the author

Vicki Cobb, the “Master Chef of Hands-on Science,” a graduate of Barnard College and Columbia’s Teachers College, is a former science teacher with a M.A. in secondary school science. The publication of her classic book, Science Experiments You Can Eat, (an updated, revised edition was released in 2016 by HarperCollins) established her as an innovator in hands-on science. Take a look on her website www.vickicobb.com to get a sense of her playful and accessible approach to science in her 90+ books for grades K-8 that cover physics, chemistry and biology, biographies, geography, and the human body.

She is also pioneering a video project based on her book We Dare You! Check out the hilarious videos at www.wedareyouvideos.com

She has performed “Science Surprises,” her interactive and engrossing show for kids, in 49 of the fifty states (missing only North Dakota) as well as internationally. A veteran motivator/professional development presenter of day-long in-services/keynote speaker, Vicki uses her expertise, humor, wit and background as an educator to inspire teachers to make science teaching the highpoint of their day. Currently she is president and founder of iNK Think Tank, Inc., a nonprofit company that focuses on the contribution that nonfiction literature and its authors can make to education. She contributes to: The Nonfiction Minute, www.nonfictionminute.org/ (which has had 5+ million page views over the past five years) and has been a Contributor to the Huffington Post and has recently launched www.vickicobbsblog.com in connection with the Nonfiction Minute, where she writes commentary on education and reviews nonfiction books as inspiring reading for children hungry to learn about the real world. .

Vicki Cobb received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2012.

Reviews

[Nichole Perez · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a ton of interesting information! There where pictures to help back-up the information. Yet, the pictures were boring and colorless. The text explained the scientific process of cosmetics. Overall, I enjoyed the entire structure of the book.

I think students, regardless of age, would get board with the read. The pictures were done in black and white. Although the information was accurate, the pictures did little to help intrigue the reader. I feel that when students read a book they want something captivating and not something simple and with no zeal. Thus, I feel better illustrations could have been provided for the reader.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a bit dated, but still interseting. It is quite scienfic, and offers fun illustrations. The book tells readers about the historical uses of various cosmetics as well. The terms are explained nicely as well, which lead to deeper understanding of terminology. I think this book could be updated with photographs rather than the black and white drawings to make a bit more appealing, but it is a solid informational book nontheless.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and found the topic of it interesting. I learned a lot about the scientific side of cosmetics.