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11 Experiments That Failed
"This is a most joyful and clever whimsy, the kind that lightens the heart and puts a shine on the day," raved Kirkus Reviews in a starred review.
Is it possible to eat snowballs doused in ketchup—and nothing else—all winter? Can a washing machine wash dishes? By reading the step-by-step instructions, kids can discover the answers to such all-important questions along with the book's curious narrator. Here are 12 "hypotheses," as well as lists of "what you need," "what to do," and "what happened" that are sure to make young readers laugh out loud as they learn how to conduct science experiments (really!).
Jenny Offill and Nancy Carpenter—the ingenious pair that brought you 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore —have outdone themselves in this brilliant and outrageously funny book.
Is it possible to eat snowballs doused in ketchup—and nothing else—all winter? Can a washing machine wash dishes? By reading the step-by-step instructions, kids can discover the answers to such all-important questions along with the book's curious narrator. Here are 12 "hypotheses," as well as lists of "what you need," "what to do," and "what happened" that are sure to make young readers laugh out loud as they learn how to conduct science experiments (really!).
Jenny Offill and Nancy Carpenter—the ingenious pair that brought you 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore —have outdone themselves in this brilliant and outrageously funny book.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2011
24 people are currently reading
683 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Offill
24 books1,926 followersJenny Offill is an American author born in Massachusetts. Her first novel Last Things was published in 1999 was a New York Times Notable book and a finalist for the L.A Times First Book Award.
She is also the co-editor with Elissa Schappell of two anthologies of essays and the author of several children's books She teaches in the MFA programs at Brooklyn College, Columbia University and Queens University.
She is also the co-editor with Elissa Schappell of two anthologies of essays and the author of several children's books She teaches in the MFA programs at Brooklyn College, Columbia University and Queens University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
August 23, 2023
Jenny Offill’s “11 Experiments That Failed” is a silly, funny little book. The book was beautifully illustrated. The only thing that might concern me is that some kids (e.g., like me when I was a kid!) might actually try to recreate the so-called experiments. Other than this, the book was enjoyable and amusing.
May 6, 2018
Buy this for your classroom, and for every family with patient parents that you know. Humanity desperately needs more scientists. And I believe the other reviewers who say that this short, funny book will inspire children to engage their curiosity to explore their world. And at the same time it does introduce some of the key aspects of the scientific method.
And, of course, though it shouldn't need to be mentioned, it's wonderful that the MC is a girl.
And, of course, though it shouldn't need to be mentioned, it's wonderful that the MC is a girl.
January 14, 2012
For some reason, I thought that 11 Experiments That Failed would be about historical experiments that failed, like... uh, I can't even think of any. But you know what I mean. However, it turned out to be something a lot more whimsical and fun than that. It's about a nameless girl who performs 11 "science experiments." Each would be a stretch to call "experiments," given that the hypotheses are things like, "A kid can survive on a diet of snowballs and ketchup." But they're really fun and what's really great is that each "experiment" is written up like an actual science experiment, with a question ("Can a kid make it through the winter eating only snow and ketchup?"), hypothesis ("Ketchup and snow are the only food groups a kid needs"), "what you need"/materials list ("-ketchup; -snow"), "what to do" ("1. Make snowball. 2. Dip in ketchup. 3. Eat. 4. Repeat three times a day until spring."), and "what happened" ("-stomachache; -brain freeze; -love of ketchup wavering"). Although the "experiments" are playful and silly and unrealistic, they could also be a good intro for thinking about science experiments and how they are conducted.
Some of the experiment outcomes made me laugh out loud, such as one about taking a gerbil on a Ferris wheel ("hypothesis: Gerbils would like bigger wheels."), which ended with "Gerbil not allowed on ride. (Too short.)" But I think I must be getting too old, because I started thinking, "What if kids actually try these 'experiments,' like washing dishes in a washing machine? That's hundreds of dollars in repairs, right there!" Would kids actually try things like flushing a bottle down a toilet, or watering plants with fancy perfume? I'm thinking no, but hey, I did some weird stuff when I was a kid, too.
As for the illustration style, an interesting feature is that each page is primarily pen-and-ink (with some computer illustration), but each page has a photographic component, like a ketchup packet, a garden hose, or a tutu. You don't always notice it, but once you do, you'll start seeing it on every page.
I thought that this was a fun book, and while you'd have to be a moderately good reader to use this for a readaloud or (older kids) storytime, it's doable. This would also make a good gift, as I think it's something kids might like to own.
Ages 7-9
Some of the experiment outcomes made me laugh out loud, such as one about taking a gerbil on a Ferris wheel ("hypothesis: Gerbils would like bigger wheels."), which ended with "Gerbil not allowed on ride. (Too short.)" But I think I must be getting too old, because I started thinking, "What if kids actually try these 'experiments,' like washing dishes in a washing machine? That's hundreds of dollars in repairs, right there!" Would kids actually try things like flushing a bottle down a toilet, or watering plants with fancy perfume? I'm thinking no, but hey, I did some weird stuff when I was a kid, too.
As for the illustration style, an interesting feature is that each page is primarily pen-and-ink (with some computer illustration), but each page has a photographic component, like a ketchup packet, a garden hose, or a tutu. You don't always notice it, but once you do, you'll start seeing it on every page.
I thought that this was a fun book, and while you'd have to be a moderately good reader to use this for a readaloud or (older kids) storytime, it's doable. This would also make a good gift, as I think it's something kids might like to own.
Ages 7-9
November 14, 2012
History with all its facts, dates, theories, and changes always inspired me to read, study, and learn as a kid. So my love and fascination with science experiments has always shocked me a bit. Now mind you—science class *snooze, bore, drool* rarely held my attention. (*Exception: The Periodical Table of Elements section always fascinated me. I researched every single element and property….Anywho) I mean the handmade, do around the house, hope the kitchen doesn’t blow up kind of experiments! Let’s just say I got into a lot of trouble growing up and Jenny Offill brought back a lot of memories. :D
Our creative scientist presents eleven fun experiments each with a question, hypothesis, supplies, and conclusions. Most experiments do result in trouble for our headstrong and curious scientist, but at least she had fun and learned something new along the way. She now knows yodeling in the car results in walking to school and dogs don’t stay covered in glitter for long. Haha…
My favorite experiment was—will a piece of bologna fly like a Frisbee? Off to find out now….
A clever book full of imagination and fun sure to spark a love of science, but also cause mayhem, strange smells, and weeks of extra chores to pay for the damages.
Good luck! Don’t blow up the kitchen! ;)
May 10, 2012
My niece read this on her own over the weekend, and then we read it together today. I asked her what she thought of it, and she said, "I *loved* it! It was just great! And it was funny, and it also inspired me to try my own science experiment!" Naturally, I was delighted by this. Her question was, "Will regular liquids turn into fizzy liquids?" According to her, her hypothesis was, "Yes. If I stir them." Apparently her hypothesis turned out to be correct, especially with vigorous stirring. :-) 11 Experiments That Failed did just what I wanted it to do. Using humor, it showed my niece the *basics* of the scientific method, and it encouraged her to come up with, design, and execute her own experiment using the scientific method.
The experiments done in this book probably do stray into the territory of "ill-advised," but that's where the humor comes in, and that's what makes this book most appopriate for kids who are mature enough to realize that story book behavior used for comic effect is not always appropriate behavior for real life. These funny experiments also open the door for discussion about how when we push the limits of knowledge we might have to prepare ourselves for unexpected or undesirable results. The book could even open the door to a discussion about ethics in science. Teachers or parents could get lots of mileage out of this book!
The experiments done in this book probably do stray into the territory of "ill-advised," but that's where the humor comes in, and that's what makes this book most appopriate for kids who are mature enough to realize that story book behavior used for comic effect is not always appropriate behavior for real life. These funny experiments also open the door for discussion about how when we push the limits of knowledge we might have to prepare ourselves for unexpected or undesirable results. The book could even open the door to a discussion about ethics in science. Teachers or parents could get lots of mileage out of this book!
May 22, 2012
This is a hilarious book about a very curious and imaginative girl who conducts a series of experiments to answer her questions. My husband has often encouraged our girls to answer a question by posing a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, and observing the results. He encourages this empirical exploration in order for our girls to discover the truth for themselves, rather than just being told.
The questions and experiments that the little girl comes up with are quite creative and certainly evoke a child's sense of wonder. The results usually involve the little girl getting into trouble, although she isn't necessarily being outright naughty; she just pushes the bounds of good choices and common sense beyond what her mom considers reasonable. And pushing boundaries are what growing up is all about, right?
The illustrations in this book are fun and whimsical. We loved the detailed diagrams on the end pages. In the beginning, the little girl has devised a Rube Goldberg-kind of machine to deliver a slice of bologna to her plate. In the back of the book, we see the results of that machine's actions. Too funny! And we loved the little girl's sense of femininity, with her skirt and pink safety glasses (that look suspiciously like ski goggles.)
Overall, we really enjoyed reading this book together. We immediately recognized the little girl from the book, 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore, and our girls were really excited to read this book to discover what she got into this time. Once again, we discussed her poor choices in this book and I cautioned our girls not to emulate her (please!) But I do have to give her kudos for her spunk, inventive spirit and thirst for knowledge. We will certainly look for more collaborations by this author/illustrator team!
The questions and experiments that the little girl comes up with are quite creative and certainly evoke a child's sense of wonder. The results usually involve the little girl getting into trouble, although she isn't necessarily being outright naughty; she just pushes the bounds of good choices and common sense beyond what her mom considers reasonable. And pushing boundaries are what growing up is all about, right?
The illustrations in this book are fun and whimsical. We loved the detailed diagrams on the end pages. In the beginning, the little girl has devised a Rube Goldberg-kind of machine to deliver a slice of bologna to her plate. In the back of the book, we see the results of that machine's actions. Too funny! And we loved the little girl's sense of femininity, with her skirt and pink safety glasses (that look suspiciously like ski goggles.)
Overall, we really enjoyed reading this book together. We immediately recognized the little girl from the book, 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore, and our girls were really excited to read this book to discover what she got into this time. Once again, we discussed her poor choices in this book and I cautioned our girls not to emulate her (please!) But I do have to give her kudos for her spunk, inventive spirit and thirst for knowledge. We will certainly look for more collaborations by this author/illustrator team!
October 25, 2011
A series of experiments take place in this book, each one funnier than the next. They attempt to answer questions like: Can a kid make it through the winter eating only snow and ketchup? Do dogs like to be covered in glitter? Will a piece of bologna fly like a Frisbee? The only way to find out is for the protagonist to test it scientifically. That means trying to eat only ketchup and snow and observing the results. Sprinkling her dog with glitter to see what happens. Testing flight capabilities of bologna in the lunchroom of school. All of the experiments have a question, a hypothesis, instructions, and results. Budding scientists are sure to find plenty to laugh along with in this book, along with new ideas for experiments of their own.
This very funny book and also great fun to share. The book design plays a big role in the fun. Since the results are after a page turn, we enjoyed guessing what the results of the experiments would be. Each experiment is unique, silly and entirely engaging. The other winning part of the book is that this is a girl doing science, wearing her pink goggles and gloves, and her lab coat.
The illustrations add to appeal. The collage illustrations mix photographs and drawing. They are quirky, colorful and glorious.
Get this one in the hands of science teachers who are teaching the scientific process. Young scientists will also love it as well as any kid who enjoys silliness in their books. But beware of flying bologna! Appropriate for ages 5-8.
This very funny book and also great fun to share. The book design plays a big role in the fun. Since the results are after a page turn, we enjoyed guessing what the results of the experiments would be. Each experiment is unique, silly and entirely engaging. The other winning part of the book is that this is a girl doing science, wearing her pink goggles and gloves, and her lab coat.
The illustrations add to appeal. The collage illustrations mix photographs and drawing. They are quirky, colorful and glorious.
Get this one in the hands of science teachers who are teaching the scientific process. Young scientists will also love it as well as any kid who enjoys silliness in their books. But beware of flying bologna! Appropriate for ages 5-8.
October 7, 2011
The perfect book for budding scientists. My five-year-old laughed his way through. We get a question, hypothesis, instructions, and conclusions for each experiment, from "What makes fungus grow?" to "Will a piece of bologna fly like a Frisbee?" While there is more mischief than science going on in this book, it is a solid, silly introduction to the scientific method.
The illustrations are an interesting combination of ink and digital media. I liked them.
The illustrations are an interesting combination of ink and digital media. I liked them.
March 4, 2019
This was incredibly cute. (While waiting for my doctor's note to make it through the rounds and get through to ETS, I read this through my public library's ebook service because I determined it was short enough that it would not make my eyes too bleary.)
You know, lots of books you REALLY don't want to read on the computer because of having to stare at the light for hours and hours and hours - while also comprehending what on earth the author is trying to tell you...? I keep insisting on reading War & Peace that way since I keep thinking to myself "if it's only a little bit at a time it won't kill me" - but it probably will do some kind of damage...
BUT BACK TO THIS BOOK IN PARTICULAR!
I think this book encourages youth into using the scientific method in a creative way, without going into what exactly The Scientific Method entails. (...which is, by the way, investigating curiosities and testing out what you think about what makes them work.)
For example, what happens really if you stick what should go into the dishwasher into the laundry machine? The illustrations of this book indicate perhaps that is not the best of plans, so now you can explore all the other possibilities on your own free time.
So the audience is evidently grade-school child, but I as one who intends on being a grad-school student sooner or later, found it entertaining and short enough to enjoy.
You know, lots of books you REALLY don't want to read on the computer because of having to stare at the light for hours and hours and hours - while also comprehending what on earth the author is trying to tell you...? I keep insisting on reading War & Peace that way since I keep thinking to myself "if it's only a little bit at a time it won't kill me" - but it probably will do some kind of damage...
BUT BACK TO THIS BOOK IN PARTICULAR!
I think this book encourages youth into using the scientific method in a creative way, without going into what exactly The Scientific Method entails. (...which is, by the way, investigating curiosities and testing out what you think about what makes them work.)
For example, what happens really if you stick what should go into the dishwasher into the laundry machine? The illustrations of this book indicate perhaps that is not the best of plans, so now you can explore all the other possibilities on your own free time.
So the audience is evidently grade-school child, but I as one who intends on being a grad-school student sooner or later, found it entertaining and short enough to enjoy.
February 27, 2018
I loved this book! I chose this book as a WOW-book because of the scientific vocabulary and the use of the scientific method. Because of that, I decided to use this book as my Science Fiction book. I think this would be a great book for any grade, k-5! "11 Experiments That Failed" by Jenny Offill and Nancy Carpenter is a wonderful book all about promoting a growth mindset. I would use this book to show my students that any question can be turned into a scientific question as well as to show them that even failed experiments teach us new things. I would also use this book to start a discussion about growth mindset and I would ask the students why they think the author wrote the book if all of the experiments failed. Finally, I would use this book to inspire ideas and to review the scientific method and then I would have the students plan their own science experiments based off of their own random questions (even if they don't work)!
July 17, 2019
A fun book that illustrates for children the steps involved in the scientific process: Question, Hypothesis, Planning an Experiment, Analyzing the Results. Great scientific vocab, relatable “scientific” questions for kids, and full of humor! Most importantly, it highlights that “failures” are a natural and necessary part of the scientific process AND the process of learning. Students in an elementary science class will love this!
January 7, 2017
so happy that beavers were mentioned!!!
April 6, 2015
1. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty copyright 2013. Twin text for celebration of achievement of inventors nonfiction set.
2. I selected this book to demonstrate the scientific method for students. It takes a look at a step-by-step process to reach the result. In relation to Rosie, students can determine whether or not the author of the 11 Experiments felt failure or had things turn out differently than expected. She didn't let failure of embarrassment stop her from trying things again.
3. The text structure is using scientific procedure, developing hypothesis, cause and effect, description, and question and answer.
4. The strategy application of applying the steps in the experiments to the cause and effect graphic organizer would be engaging for students. Then to address the steps in the scientific process and develop problem and solution for each the experiments. What caused the experiment to go well or not so well? Did the writer have times when she felt failure? Did the writer have times of embarrassment? Establishing the steps of the scientific method helps in solving other problems. Have students think of a problem that they could work through the scientific method. Develop through the process as a group with a general problem, and then have them try one of their own problems. What is the hypothesis? Did they get a desired result? What could they do differently the next time? The concept that through change we can develop our desired outcome is theme to address.
2. I selected this book to demonstrate the scientific method for students. It takes a look at a step-by-step process to reach the result. In relation to Rosie, students can determine whether or not the author of the 11 Experiments felt failure or had things turn out differently than expected. She didn't let failure of embarrassment stop her from trying things again.
3. The text structure is using scientific procedure, developing hypothesis, cause and effect, description, and question and answer.
4. The strategy application of applying the steps in the experiments to the cause and effect graphic organizer would be engaging for students. Then to address the steps in the scientific process and develop problem and solution for each the experiments. What caused the experiment to go well or not so well? Did the writer have times when she felt failure? Did the writer have times of embarrassment? Establishing the steps of the scientific method helps in solving other problems. Have students think of a problem that they could work through the scientific method. Develop through the process as a group with a general problem, and then have them try one of their own problems. What is the hypothesis? Did they get a desired result? What could they do differently the next time? The concept that through change we can develop our desired outcome is theme to address.
April 23, 2012
A delightful follow-up to 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore, both text and art avoid a sophomore slump. There is as much predictability in the text, but this time it is format rather than words, as the young troublemaker keeps scientific notes about hypotheses, procedures, and observations, an interesting twist for a struggling reader. Similarly, the illustrations have been made with the same media and process, but Carpenter has upped the collage feeling in a way that supports the text's lab-notebook feel. For someone who usually finds herself disappointed in sequels, I closed the book pleased to see my cynicism lying dead on the ground, being gnawed by a mail order beaver.
October 18, 2011
This clever story clearly demonstrates the difference between intelligence and wisdom, as the little girl tries various "experiments" with no real idea of the possible consequences.
Ranging from a trial diet of ketchup snowballs to the testing of bologna frisbees, her ideas are hilarious, and generally doomed from the start. Still, her brain is fertile, tenacious and amazingly warped. I expect her to grow up to be a mad scientist of the finest caliber.
Any kid who has ever tried to do something which seemed like a good idea at the time will appreciate both her attempts and the results, which often include suffering punishments.
By the end of the story, though, one wonders how her mother can sustain any semblance of sanity.
Ranging from a trial diet of ketchup snowballs to the testing of bologna frisbees, her ideas are hilarious, and generally doomed from the start. Still, her brain is fertile, tenacious and amazingly warped. I expect her to grow up to be a mad scientist of the finest caliber.
Any kid who has ever tried to do something which seemed like a good idea at the time will appreciate both her attempts and the results, which often include suffering punishments.
By the end of the story, though, one wonders how her mother can sustain any semblance of sanity.
November 22, 2011
The author of 17 Things I’m Not Allowed to Do comes up with another list book. This time, our main character shows all the experiments she tried that failed, cleverly revealing in the process the quirky quality of children’s thinking. Absolutely delightful.
“Question:
What makes fungus grow?
Hypothesis:
If left in a closet, food will rot and become a colorful fungus garden.
What You Need:
Brother’s shoes
Bread and cheese
Water
What to Do:
1. Place food inside shoes.
2. Sprinkle with water.
3. Hide shoes in back of closet.
4. Return in two weeks.
What Happened:
Experiment is still under way.” (Accompanying drawing shoes a tennis shoe with mushrooms growing out of it.)
“Question:
What makes fungus grow?
Hypothesis:
If left in a closet, food will rot and become a colorful fungus garden.
What You Need:
Brother’s shoes
Bread and cheese
Water
What to Do:
1. Place food inside shoes.
2. Sprinkle with water.
3. Hide shoes in back of closet.
4. Return in two weeks.
What Happened:
Experiment is still under way.” (Accompanying drawing shoes a tennis shoe with mushrooms growing out of it.)
October 17, 2011
Ok, stop: the peaceful, rapturous expression on our girl scientist's face as she lets fly a slice of bologna in the school cafeteria would have sold me on this book even if I had not already been giggling, snorting, and cackling on almost every page prior.
Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/201...
Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/201...
March 20, 2012
This was very funny. I want to read it to my visiting 2nd graders, even though I'd planned this whole guessing game theme--experiments are kind of games, right!?
April 2, 2012
My daughter loved this book! It's one of the few books she's taught herself to read all by herself!
March 26, 2014
The increasingly-rare picture book that holds the 2nd grader's attention and tickles his sense of humor. I loved the premise, the illustrations, and the silliness.
Read
December 15, 2016I wish I hadn't read this aloud. I guess I hope this will expose her to the scientific method?
November 30, 2020
Science experiments unsupervised and their consequences. We giggled bunches.
October 20, 2011
Not as good as 17 things i'm not allowed to do anymore but a laugh out loud kind of book
June 10, 2017
This has a format of question, hypothesis, what you need, what to do, and what happened.
I initially thought this was going to be out real scientists with failed experiments.
Instead, it's made of kid questions.
* Can a kid make it through the winter eating only snow and ketchup?
* What makes fungus grow? (involves growing things in her brother's shoe)
* Would gerbils like bigger wheels? (involves a ferris wheel)
* Do dogs like to be covered in glitter? (results in a pink backyard)
* What is the best way to speed up a boring car ride? (she tries yodeling)
etc.
So, it's more than a little silly. In many ways, this book is a typical "naughty kid" book, but with a very structured format.
I thought the first 2 questions had promise (about eating snow & ketchup and growing fungus). They got sillier from there. She tried to take a gerbil on a ferris wheel, which really has nothing other than shape in common with a gerbil wheel. Gerbils use a gerbil wheel for exercise. You have to sit to ride a ferris wheel.
She ended up trying to use perfume rather than water to water a plant. (Not a bad idea, but an expensive one.) And then sprayed stinky cheese with perfume to make it smell better. Hard to believe that after getting in trouble with perfume once, she went back to it so quickly. Plus, one would hope that a scientist (even a young one) would appreciate edible/non-edible distinctions.
And there's a definite lack of clarity in the questions/hypothesis (you can't try just one thing if you're looking for a "best").
I initially thought this was going to be out real scientists with failed experiments.
Instead, it's made of kid questions.
* Can a kid make it through the winter eating only snow and ketchup?
* What makes fungus grow? (involves growing things in her brother's shoe)
* Would gerbils like bigger wheels? (involves a ferris wheel)
* Do dogs like to be covered in glitter? (results in a pink backyard)
* What is the best way to speed up a boring car ride? (she tries yodeling)
etc.
So, it's more than a little silly. In many ways, this book is a typical "naughty kid" book, but with a very structured format.
I thought the first 2 questions had promise (about eating snow & ketchup and growing fungus). They got sillier from there. She tried to take a gerbil on a ferris wheel, which really has nothing other than shape in common with a gerbil wheel. Gerbils use a gerbil wheel for exercise. You have to sit to ride a ferris wheel.
She ended up trying to use perfume rather than water to water a plant. (Not a bad idea, but an expensive one.) And then sprayed stinky cheese with perfume to make it smell better. Hard to believe that after getting in trouble with perfume once, she went back to it so quickly. Plus, one would hope that a scientist (even a young one) would appreciate edible/non-edible distinctions.
And there's a definite lack of clarity in the questions/hypothesis (you can't try just one thing if you're looking for a "best").
June 26, 2023
Definitely a book of suggestions to not try this at home! But once kids know that stipulation, I could see this as a fun way to approach do's and don't's in an elementary science classroom.
I like that all of the experiments in this book include questions and hypotheses. This is a fun way to approach science vocabulary. I could also see this used in a controlled environment, such as a classroom, to try out a ridiculous experiment just to see what would happen.
However, I would be wary of kids reading this one without adult supervision, especially those who, like our narrator, are inclined to take experiments into their own hands. But with the proper supervision, this could be a good introduction to a science classroom for elementary students, or even a review of classroom safety for middle school students.
*
I like that all of the experiments in this book include questions and hypotheses. This is a fun way to approach science vocabulary. I could also see this used in a controlled environment, such as a classroom, to try out a ridiculous experiment just to see what would happen.
However, I would be wary of kids reading this one without adult supervision, especially those who, like our narrator, are inclined to take experiments into their own hands. But with the proper supervision, this could be a good introduction to a science classroom for elementary students, or even a review of classroom safety for middle school students.
*
October 10, 2025
I'm counting picture books in my reads this year, balanced with grad school finishing and some books that are 600-700 pages, I think it's ok now... They count as books!
On the fence with this one. Could be funny with students for read-aloud but at least 3rd grade I think, because I keep thinking of that study where they found that kids who watched more PBS had worse behavior than those who didn't because those stories often started with the "bad" behavior that in the end was corrected, but little kids just see the bad behaviors and mimic those... This falls into that murky area where with an older audience could be taught the benefit of the scientific method and failures, but the some of the behaviors are definitely something not to model... I think it would be better to read and discuss experiments that "failed" because they didn't do what they were supposed to but became something else instead, like the person creating a new adhesive that created the post-it note because the adhesive wasn't sticky enough - things like that...
On the fence with this one. Could be funny with students for read-aloud but at least 3rd grade I think, because I keep thinking of that study where they found that kids who watched more PBS had worse behavior than those who didn't because those stories often started with the "bad" behavior that in the end was corrected, but little kids just see the bad behaviors and mimic those... This falls into that murky area where with an older audience could be taught the benefit of the scientific method and failures, but the some of the behaviors are definitely something not to model... I think it would be better to read and discuss experiments that "failed" because they didn't do what they were supposed to but became something else instead, like the person creating a new adhesive that created the post-it note because the adhesive wasn't sticky enough - things like that...
December 1, 2018
Needing a book for a read aloud today, I visited our school library. I spotted this. Never saw it or heard of it before. I thumbed through it. I thought it was going to be about famous scientists who failed along the way to big discoveries. Yeah, no.
A little girl presents 11 experiments she conducted. She walks the reader through the scientific method for each experiment. Wow! Of course, the experiments were silly (ordering a mail order beaver, covering a dog in glitter, making stinky cheese smell better), but the science was sound. The images were reminiscent of Knuffle Bunny according to my students.
I cracked up reading this. This was so wonderful. This deserves to be on the read often list. Good stuff here. The humor, science, and images are all top-notch. Very well presented.
A little girl presents 11 experiments she conducted. She walks the reader through the scientific method for each experiment. Wow! Of course, the experiments were silly (ordering a mail order beaver, covering a dog in glitter, making stinky cheese smell better), but the science was sound. The images were reminiscent of Knuffle Bunny according to my students.
I cracked up reading this. This was so wonderful. This deserves to be on the read often list. Good stuff here. The humor, science, and images are all top-notch. Very well presented.
April 23, 2018
Summary:
This book includes 11 different experiments that the young girl tried, and they did not end up going the way she thought it would. First, she would say the question, then the hypothesis, the needed things, steps to complete it, and lastly the results of what happened. An example of one of the experiments she did was if a person could survive off just snow and ketchup for all of winter. She believed that someone could, and to find out she needed snow and ketchup. After experimenting, she learned that someone can not last that long with just those two things and that it caused stomachache and brain freeze.
Possible Topics:
1. Introduction to scientific method.
2. It's okay if not everything ends how you thought it would.
3. Don't be afraid to try something new.
This book includes 11 different experiments that the young girl tried, and they did not end up going the way she thought it would. First, she would say the question, then the hypothesis, the needed things, steps to complete it, and lastly the results of what happened. An example of one of the experiments she did was if a person could survive off just snow and ketchup for all of winter. She believed that someone could, and to find out she needed snow and ketchup. After experimenting, she learned that someone can not last that long with just those two things and that it caused stomachache and brain freeze.
Possible Topics:
1. Introduction to scientific method.
2. It's okay if not everything ends how you thought it would.
3. Don't be afraid to try something new.
November 11, 2018
When I picked up this book I thought it was going to be a nonfiction book about historical experiments that failed. I was pleasantly surprised! I've never quite seen a book like this. The heroine of the story is a young girl who conducts 11 off the wall wacky experiments--much to the disappointment of those around her. There are some epic fails!
What I love about this book is that it uses the scientific process in fun ways. Each experiment lists a driving question, a hypothesis, a materials list, a procedure, and the results. It makes science seem more fun! I think this would be a great book to read to older primary students before or during science experiments to review the process. It could even lead to students creating their own experiments.
What I love about this book is that it uses the scientific process in fun ways. Each experiment lists a driving question, a hypothesis, a materials list, a procedure, and the results. It makes science seem more fun! I think this would be a great book to read to older primary students before or during science experiments to review the process. It could even lead to students creating their own experiments.
June 3, 2020
I thought this might be a book of historical failed experiments that turned into something else (like the Silly Putty story). It's not, but it's so much funnier. And actually still got a few good science lessons! A nameless girl runs through a series of failed science "experiments". And she actually includes a hypothesis and steps and evaluates her outcomes and everything! So a funny way to talk about the steps in the Scientific Method - I'd definitely pull it out for my STEM programs or for a Science Fair. Other pluses - I like the collage sort of illustrations, and the way the text fits into them. And I like that the main character is a girl.
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