Fireworks (Where's the Science Here?) by Vicki Cobb

by Vicki Cobb

Learn about the science involved in fireworks.

Genres: Science

Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

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

[Megan Mandl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personal Response: This book contains a ton of great information about fireworks, like what they're made up of, why they're colorful, how the timing works, etc. It is really interesting, but a lot of parts of this book would probably be too hard to understand for younger children. However, I can see children who are old enough finding this fascinating. There are incredible photographs in this book that keep the reader hooked.

Purposes:
- ages 8-11
Read Aloud to Make Curricular Connections:
- This book would work well in a science classroom when talking about the most basic parts of chemistry, as it teaches/talks about elements, compounds, and wavelengths.
- This book would also work well if talking about the basics of physics, as it talks about trajectory.
For Nonfiction:
- This book uses great vocabulary, and does a really good job of explaining key terms clearly to the reader. It takes a very complex subject and makes it understandable.
- It includes a list of key words/definitions and an index at the back to make finding/defining words easier.
- Vicki Cobb, the author, has written tons of science books for children, and they seem to be popular. She also consulted a lot of experts while writing this book, such as the staff of Fireworks by Grucci and Dr. George Zambezi.
- It uses large photographs and text boxes for further explanations.

[Deidre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!! The kids loved learning about the fireworks they were going to see on the 4th of July. This book did a great job of educating on the history of fireworks, process of making them, and how they get different shapes and colors.

[Kelly Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for science. It is an excellent book to expound on when teachers want students to know facts about a certain book.it's good for grade 2nd till 5th grade.

[Junessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information and pictures. Good for older elementary ages. Lots of science facts!