Junk Drawer Physics: 50 Awesome Experiments That Don't Cost a Thing

by Bobby Mercer

A children's instructional book on how to use readily available materials to turn the house into a science lab Physics teacher Bobby Mercer provides readers with more than 50 great hands-on experiments that can be performed for just pennies, or less. Turn a plastic cup into a pinhole camera using waxed paper, a rubber band, and a thumbtack. Build a swinging wave machine using a series of washers suspended on strings from a yardstick. Or construct your own planetarium from an empty potato chip canister, construction paper, scissors, and a pin. Each project has a materials list, detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations, and a brief explanation of the scientific principle being demonstrated. Junk Drawer Physics also includes sidebars of fascinating physics facts, such as did you know the Eiffel Tower is six inches taller in summer than in winter because its steel structure expands in the heat? Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children about physics topics that include magnetism, electricity, force, motion, light, energy, sound, and more, and have fun at the same time.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Physics, Stem, Childrens

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Phil J]

p. 74, "With extreme care, use the point of a sharp pair of scissors to 'drill' another hole into the side of a bottle as shown." This instruction is paired with a photo of a child shoving one point of an open pair of scissors through the bottom of a film canister, so obviously there are some questionable safety decisions being made here.

That aside, the book is pretty solid. Activities are organized by physics concept. Each activity is well explained and accompanied by a large number of helpful photos. Each activity is followed by a clearly written explanation of the science at work.

[Wendi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Demonstrations are cool

Demonstrations clearly explained and pictured. Fun, cool stuff.
I really would live to see longer, deeper explanations of the science.

[Adam Torman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great kitchen science experiments

Very fun and easy way to keep a little one entertained for hours and learn something about the world of science.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author and physics teacher Bobby Mercer guides and gives scientific explanations as kids use every day household objects to carry out chemistry experiments in the comfort of their own home. He lays the process out simply ( step by step ) and with the help of black and white photos (visually helpful for sure ) they are easily accomplished.

He includes such topics as:


*Properties of Matter
*Atoms, Compounds, Elements, and the Periodic Table
*Solutions
*Reactions
*Acids and Bases
*Radioactivity and Thermodynamics


They sound complicated but he has made doing these experiments not only challenging but also great fun for your budding scientist. For example with "Solutions" you unveil - Pop in a Glass, Mysterious Floating Egg, Sweet Crystals, Milk Art, No-So-Permanent Marker, Chalk Chromatolgraphy, Energy Drink Test, and My Soda Has Gas. How fun are they? Mercer then directs you to your private junk drawer to gather the precise equipment you will be needing to do the experiments, (and I love this part), he gives you the actual science behind it.

He has inserted a glossary at the back of the book for extra information and knowledge. All is kid-friendly and green because you are reusing and repurposing items around your home.

"Junk Drawer Chemistry" is a handy resource for educators, parents, and children. It is a perfect way to develop creativity with inexpensive fun.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are over 50 experiments that you can choose from depending on what resides in your junk drawer and what you are trying to accomplish. I love doing experiments. The more you see a concept in real time the better you will understand the basis for the way it works. I know that I remember some of the simple things done in elementary school in the classroom. Later when I learned about the background for the experiment in a textbook, I could visualize it and see how it all fit together. I know I am looking forward to playing around with these and having the kiddos work at setting them up and doing them over and over as they parse out the science behind it.

[Pongsak Sarapukdee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teachers can do experiments with their students, and parents can also make fun with their kids at home. Every single lab explains the science behind it.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

50 easy to conduct experiments, using readily available, inexpensive materials. Each experiment contains a nice explanation of the scientific principles behind hit. Some are very familiar, but this would be a good book to have in the arsenal.

[Remy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of easy-to-do experiments with a minimal investment of materials. Too bad the photos are in black-and-white and not as "professional" looking as I'd like. Otherwise, this is a very worthwhile book, especially for homeschool. I'm scheduling this in my physics curriculum.

[Cassie]

Note to self: Check out ch. on sound & waves.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure why I didn't think until now to use Goodreads to keep track of the books I use to plan programs. Silly.

[Warren-Newport Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure why I didn't think until now to use Goodreads to keep track of the books I use to plan programs. (Amanda)

[Cammy Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed with great experiments to try with children!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great experiments for kids using everyday household items. Instructions are clear and the explanations are straightforward.