Chemically Active: Experiments You Can Do at Home

by Vicki Cobb, Theo Cobb

Describes experiments that can be done at home with commonly available materials and equipment and demonstrates basic principles of chemistry

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 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

[Zoe · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the worst science book I have ever read. The experiments don't work, and it is impossibly bad literature. Many of the longer scientific words (that I think the author uses just to impress you) are spelled wrong! Do not read this book! It came with grade six bookshark and so I really expected more.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

We had very little success with the experiments in this book. A couple of them worked marginally and the rest failed. Not sure if we just don't use the same words for many of the household items or used the wrong things. Disappointed.

Updated: We tried again: Still very unsuccessful. Many of the items are not able to be bought in stores anymore. Will replace.