Chemistry Science Fair Projects Using Inorganic Stuff, Using the Scientific Method

* Reviews *

These are revisions of Chemistry Science Fair Projects Using Acids, Bases, Metals, Salts, and Inorganic Stuff and Chemistry Science Fair Projects Using French Fries, Gumdrops, Soap, and Other Organic Stuff (both Enslow, 2004). Changes include a greatly expanded introduction; a far more appealing, color layout; a clearer breakdown of information within projects; and updated further-reading suggestions. Introductory chapters outline the scientific method and how scientists investigate questions, discuss how to expand or modify the experiments to make them appropriate for science fairs, and offer safety rules (more safety advice appears throughout). Inorganic has 27 experiments and Organic 29. Students are encouraged to build upon the suggested activities, most of which offer additional project ideas. Each experiment poses a question to explore, the hypothesis, a materials list, step-by-step instructions, and results and conclusions. Some of the entries in Inorganic require materials such as potassium iodide, available only from a school laboratory or a science supply company (a listing of companies is appended). Some of the more complex projects would be best performed in a school lab with adult help. Colorful drawings complement the material and illustrations of chemical structures help to convey chemical processes. Both titles conclude with answers provided to questions posed throughout the book. Useful additions or replacements for the originals., School Library Journal June 2010