Books with author Leslie Johnstone

Get our your microscope and take a close-up look at a tiny world! This book by two award-winning science authors shows you how. Looking at little things—things too small to see with the naked eye—can be big fun. It’s certainly smart science, and award-winning authors Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone are here to show kids the basics of creating their own professional-quality slides and using their own microscopes. A whole world will open up to budding scientists as they learn to identify the microscope’s different pieces, practice focusing, and prepare different kinds of samples for viewing. Illustrated throughout with photomicrographs (pictures taken through a microscope), and complete with a reproducible form for documenting specimens, this fascinating, in-depth guide explains how to put bugs, water, food, plants and pollen, and even parts of the body (like fingernails) under the scope for a close-up glimpse. Of course, there are troubleshooting answers to common questions and safety instructions for parents and teachers, too.

In the bath or out, children ages 6-8 will agree that the tub is a cool "laboratory" for carrying out experiments that are gallons of fun. Make a "wave machine," a water cannon that blasts mind-boggling explosions of liquid; zippy hydroplanes--or peer through periscopes and prepare perfect bubble solution. Every page bursts with brilliant drawings, and loads of photographs capture delighted-looking kids carrying out the experiments, and display the entire process. "...will supply hours of water ideas for children..."--School Library Journal.

Kids try their hand at mad science in the much-anticipated update of the popular title You-Mix-It Secret Formula Lab. This EXTREME version features tailored components such as a mix-and-measure scoop, test tubes with squishy lids, and an abundance of glow-in-the- dark powder so kids can concoct 20 experiments that glow, ooze, and stink up the kitchen. From glow-in-the-dark alien blood to scratch-and-sniff stickers, young scientists will never have so much fun with a beaker, test tubes, and commonly found household ingredients! Includes: Beaker Funnel Test tube stand Mix-and-measure scoop 8g glow-in-the-dark powder (up from 3g in original Secret Formula Lab) Mixing bowl 2 test tubes with squishy lids Eyedropper Sticker sheet 24-page fully-illustrated book

The plant kingdom contains more than 250,000 species. With green pigment called chlorophyll in some cells, these organisms have the unique ablility to make their own food. This colorful book describes the main groups of plants, including mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants. Special sections highlight the role of plants in the environmentas producers in the food chain and producers of the worlds oxygenand their role in climate and the water cycle. Case histories include the discovery of a new species of conifer tree in Australia and special cases of plant breeding.

"An excellent introduction . . . including the different types, a physical description of its parts, how to focus, and keeping a journal for projects . . . . Needed materials are readily available . . . Numerous simple experiments are laid out . . . The attractive, well-designed format features colorful drawings and full-color microscopic photographs that are helpful in illustrating and explaining projects . . . . a welcome addition to any science section."--School Library Journal. 80 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 10.

Looking at little things—things too small to see with the naked eye—can be big fun. It?s certainly smart science, and award-winning authors Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone are here to show kids the basics of creating their own professional-quality slides and using their own microscopes. A whole world will open up to budding scientists as they learn to identify the microscope?s different pieces, practice focusing, and prepare different kinds of samples for viewing. Illustrated throughout with photomicrographs (pictures taken through a microscope), and complete with a reproducible form for documenting specimens, this fascinating, in-depth guide explains how to put bugs, water, food, plants and pollen, and even parts of the body (like fingernails) under the scope for a close-up glimpse. Of course, there are troubleshooting answers to common questions and safety instructions for parents and teachers, too.

"An excellent introduction . . . including the different types, a physical description of its parts, how to focus, and keeping a journal for projects . . . . Needed materials are readily available . . . Numerous simple experiments are laid out . . . The attractive, well-designed format features colorful drawings and full-color microscopic photographs that are helpful in illustrating and explaining projects . . . . a welcome addition to any science section."--School Library Journal. 80 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 10.

Find out all about magnetic fields by trying all 39 of these "magnetic magic" tricks, games, and experiments. Discover what sticks to a magnet and what doesn't. Count how many paper clips your magnet will pick up. Then get two magnets and create a variety of dazzling magnetic fields. Make one end of your magnet attract objects and the other end push them away. Take a picture of magnetic "suntan lines" with iron filings and light-sensitive paper. You can even build your own electromagnet with a piece of wire, a nail, and a battery, then make it ring a bell, turn a wheel, pick up objects, and much more. Or make an electric motor and use it to generate electric power. Erase an old audio or video tape you don't want anymore and magnetize it with weird sounds or pictures. Become a "magnetic magician" and charm a snake to rise from a basket, make a paper clip fly, or cause a magnet to float. Scientist, magician, entertainer--they're all in store for you when you enter the mysterious world of magnets! 80 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 10. NEW IN PAPERBACK

Children will be "shocked" to learn that with just a few wires, batteries, bulbs, and buzzers they can unlock the mysteries and magic of electricity! These simple and safe experiments will prove enlightening on everything from electrons to circuits to wattage. Bend paper with a comb that's "charged up" with static electricity. Find out what lemons, potatoes, and coins have to do with electricity by using them to discover how a battery works, and then get right down to the "nuts and volts" of the matter by making one of your own. Also see why "opposites attract," construct a circuit board, send a coded message with a buzzer; and lots more. By the time children have tried out all these amazing experiments, they'll realize for the first time why electricity is more than just turning on a light switch! Cartoons and color photographs throughout add to the fun.

"...should provide hours of interesting experiences and fun. scientifically accurate, and stimulating...wonderful style of writing...instructions are clear, direct and simple...all the special safety recommendations..."--AppraisalSee a whole new world! Many "invisible" things spring to life under a microscope--and these hands-on experiments show kids how to glimpse this universe. Microscope basics cover microtomes, wet mounts, and smear and squash slides. Take a close-up look at animal bone marrow and fur; the icky slime on your teeth in the morning; and pollen and grass. Try a "bright idea" for examining a burnt-out lightbulb. Do a "flaky experiment" with a snow crystal. Learn how microscopes help solve crimes. Dozens of photographs and funny drawings, with science fair suggestions, encourage children to embark on microscopic explorations.

"A thorough, inviting look at what sounds and music are all about...34 easy-to-do activities that demonstrate the scientific concepts behind sound waves, pitch, acoustics, scales, etc...full-color photos and cartoon artwork...add appeal and interest." --School Library Journal "...entertaining and interesting experiments...many colorful illustrations and photographs contribute to the educational experience by visually engaging the reader...useful resource, both enjoyable and stimulating. It is recommended strongly..."--VOYA"...explores the physics of sound through a series of activities using fairly common materials..."--Booklist It's music to your ears--but why does one instrument make a different sound than another? What separates music from noise? And, how do we hear tone and rhythm? Uncovering the answers to these questions is a symphony of fun, and an entertaining way to understand physics and math! Each of these delightfully illustrated safe and "sound" experiments uses ordinary materials to teach fabulous facts about the bangs, slaps, whistles, claps, and harmonies in our world. Entertaining to look at and enjoyable to do!