The Little Scientist
Jean Stangl
Paperback
(Mcgraw-Hill, Feb. 1, 1993)
All the world may be a stage, but it can also be an excellent laboratory, filled with exciting opportunities to learn about the wonders of science. An overturned rock in the forest, a picnic in the park, or a walk around the block all offer unlimited possibilities for scientific discovery. The Little Scientist encourages young children to view the world around them as a giant experiment in progress, to explore their surroundings-be they classrooms, homes, backyards, or playgrounds-in search of knowledge about how and why their environment works. The activities and projects in this book take advantage of the natural curiosity in all children, encouraging them to become physically involved in the learning process. Jean Stangl's fine collection of experiments include learning how to: measure temperature; make new colors; grow and cook food; recycle garbage; care for small animals; set up an aquarium; generate energy; study insects; and detect moisture in the air... and much more. This is an ideal resource for teachers and others who work with young children, to be used in the classroom or on the playground. These experiments require no background in science, only simple and inexpensive materials and very little time to conduct. They are specially designed to help young children develop the observational and reasoning skills they'll need to become successful students.