“The cool thing about science is that anyone can do it. You don’t have to be a scientist in a labratory to do science. You can do experiments with everyday things!” Cool-Distance Assistants Fun Projects to Propel Things ,written by James Hopwood, is a conglomerate of suggested science fair projects. Some of the examples of the projects shown are “Super-sling” and “Catapult In A Box.” The projects are very kid friendly with clear and easy to follow instructions. There is also a introductory chapter that explains the scientific method. Again, the wording used in this chapter would be easily understood by the students.
Curriculum Connections
This book could be used to introduce the scientific method to students. It would also be very useful around the time of science fairs to provide them with suggestions. They could either use a project outlined in the book or use the examples to generate ideas of their own. It would teach them how to plan and conduct investigations and make conclusions (SOL 3.1.j). The book would be most appropriate for grade levels 3-5.
Additional Resources
A webpage that provides more detail on the scientific method in kid friendly terms
Entertaining video created by brainpop for kids to watch on scientific method
Wordsearch containing scientific method terms
Book: Cool-Distance Assistants Fun Projects to Propel Things
Author: James Hopwood
Publisher: Checkerboard Books
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 32 pages
Grade Range: 3-5
ISBN: 1599289075