Fun with Science

Asalaam ‘Alaikum:

Found another gem at the library (yes, we spend a lot of time there, masha’Allah). I thought I would look for some fun science books and while browsing the shelf came across the book “Kitchen Science” by Shar Levine & Leslie Johnstone. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I actually have a few science experiment books around the house but essentially I have to read through them and search for something that the kids will understand and enjoy. Needless to say, I don’t have to do that with this book – it is really great.

The write-up on Amazon.com says that it is for grades 3-5 and I wouldn’t argue that for some of the projects my girls may have to grow in their understanding. However, the nice thing is that you can do these experiments with your child – with everyday items found in your kitchen – and just wow them and have them yelling for more. Then, when they are older and have a better understanding – you can repeat the experiments in relation to lessons you are learning in Science. The back of each experiment has a nice explanation (not too deep) and I have used this with the girls. They may not understand everything right now – but they are excited when they see that book come out!

There are experiments for cleaning pennies with vinegar and salt, how to make homemade ice-cream, how to make homemade butter, how to determine if something is an acid or a base, how to make your own disappearing ink, and more. One experiment we did was to have a balloon self-inflate with the use of warm water, yeast and sugar. The girls were amazed and keep asking to do it again and again. If anything – perhaps this will at least give them an appreciation for science that will help them down the road, insha’Allah.

I’m even more excited because I just found out that the same author has many books like this one with science experiments. Here are some of the titles:

Backyard Science

Bathtub Science

Science Around the World

First Science Experiments: The Amazing Human Body

First Science Experiments: Mighty Machines

Fun with Your Microscope

And many others . . .

If you want to have your child love science – and beg to learn more – I highly recommend this book and I’m sure her other books are just as good. I’ve already asked the library to reserve some of them for me and if I like them, I will add them to our permanent science library, insha’Allah. Anyway, hope this helps anyone struggling to make science fun for their child.

By the way – for those of you who are looking for ready-made kits and materials for making science experiements – just thought I’d share. I recently found out about Steve Spangler Science and received a neat catalog from them. A lot of what they have just looks really neat. I found out about this through our local news station – they have many experiments and videos available on-line for free here. Perhaps this will also give you some neat ideas.

Asalaam ‘Alaikum,

Sumayyah Umm SAA