Introduction

Science in Seconds for Kids contains 108 quick and easy activities and experiments that will help you discover the wonders of science and our world, from how rockets work to what causes lightning. Each activity takes only 10 minutes or less to complete. You will soon be able to look quickly into many exciting topics.

How This Book Is Organized

Science in Seconds for Kids is divided into sections by topic. If you are looking for a particular activity, you can find it in the Activities Index at the back of the book.

Each activity answers a particular question about science and includes a list of the materials you need, easy-to-follow steps, and an explanation of what the activity demonstrates. There is no need to buy special materials, but you may want to visit the Internet or a library for additional information on the topic.

Tips for Completing the Activities

Try to be very careful as you perform your activities. These tips will help:

  • Be prepared. Read through any activity before you begin to do it. Collect all the materials required before you start, and place them in the order in which you will use them. Science can be messy, so wear old clothes while doing activities. Give yourself enough space to work and enough ventilation. Cover surfaces with newspaper in case of spills.
  • Be accurate. When conducting your activities, follow the directions closely, and write down all results. Consider repeating experiments to see if you get the same result again. Doing an experiment more than once can help improve the accuracy of your results.
  • Be creative. After completing an activity according to the directions, try to think of ways that you can change an experiment. Look for the results from your change to the experiment. Before you make the change, ask an adult if your substitution is all right.
  • Be careful. Ask for adult assistance and supervision when using sharp instruments. Materials should be used for the purpose for which they are intended. Work cautiously.
  • Be neat. Keep your work and your work area as neat as you can. Use clean instruments, and wash them after every use. Put your materials away after they have been washed.
  • Have fun! Because our world is so interesting, science is full of discoveries and adventure that lasts forever!