Spy Science: 40 Secret-Sleuthing, Code-Cracking, Spy-Catching Activities for Kids

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Award-winning science teacher Jim Wiese has written several children’s
science-activity books. This time, he uses a “spy” theme to present
more than 40 projects that teach principles of science with easily
obtained materials. To such standard experiments as making a telescope,
periscope, and electric circuit, he applies the “spy” concept by
describing how these devices are used by secret agents. There are also
traditional “spy” gimmicks like making invisible ink from lemon
juice or gluing tiny mirrors to a pair of sunglasses to allow for
rear-view vision.

Although most of the experiments are harmless in themselves, some
parents might not be entirely comfortable with their applications. On
one page, under the heading “Fun Things to Do,” is an illustration
of a young child using a water tumbler to listen through a hotel door
bearing a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Another activity described as fun
is going through people’s trash can to see what they have been up to.
Yet another “fun” activity is following some unsuspecting person and
recording his or her actions. The author calls this tailing; others
might call it stalking and invasion of privacy. Parental supervision is
advised. Recommended (with caution).