Einstein's Science Parties: Easy Parties for Curious Kids

Kelly L. Green is the co-editor of the Children’s Literature edition
of the Canadian Book Review Annual.

Shar Levine and Allison Grafton, both of Einstein’s The Science Centre
Ltd. educational toy and book store in Vancouver, have planned 14
science parties for children aged 4 to 12. The parties are developed
thematically, with names like “I Spy,” “It’s Magic,” “Slime
Time,” and “Mad Scientists.” Levine and Grafton have collected a
variety of age-appropriate science activities for each party theme, with
suggestions for everything from the cake to the loot bags. These are not
cookie-cutter parties, however. The authors provide the inspiration, but
there is more than enough room for a “mad scientist” mom or dad to
inject her or his own brand of insanity into the mix.

Parents who decide to take up Levine and Grafton’s challenge to
produce a low-cost, creative, fun party for a group of budding
scientists should be aware that they will have to create some activities
of their own. For one thing, the authors estimate that their activities
will last from one to one-and-a-half hours, which is simply not a long
enough birthday party for the 4- to 9-year-old crowd I run with.
Secondly, as any experienced party-giver knows, activities often don’t
last as long as you think they will, so Levine and Grafton’s list may
not last even as long as they estimate (though to be fair, they have
included a last chapter of “Just in Case Activities”). That caveat
given, this book is a fabulous resource—not just for parents, but also
for teachers, camp directors, babysitters: anyone who needs the
occasional inspiration on a boring day.

The themes are clearly described, and the activities are practical and
easy to put together from materials found around the house or the
grocery store. We used the book’s “I Spy” theme to plan a mystery
party for a 4-year-old. The children had a fabulous time writing secret
messages, taking each other’s finger prints, and checking out clues
with their own little magnifying glasses. It lived up to the author’s
claims of parsimony, and was without a doubt the cheapest, and one of
the most fun, parties we have ever given. It also included the best
loot-bag idea I have ever come across (secret compartments made by
cutting holes out of the pages of old hardcover books). The authors have
a firm grasp of what appeals to children.

The book boasts an attractive and clear layout. It even includes pages
a parent can photocopy to create the invitations (yet another time and
money saver). I would like to try every party in the book—I just fear
that my kids will outgrow it before I do. Heartily and highly
recommended as a wonderful way to let kids practise science in life,
while having a great time.