Scienceworks: An Ontario Science Centre Book of Experiments

Ingrid conHausen was a librarian in New Hamburg, Ontario.

This is “the beginning of a new publishing programme by the Ontario Science Centre” intended to encourage “everyone, young and old, to explore, experience and enjoy science.” This oversized paperback is divided into six sections, with such headings as Outdoors, Puzzles, Energy Savers, etc. Each section contains five or more experiments, to a total of eighty. Each activity takes one or two pages of text and is illustrated with cartoons and drawings by Tina Holdcroft. Young experimenters are invited to make things (e.g., butter, a sundial, paper airplanes, etc.); other experiments explain phenomena (e.g., why icebergs float, where wind comes from, water pressure, etc.). Clearly listed with each activity are the items needed (nothing expensive or difficult to obtain), what to do, and an explanation of what happens. This cheerful, upbeat book is aimed at ages 8 to 12. Youngsters should be able to do these experiments at home: they are safe and simple, but fun; yet some very sound scientific information will emerge.