Science Reference Guides

Chemistry and Physics Experiments and Demonstrations --
Selected Resources for Teachers

Science Reference Section
Science, Technology and Business Division
Library of Congress

Classroom and Homework Activities

The Ben Franklin Book of Easy and Incredible Experiments. Ed. Lisa Jo Rudy. New York, Wiley, 1995. 131 p.    Q182.3.B46 1995
   A text that is very focused on the life, inventions and innovations of Ben Franklin.

Cobb, Vicki. You Gotta Try This!: Absolutely Irresistible Science. New York, Morrow Junior Books, 1999. 144 p.    Q164.C538 1999
   These classroom demonstrations can be used to probe students for ideas on what is happening in these experiments and why. Try other exciting titles by this author.

DiSpezio, Michael. Awesome Experiments in Electricity & Magnetism. New York,Sterling Pub., 1998. 160 p.    QC529.2.D575 1998
   Very good for classroom demonstrations, but not probing enough for science fair projects. More of Michael DiSpezios awesome experiments can be found in these titles:
   Awesome Experiments in Light & Sound <QC360.D58 1999>
   Awesome Experiments in Force & Motion    <QC73.4.D575 1998>.

Doherty, Paul. Magic Wand and Other Bright Experiments on Light and Color. New York, Wiley, 1995. 125 p.    QC360.D64 1995
   Interesting demonstrations adapted from the hands-on exhibits at the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Some explanation of the science behind the experiments is included. More captivating experiments can be found in Paul Doherty's The Spinning Blackboard and Other Dynamic Experiments on Force and Motion <QC73.D63 1996>.

Ealy, Julie B. and James L. Ealy. Visualizing Chemistry. Washington, DC, American Chemical Society, 1995. 434 p.
   QD43.E25 1995
   Demonstrations designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of Chemistry through observations. A whole days lecture could be built around a single or series of demonstrations.

Ehrlich, Robert. Why Toast Lands Jelly Side Down: Zen and the Art of Physics Demonstrations. Princeton, NJ, Princeton University Press, 1997. 196 p.
   QC33.E55 1997
   The demonstrations in this book require an extensive knowledge of the principles of Physics. Yet, the demonstrations are very straightforward and simple to perform.

The Exploratorium Science Snackbook. San Francisco, CA, Exploratorium, 1991. 1 v.
   Q182.3.E965 1991
   Contains interesting demonstrations adapted from hands-on exhibits at the Exploratorium in San Francisco.

Friedhoffer, Bob. Physics Lab in the Home. New York, Franklin Watts, 1997. 80 p.
   QC25.F764 1997
   These activities will challenge students to see the world as a physics laboratory. Another interesting title by Bob Friedhoffer is Physics Lab in a Housewares Store <QC25.F 76 1996>.

Gardner, Robert. Science Projects about Physics in the Home. Springfield, NJ, Enslow
Publishers, 1999. 112 p.
   QC26.G37 1999
   Exploring on your own activities that students could complete as homework assignments for more critical thinking on the particular principle. Other titles by Robert Gardner, which explore everyday science include:
    Science Projects about the Physics of Sports <QC73.4.G375 2000>
    Science Project Ideas about Kitchen Chemistry <QD38.G382 2002>

Goodstein, Madeline. Sports Science Projects: the Physics of Balls in Motion. Berkeley Heights, NJ, Enslow Publishers, 1999. 128 p.
   QC73.4.G66 1999
   Contains fun explanations of the physics behind why certain balls are made the way that they are.

Levine, Shar and Leslie Johnstone. The Magnet Book. New York, Sterling Pub., 1997. 80 p.
   QC757.5.L49 1997
   A very good set of safe, simple experiments to introduce students to the basics of
magnets. Several experiments could be conducted in one class period.

Mebane, Robert C. and Thomas R. Rybolt. Air & Other Gases. New York, Twenty-First Century Books, 1995. 63 p.
   QC161.2.M43 1995  
   Includes very good, basic explanations of the concepts being used in the experiments. Another intriguing title by Robert Mebane and Thomas R. Rybolt is Water & Other Liquids <QC145.24.M43 1995>

Moje, Steven W. Cool Chemistry: Great Experiments with Simple Stuff. New York, Sterling Pub. Co., 1999. 96 p.
   QD38.M55 1999
   Overall the experiments offer a good introduction to general concepts in chemistry.

Rohrig, Brian. 150 Captivating Chemistry Experiments Using Household Substances. Cuyahoga Falls, OH, B. Rohrig, 1997. 184 p.
   QD38.R72 1997
   Does not include very detailed explanation of phenomena, but on the whole contains interesting projects involving everyday materials.

Teaching Chemistry with TOYS: Activities for Grades K-9. Jerry L. Sarquis, Mickey Sarquis, John P. Williams. New York, TAB Books, 1995. 296 p.
   QD40.T42 1995
   Contains thought provoking classroom activities, which students can reproduce safely at home. The appropriate grades levels are indicated at the beginning of each experiment.

Tocci, Salvatore. Science Fair Success Using Supermarket Products. Berkeley Heights, NJ, Enslow Publishers, 2000. 128 p.
   TX355.T63 2000
   This book presents projects that can be done using only supermarket products. Some details of scientific principles being explored are included.

VanCleave, Janice. Janice VanCleave's Molecules. New York, NY, John Wiley & Sons, 1993. 88 p.
   QD461.V33 1993
   This book includes some very interesting projects that explore the way that molecules behave. Some explanation of phenomena is included within the text. Also try the many other titles by Janice VanCleave.

Walker, Pam. Science Lab Projects with Real Life Applications: Ready to Use Research and Reporting Activities for Grades 5-12. Paramus, NJ, Center for Applied Research in Education, 2002. 238 p.
   Q182.5.W35 2002
   Includes very good classroom activities to promote critical thinking. Each experiment also includes a grading rubric and a estimate on the amount of time required to complete the assignment.

Wiese, Jim. Rocket Science: 50 Flying, Floating, Flipping, Spinning Gadgets Kids can Create Themselves. New York, Wiley, 1995. 115 p.
   Q164.W532 1995
   Experiments are appropriate for homework assignments or as supplements to instruction. A brief explanation of the concepts is included in each section.

Wood, Robert. What?: Experiments for the Young Scientist. New York, TAB Books, 1994. 143 p.
   Q164.W67 1994
   This book contains experiments that can be used as classroom or homework assignments. Some explanation and history are also included. Some other interesting books by Robert Wood include:
   When?: Experiments for the Young Scientist <Q164.W68 1995>
   Where?: Experiments for Young the Scientist <Q164.W685 1995>
   Who?: Famous Experiments for Young the Scientist <Q164.W69 1995>
   Light FUNdamentals <QC360.W66 1997>.

Science Fair Projects and General Information on Science Fair Competitions.

Bochinski, Julianne Blair. The Complete Handbook of Science Fair Projects. New York, Wiley, 1991. 206 p.
   Q182.3.B63 1991
   Discusses the entire process of completing science fair project from development to judging.

Experiment Central (all four volumes). Ed. John T. Tanacredi and John Loret. Detroit, U-X-L, 2000. 4 v.
   Q164.E96 2000
   The different science projects are identified by area of study. The experiments are within chapters that contain general information about the principles involved. Suggestions on designing your own experiment are also included.

Gardner, Robert. Science Fair Projects- Planning, Presenting, Succeeding. Springfield, NJ, 1999. 104 p.
   Q182.3.G39 1999 
   The book is very detailed on how to implement a science fair project. Some examples of possible projects are included, but generally about the overall process.

Kreiger, Melanie Jacobs. How to Excel in Science Competitions. Berkeley Heights, NJ, Enslow Publishers, 1999. 128 p.
   Q182.3.K75 1999
   This book is a very detailed guide to competing in a science competition. It is geared toward serious competitors in very competitive competitions, i.e. Westinghouse.

Wee, Patricia Hachten. Science Fair Projects for Elementary Schools. Lanham, MD, Scarecrow Press, 1998. 237 p.
   Q182.3.W44 1998
   This text outlines the necessary steps for planning and executing a science fair project. It gives several detailed examples of how to go about completing a project, including sample timelines.

World Book's Young Scientist (all ten volumes). Chicago, World Book, 1997. 10 v.
   Q121.W664 1997
   Provides an introduction to the basic principles of scientific investigation. Volumes 1-9 each represent different subject areas. Vol. 1 is space technology and computers. Vol. 2 is light & electricity and magnetic power. Vol. 3 is atoms & molecules and gases. Vol. 4 is planet earth and water. Vol. 5 is the living world and plants. Vol. 6 is animals. Vol. 7 is the human body and communications. Vol. 8 is energy and conservation. Vol. 9 is construction and machines. Volume 10 is a student guide, which includes an overview of the scientific method and practices of modern day scientists. There is also a full index included in volume 10.

Compiled by Jessica Parr