With Science in a Jar, kids and grown-ups need only gather a jar and a few other inexpensive and readily available household objects to begin investigating and confirming the science at work all around them. The 35+ experiments included cover various scientific disciplines: life science, earth science, physical science, weather, and more.

Some activities, like creating a cloud in a jar, are quick experiments that can be performed over and over again. Others, like the earthworm habitat, will be enjoyed over time. Science in a Jar also features several projects that help demonstrate how science and art intertwine-the sometimes overlooked "A" in STEAM!

Each experiment is headed by a supplies list and difficulty level, as well as a short description of the project to be undertaken and the scientific principles with which the readers will interact. Directions and photographs guide readers through the scientific method in each experiment, while short features offer multileveled reading opportunities with explanations of terms, interesting quick facts, and brief descriptions of how scientists apply the specific concepts that readers just witnessed in the larger world today.

In addition to providing readers with a better understanding of basic scientific concepts, Science in a Jar ignites curiosity, increases confidence to investigate scientific concepts, and fosters a love of science.

 

This book has been graded for interest at 8-12 years.

There are 128 pages in this book. This book was published 2019 by Quarry Books .

Julia Garstecki is an experienced teacher and author of dozens of nonfiction books for children, including Science in a Jar ; Pick, Spit & Scratch ; Sniff, Lick & Scratch ; and Burp, Spit & Fart . She has also written several parenting pieces for various magazines. Publications include Thrive , Westchester Parent , and Mothering in the Middle . Her humor column "How Did I Get Here" appeared in the Jamestown Gazette .

This book has the following chapters: Introduction 9
How This Book Works 11
The Scientific Method 12

CHAPTER 1: L IFE SCIENCE
Fee Fi Fo Fum! Grow Your Own Beanstalk 16
Create a Colorful Bouquet 20
Microscopic Swimmers 23
Slithery Soil Dwellers 27
Huddle for Heat 31

CHAPTER 2: CHEMISTRY
Mix It Up 36
Experiment Variation: What Does Dish Soap Do? 38
Elephant Toothpaste 39
Experiment Variation: Baking Soda Explosion 42
Stinky Solutions 43
Bouncing Eggs 46
The Slime Workshop 50
Experiment Variation: Customize Your Slime 52

CHAPTER 3: EARTH SCIENCE
Whirling, Twirling Twisters 56
Artful Oceans 59
Balloon Magic 63
Saltwater Flashlights 66
Experiment Variation: What's a Circuit? What Are Conductors? 69
Saltwater Magic 71
Make Yer Own Pirate Treasure 74
Creating Clouds 77

CHAPTER 4: PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Turn Up the Noise 82
Experiment Variation: The Sound of Water 84
A Kitchen Symphony 86
Optical Illusions 89
Experiment Variation: The Incredible Bending Pencil 91
It's a Colorful World 92
Nail Salon Science 96
Magnet Mayhem 100
Experiment Variation: Magnets in Water 102
Space Exploration 103

CHAPTER 5: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
All about Compost 108
Experiment Variation: Build an Indoor Compost Bin 111
Candy Erosion 112
It's Too Hot Up Here 115
Experiment Variation: Colorful Currents 117
The Great Rust Race 118
Don't Be a Litterbug 120

Glossary 124
Resources 125
Works Cited 125
About the Author 127
Acknowledgments 127
About the Photographer 127
Index 128