annieb123's Review of Science in a Jar

by Julia Garstecki

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.

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Science in a Jar is a new tutorial STEAM resource guide by Julia Garstecki. Released 23rd July 2019 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 128 pages and available in ebook and flexibound formats. Aimed at middle grade readers aged 8-12, it includes 29 labs with alternate parameter refinements for many of them, split into 5 subject chapters. The individual chapters give a nice overview in life science, chemistry, earth science, physical science, and environmental studies. The links are arranged by chapters and the alphabetical index is cross referenced.

I am constantly talking about the importance of STEAM education on my blog and elsewhere. Tomorrow's critical reasoning, innovation, problem solving, technological and medical breakthroughs are all going to come from the kids we interest today. This book has a bunch of really interesting and fun labs to do together with an adult or with minimal supervision. The supplies for the labs are easily found and can be sourced inexpensively.

It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

Five stars. This would make a great classroom resource book, summer library science activity guide, homeschooling resource guide or gift for a young person.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Science in a Jar

by Julia Garstecki

Reviewed by annieb123 on Jul 29, 2019

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