Junk Drawer Physics

Junk Drawer Physics
Junk Drawer Physics

Junk Drawer Physics

50 Awesome Experiments That Don't Cost a Thing
By Bobby Mercer

Junk Drawer Science

JUVENILE NONFICTION

208 Pages, 6 x 9

Formats: Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Trade Paper, $16.99 (CA $22.99) (US $16.99)

ISBN 9781613749203

Rights: WOR

Chicago Review Press (Jun 2014)

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Overview

Finalist for the 2015 AAAS / Subaru SB&F Excellence in Science Book exemplify outstanding and engaging science writing and illustration for young readers

A children’s instructional book on how to use readily available materials to turn the house into a science lab

Physics teacher Bobby Mercer provides readers with more than 50 great hands-on experiments that can be performed for just pennies, or less. Turn a plastic cup into a pinhole camera using waxed paper, a rubber band, and a thumbtack. Build a swinging wave machine using a series of washers suspended on strings from a yardstick. Or construct your own planetarium from an empty potato chip canister, construction paper, scissors, and a pin. Each project has a materials list, detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations, and a brief explanation of the scientific principle being demonstrated. Junk Drawer Physics also includes sidebars of fascinating physics facts, such as did you know the Eiffel Tower is six inches taller in summer than in winter because its steel structure expands in the heat? Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children about physics topics that include magnetism, electricity, force, motion, light, energy, sound, and more, and have fun at the same time.

Reviews

“More than enough to keep scientifically curious kids busy on rainy days.” —Publishers Weekly


"It’s the perfect book for the curious kid 9 to 14 who enjoys learning by doing and loves investigating not only how things work but why they work.  With straightforward instructions, inexpensive and easy to find materials, plus photographs that illustrate key steps in each experiment, the book is definitely user friendly. The Science Behind It section sheds further light on each experiment and the science principles and terms it illustrates.  This is an excellent book to keep your fourth to eighth grader busy, engaged and learning throughout the summer, as well as any other time of year." —About.com Children's Books

Mercer’s categorization of types of experiment—force, energy, momentum, light, magnetism and pressure—also describes his educational outlook. There’s no teaching more forceful or energetic—no pedagogical principle more suffused with light or magnetic force—than the one in Junk Drawer Physics.” —BookPage



I’ve seen other books before that promised “easy” experiments for kids, but this one IS easy … and fun.” —NewsOK.com


These little experiments provide a great introduction to a lesson or can be used to as an activity to illustrate a physics concept. One word of warning—you might want to save the air horn for homework.” —NSTA Recommends


“Accessibility can be a major factor in comprehending abstract concepts, and this book suggests that you hardly need a fancy laboratory to learn...Junk drawers are an almost universal fixture in most homes, and this book helps readers representing a wide range of readiness to experience basic scientific concepts for themselves.” —Booklist

Author Biography

Bobby Mercer is a high school physics teacher and the author of several books, including The Flying Machine Book, How Do You Light a Fart?, Quarterback Dad, and Smash It! Crash It! Launch It! He lives outside of Asheville, North Carolina.

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PDF

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Finalist for the 2015 AAAS / Subaru SB&F Excellence in Science Book exemplify outstanding and engaging science writing and illustration for young readers

A children’s instructional book on how to use readily available materials to turn the house into a science lab

Physics teacher Bobby Mercer provides readers with more than 50 great hands-on experiments that can be performed for just pennies, or less. Turn a plastic cup into a pinhole camera using waxed paper, a rubber band, and a thumbtack. Build a swinging wave machine using a series of washers suspended on strings from a yardstick. Or construct your own planetarium from an empty potato chip canister, construction paper, scissors, and a pin. Each project has a materials list, detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations, and a brief explanation of the scientific principle being demonstrated. Junk Drawer Physics also includes sidebars of fascinating physics facts, such as did you know the Eiffel Tower is six inches taller in summer than in winter because its steel structure expands in the heat? Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children about physics topics that include magnetism, electricity, force, motion, light, energy, sound, and more, and have fun at the same time.

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EPUB

Published Jun 2014

Finalist for the 2015 AAAS / Subaru SB&F Excellence in Science Book exemplify outstanding and engaging science writing and illustration for young readers

A children’s instructional book on how to use readily available materials to turn the house into a science lab

Physics teacher Bobby Mercer provides readers with more than 50 great hands-on experiments that can be performed for just pennies, or less. Turn a plastic cup into a pinhole camera using waxed paper, a rubber band, and a thumbtack. Build a swinging wave machine using a series of washers suspended on strings from a yardstick. Or construct your own planetarium from an empty potato chip canister, construction paper, scissors, and a pin. Each project has a materials list, detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations, and a brief explanation of the scientific principle being demonstrated. Junk Drawer Physics also includes sidebars of fascinating physics facts, such as did you know the Eiffel Tower is six inches taller in summer than in winter because its steel structure expands in the heat? Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children about physics topics that include magnetism, electricity, force, motion, light, energy, sound, and more, and have fun at the same time.

Junk Drawer Physics
Junk Drawer Physics ›
By Bobby Mercer

Mobipocket

Published Jun 2014

Finalist for the 2015 AAAS / Subaru SB&F Excellence in Science Book exemplify outstanding and engaging science writing and illustration for young readers

A children’s instructional book on how to use readily available materials to turn the house into a science lab

Physics teacher Bobby Mercer provides readers with more than 50 great hands-on experiments that can be performed for just pennies, or less. Turn a plastic cup into a pinhole camera using waxed paper, a rubber band, and a thumbtack. Build a swinging wave machine using a series of washers suspended on strings from a yardstick. Or construct your own planetarium from an empty potato chip canister, construction paper, scissors, and a pin. Each project has a materials list, detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations, and a brief explanation of the scientific principle being demonstrated. Junk Drawer Physics also includes sidebars of fascinating physics facts, such as did you know the Eiffel Tower is six inches taller in summer than in winter because its steel structure expands in the heat? Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children about physics topics that include magnetism, electricity, force, motion, light, energy, sound, and more, and have fun at the same time.

Junk Drawer Chemistry
Junk Drawer Chemistry ›
By Bobby Mercer

Trade Paper

Published Oct 2015

A children’s instructional book on how to use readily available materials to turn the house into a science lab
 
Science teacher Bobby Mercer provides readers with more than 50 great hands-on experiments that can be performed for just pennies, or less. Each project has a materials list, detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations, and a brief explanation of the scientific principle being demonstrated. From turning three pennies and two galvanized washers into a simple battery to crushing a soda can using atmospheric pressure, the experiments in this book call for materials that are recycled or repurposed—crayons, plastic drink bottles, balloons, ice cubes, and other basic items found around the house. Junk Drawer Chemistry also includes sidebars of fascinating chemistry facts. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children about chemistry topics that include atoms, compounds, solutions, mixtures, reactions, thermodynamics, acids and bases, and more, while having fun at the same time.
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Published Oct 2015

A children’s instructional book on how to use readily available materials to turn the house into a science lab
 
Science teacher Bobby Mercer provides readers with more than 50 great hands-on experiments that can be performed for just pennies, or less. Each project has a materials list, detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations, and a brief explanation of the scientific principle being demonstrated. From turning three pennies and two galvanized washers into a simple battery to crushing a soda can using atmospheric pressure, the experiments in this book call for materials that are recycled or repurposed—crayons, plastic drink bottles, balloons, ice cubes, and other basic items found around the house. Junk Drawer Chemistry also includes sidebars of fascinating chemistry facts. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children about chemistry topics that include atoms, compounds, solutions, mixtures, reactions, thermodynamics, acids and bases, and more, while having fun at the same time.
Junk Drawer Chemistry
Junk Drawer Chemistry ›
By Bobby Mercer

PDF

Published Oct 2015

A children’s instructional book on how to use readily available materials to turn the house into a science lab
 
Science teacher Bobby Mercer provides readers with more than 50 great hands-on experiments that can be performed for just pennies, or less. Each project has a materials list, detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations, and a brief explanation of the scientific principle being demonstrated. From turning three pennies and two galvanized washers into a simple battery to crushing a soda can using atmospheric pressure, the experiments in this book call for materials that are recycled or repurposed—crayons, plastic drink bottles, balloons, ice cubes, and other basic items found around the house. Junk Drawer Chemistry also includes sidebars of fascinating chemistry facts. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children about chemistry topics that include atoms, compounds, solutions, mixtures, reactions, thermodynamics, acids and bases, and more, while having fun at the same time.
Junk Drawer Chemistry
Junk Drawer Chemistry ›
By Bobby Mercer

Mobipocket

Published Oct 2015

A children’s instructional book on how to use readily available materials to turn the house into a science lab
 
Science teacher Bobby Mercer provides readers with more than 50 great hands-on experiments that can be performed for just pennies, or less. Each project has a materials list, detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations, and a brief explanation of the scientific principle being demonstrated. From turning three pennies and two galvanized washers into a simple battery to crushing a soda can using atmospheric pressure, the experiments in this book call for materials that are recycled or repurposed—crayons, plastic drink bottles, balloons, ice cubes, and other basic items found around the house. Junk Drawer Chemistry also includes sidebars of fascinating chemistry facts. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children about chemistry topics that include atoms, compounds, solutions, mixtures, reactions, thermodynamics, acids and bases, and more, while having fun at the same time.
Junk Drawer Engineering
Junk Drawer Engineering ›
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Trade Paper

Published May 2017

The projects in Junk Drawer Engineering demonstrate that you don’t need high-tech equipment to make learning fun—just what you can find in your recycling bin and around the house. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children problem-solving skills and applied physics, all while having a lot of fun.
Junk Drawer Engineering
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By Bobby Mercer

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The projects in Junk Drawer Engineering demonstrate that you don’t need high-tech equipment to make learning fun—just what you can find in your recycling bin and around the house. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children problem-solving skills and applied physics, all while having a lot of fun.
Junk Drawer Engineering
Junk Drawer Engineering ›
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EPUB

Published May 2017

The projects in Junk Drawer Engineering demonstrate that you don’t need high-tech equipment to make learning fun—just what you can find in your recycling bin and around the house. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children problem-solving skills and applied physics, all while having a lot of fun.
Junk Drawer Engineering
Junk Drawer Engineering ›
By Bobby Mercer

PDF

Published May 2017

The projects in Junk Drawer Engineering demonstrate that you don’t need high-tech equipment to make learning fun—just what you can find in your recycling bin and around the house. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children problem-solving skills and applied physics, all while having a lot of fun.
Junk Drawer Geometry
Junk Drawer Geometry ›
By Bobby Mercer

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Published Oct 2018

For many children, geometry is best understood as a hands-on subject. With this handy resource, children will build polygons out of pipe cleaners and flexible drinking straws, explore Mobius strips made from index cards, and model the Pythagorean Theorem using cheese crackers. Educator Bobby Mercer provides readers with 50 creative geometry project ideas for engaged learning. Each activity includes a materials list and detailed instructions with illustrations. The projects introduced here include ideas on how to modify the lessons for different age groups, allowing teachers to use this to excite any classroom. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children problem-solving skills and applied geometry, all while having a lot of fun.
Junk Drawer Geometry
Junk Drawer Geometry ›
By Bobby Mercer

Mobipocket

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For many children, geometry is best understood as a hands-on subject. With this handy resource, children will build polygons out of pipe cleaners and flexible drinking straws, explore Mobius strips made from index cards, and model the Pythagorean Theorem using cheese crackers. Educator Bobby Mercer provides readers with 50 creative geometry project ideas for engaged learning. Each activity includes a materials list and detailed instructions with illustrations. The projects introduced here include ideas on how to modify the lessons for different age groups, allowing teachers to use this to excite any classroom. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children problem-solving skills and applied geometry, all while having a lot of fun.
Junk Drawer Geometry
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By Bobby Mercer

PDF

Published Oct 2018

For many children, geometry is best understood as a hands-on subject. With this handy resource, children will build polygons out of pipe cleaners and flexible drinking straws, explore Mobius strips made from index cards, and model the Pythagorean Theorem using cheese crackers. Educator Bobby Mercer provides readers with 50 creative geometry project ideas for engaged learning. Each activity includes a materials list and detailed instructions with illustrations. The projects introduced here include ideas on how to modify the lessons for different age groups, allowing teachers to use this to excite any classroom. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children problem-solving skills and applied geometry, all while having a lot of fun.
Junk Drawer Geometry
Junk Drawer Geometry ›
By Bobby Mercer

EPUB

Published Oct 2018

For many children, geometry is best understood as a hands-on subject. With this handy resource, children will build polygons out of pipe cleaners and flexible drinking straws, explore Mobius strips made from index cards, and model the Pythagorean Theorem using cheese crackers. Educator Bobby Mercer provides readers with 50 creative geometry project ideas for engaged learning. Each activity includes a materials list and detailed instructions with illustrations. The projects introduced here include ideas on how to modify the lessons for different age groups, allowing teachers to use this to excite any classroom. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children problem-solving skills and applied geometry, all while having a lot of fun.
Junk Drawer Algebra
Junk Drawer Algebra ›
By Bobby Mercer

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Published Nov 2019

Algebra as a hands-on subject? With this helpful resource, you can create coordinate graphs with candy, simplify algebraic equations with pennies and nickels, use aluminum foil to multiply polynomials (perfect for the FOIL method), examine exponential decay functions with a bouncy ball, and much more. Junk Drawer Algebra proves that you don’t need high-tech equipment to comprehend math concepts—just what you can find around the house or in your recycling bin.

Each of this book’s 50 creative algebra projects includes a materials list and detailed, step-by-step instructions with illustrations. The projects also include ideas on how to modify the lessons for different age and skill levels, allowing anyone teaching children to use this book to excite students. Educators and parents will find this title a handy guide to teach problem-solving skills and algebraic equations, all while having a lot of fun.
Junk Drawer Algebra
Junk Drawer Algebra ›
By Bobby Mercer

Mobipocket

Published Nov 2019

Algebra as a hands-on subject? With this helpful resource, you can create coordinate graphs with candy, simplify algebraic equations with pennies and nickels, use aluminum foil to multiply polynomials (perfect for the FOIL method), examine exponential decay functions with a bouncy ball, and much more. Junk Drawer Algebra proves that you don’t need high-tech equipment to comprehend math concepts—just what you can find around the house or in your recycling bin.

Each of this book’s 50 creative algebra projects includes a materials list and detailed, step-by-step instructions with illustrations. The projects also include ideas on how to modify the lessons for different age and skill levels, allowing anyone teaching children to use this book to excite students. Educators and parents will find this title a handy guide to teach problem-solving skills and algebraic equations, all while having a lot of fun.
Junk Drawer Algebra
Junk Drawer Algebra ›
By Bobby Mercer

EPUB

Published Nov 2019

Algebra as a hands-on subject? With this helpful resource, you can create coordinate graphs with candy, simplify algebraic equations with pennies and nickels, use aluminum foil to multiply polynomials (perfect for the FOIL method), examine exponential decay functions with a bouncy ball, and much more. Junk Drawer Algebra proves that you don’t need high-tech equipment to comprehend math concepts—just what you can find around the house or in your recycling bin.

Each of this book’s 50 creative algebra projects includes a materials list and detailed, step-by-step instructions with illustrations. The projects also include ideas on how to modify the lessons for different age and skill levels, allowing anyone teaching children to use this book to excite students. Educators and parents will find this title a handy guide to teach problem-solving skills and algebraic equations, all while having a lot of fun.
Junk Drawer Algebra
Junk Drawer Algebra ›
By Bobby Mercer

Trade Paper

Published Nov 2019

Algebra as a hands-on subject? With this helpful resource, you can create coordinate graphs with candy, simplify algebraic equations with pennies and nickels, use aluminum foil to multiply polynomials (perfect for the FOIL method), examine exponential decay functions with a bouncy ball, and much more. Junk Drawer Algebra proves that you don’t need high-tech equipment to comprehend math concepts—just what you can find around the house or in your recycling bin.

Each of this book’s 50 creative algebra projects includes a materials list and detailed, step-by-step instructions with illustrations. The projects also include ideas on how to modify the lessons for different age and skill levels, allowing anyone teaching children to use this book to excite students. Educators and parents will find this title a handy guide to teach problem-solving skills and algebraic equations, all while having a lot of fun.
Junk Drawer Biology
Junk Drawer Biology ›
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Junk Drawer Biology will demonstrate that you don't need high-tech equipment to make learning fun—just what you can find in your recycling bin and around the house. Science educator Bobby Mercer provides readers with hands-on experiments to explain the building blocks of living matter for children of all ages. The projects can be modified to meet the skill levels of the children doing them, from elementary school kids to teenagers. Though each challenge includes suggested materials and one step-by-step, illustrated solution, children are encouraged to think further come up with more questions to answer. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children while having a lot of fun.

Junk Drawer Biology
Junk Drawer Biology ›
By Bobby Mercer

PDF

Published Jun 2020

 

Junk Drawer Biology will demonstrate that you don't need high-tech equipment to make learning fun—just what you can find in your recycling bin and around the house. Science educator Bobby Mercer provides readers with hands-on experiments to explain the building blocks of living matter for children of all ages. The projects can be modified to meet the skill levels of the children doing them, from elementary school kids to teenagers. Though each challenge includes suggested materials and one step-by-step, illustrated solution, children are encouraged to think further come up with more questions to answer. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children while having a lot of fun.

Junk Drawer Biology
Junk Drawer Biology ›
By Bobby Mercer

Mobipocket

Published Jun 2020

 

Junk Drawer Biology will demonstrate that you don't need high-tech equipment to make learning fun—just what you can find in your recycling bin and around the house. Science educator Bobby Mercer provides readers with hands-on experiments to explain the building blocks of living matter for children of all ages. The projects can be modified to meet the skill levels of the children doing them, from elementary school kids to teenagers. Though each challenge includes suggested materials and one step-by-step, illustrated solution, children are encouraged to think further come up with more questions to answer. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children while having a lot of fun.

Junk Drawer Biology
Junk Drawer Biology ›
By Bobby Mercer

EPUB

Published Jun 2020

 

Junk Drawer Biology will demonstrate that you don't need high-tech equipment to make learning fun—just what you can find in your recycling bin and around the house. Science educator Bobby Mercer provides readers with hands-on experiments to explain the building blocks of living matter for children of all ages. The projects can be modified to meet the skill levels of the children doing them, from elementary school kids to teenagers. Though each challenge includes suggested materials and one step-by-step, illustrated solution, children are encouraged to think further come up with more questions to answer. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children while having a lot of fun.

Junk Drawer Ecology
Junk Drawer Ecology ›
By Bobby Mercer

Trade Paper

Published Dec 2021

Junk Drawer Ecology is a hands-on guide to saving the planet. Fun, free science activities help kids of all ages learn about the science of our planet’s ecology.

The environment is changing every day, and we can help slow that change. Using free or low-cost things children already have around their homes, these activities are perfect to stimulate young brains.
 
Readers will learn about the importance of the polar regions without leaving their communities, about new ways to cut our dependence on fossil fuels, about all forms of pollution, and how they can make a difference. Junk Drawer Ecology will give inquisitive kids many hours of fun and help them learn at the same time.
 
Junk Drawer Ecology
Junk Drawer Ecology ›
By Bobby Mercer

PDF

Published Dec 2021

Junk Drawer Ecology is a hands-on guide to saving the planet. Fun, free science activities help kids of all ages learn about the science of our planet’s ecology.

The environment is changing every day, and we can help slow that change. Using free or low-cost things children already have around their homes, these activities are perfect to stimulate young brains.
 
Readers will learn about the importance of the polar regions without leaving their communities, about new ways to cut our dependence on fossil fuels, about all forms of pollution, and how they can make a difference. Junk Drawer Ecology will give inquisitive kids many hours of fun and help them learn at the same time.
 
Junk Drawer Ecology
Junk Drawer Ecology ›
By Bobby Mercer

EPUB

Published Dec 2021

Junk Drawer Ecology is a hands-on guide to saving the planet. Fun, free science activities help kids of all ages learn about the science of our planet’s ecology.

The environment is changing every day, and we can help slow that change. Using free or low-cost things children already have around their homes, these activities are perfect to stimulate young brains.
 
Readers will learn about the importance of the polar regions without leaving their communities, about new ways to cut our dependence on fossil fuels, about all forms of pollution, and how they can make a difference. Junk Drawer Ecology will give inquisitive kids many hours of fun and help them learn at the same time.