This activity book for budding biologists introduces kids to the five kingdoms of life through 25 engaging projects using materials commonly found around the house, yard, or classroom. Kids will learn how to conduct experiments using the scientific method in a carefully controlled environment. They’ll make their own culture media and determine which is more effective at inhibiting the growth of bacteria: an antiseptic, a disinfectant, or plain soap and water. They will delight in collecting and comparing night-flying versus day-flying insects and learn how to clone a mushroom from a piece of its own tissue. Plenty of background information is provided, along with fun facts, a glossary, and wonderful Web sites to explore.

Frank G. Bottone, Jr., works as a molecular biologist researching cancer for the National Institutes of Health. He is also a freelance writer for Men’s Health magazine and Muscle and Fitness magazine. He lives in Carrboro, North Carolina.