Hack Your Kitchen

December 1, 2020
Kitchen science experiments may be reaching peak popularity thanks to at-home learning. In an era of learning at home in unprecedented numbers, caregivers may take comfort in this collection of eight different kitchen projects from the STEM-oriented nonprofit Science Buddies. Ahrens offers a mix of old favorites alongside new ideas: The classic rock-candy experiment is here, but the equally hoary baking-soda volcano has been upgraded to a baking soda volcano in a lemon. Kids may have seen make-your-own-ice-cream projects; Ahrens gives the notion a bit of a twist with a make-your-own-slushy activity. And though readers may have seen recipes for baked Alaska like the one on offer here, less common is the opportunity to make edible paper out of rice flour and potato starch. Eye-popping color photographs, many featuring families of color at work, are enticing accompaniments to each of these projects. The science, alas, takes up far less space. Every experiment featured here includes five or six sentences labeled "Science Takeaway." These brief summaries cover the rudimentary scientific principles at work, but caregivers may feel the need to supplement them with additional information and books of their own. Additional online information includes more experiments, discussions of scientists and their work, and complementary videos. Something old, something new, some with batter, some are blue, and lots of projects here to do! (glossary, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 6-9)

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January 1, 2021

Gr 2-5-This title offers eight kitchen activities for curious youngsters, with assistance from an adult. Be prepared to get a bit messy. Projects encourage budding scientists to drop balls onto flour and cocoa to make impact craters, design a lemon volcano, and create edible paper from potato flour. Activities such as making rock candy and baked ice cream will require patience but provide delicious results. Each activity includes a list of materials, step-by-step instructions, clear photos, and a brief explanation of what happened. Back matter consists of a glossary, an index, and further reading. A QR code links to kitchen activities and articles about food scientists on the "Science Buddies" website. VERDICT Purchase for libraries that need to update a science collection.-Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elem. Sch., San Antonio

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