The Usborne Book of Science Activities, Vol. 2
Usborne Big Subjects For Beginners Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (59)
What’s inside...
The Usborne Book of Science Activities, Vol. 2 by Helen Edom is a children's book designed to make science accessible and fun for young learners. It offers a range of engaging and educational experiments and activities across various scientific topics, including physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Each activity is clearly explained with instructions and colorful illustrations, helping children explore scientific concepts. The book promotes hands-on learning and enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making it a valuable resource for parents and educators to foster a love of science in children. Additionally, it features experiments that utilize everyday household items and is written in simple language with helpful illustrations, allowing children to use the book independently.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about the experiments in the book?
How do you think science helps us understand the world around us?
What experiment would you like to try? Why?
Can you explain how one of the experiments in the book works?
What problems do you think scientists could solve using experiments like these?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to elaborate on their answers.
Relate the scientific concepts to everyday life to make them more comprehensible and relevant.
Celebrate any curiosity or interest they show in specific experiments and offer to conduct these experiments together at home.
Respond positively to your child's thoughts and questions, reassuring them that all questions are good questions in science.
Use illustrations in the book to help explain complex ideas, making the discussion more visual and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book encourages children to engage in various hands-on experiments, promoting an active inquiry into the workings of the world.
Real-World Application: Children learn to question how things function and explore solutions, fostering critical thinking skills that are vital in everyday problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Understanding basic scientific concepts
Explanation: Through simple and engaging activities, the book introduces fundamental scientific principles in physics, chemistry, and biology.
Real-World Application: This foundational knowledge helps children grasp more complex scientific ideas in school, enhancing their academic performance.
Example Lesson: Developing patience and perseverance
Explanation: Many experiments in the book require careful observation and waiting, teaching children the value of patience and the rewards of seeing an experiment through to the end.
Real-World Application: These qualities are important for personal growth and success in all areas of life, from education to personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Cultivating problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book presents challenges that require children to think critically and devise solutions based on the scientific method.
Real-World Application: Kids apply these problem-solving techniques to everyday challenges, becoming more adept at facing and overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: The value of collaboration
Explanation: Several activities encourage teamwork, showing kids how to work effectively with others to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital in a child's social development, helping them build cooperative skills and empathy in group settings at school and beyond.