Reviews for Science Tricks (Mini Maestro)

The average rating for Science Tricks (Mini Maestro) based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2019-05-04 00:00:00 David Gutierrez I would use this book for grades 3-5 and even older grades as well. This is an informational text. This is a book that displays science in the form of different experiments and illusions. As a result of reading the book , I would have students do their own research and find an illusion or trick that demonstrates a science concept such as something related to physics and force of motion or chemical properties, etc. I could also utilize this book to teach about math. I would create different math problems based off of the activities resulting from the book such as: Susie shared her experiment with 1/3 of the class which 1/2 of the section she shared it with participated in the experiment. What fraction of the class actually participated in her experiment. I would create more problems like this so the students could do a full activity based off of it. This was a wow book to me because these were the types of experiments and illusions I saw as a kid that really drew me in to loving science. They are so much fun and I was able to not only form bonds with my teachers and students over doing them, but also learn a lot about different science concepts that have definitely stuck with me. I would love to pass that love of science down to my students, and this is a great way to initiate it!

Review # 2 was written on 2020-09-01 00:00:00 Lynn Michko Another fantastic boredom buster book from author Helaine Becker filled with the colorful eye-catching illustrations of Claudia Davila. Who doesn't like magic tricks, illusions and quirky science facts? I loved books like this when I was a kid and my kids do to. This book is divided into six sections: Optical Illusions, Read Their Minds, Science Stunners, Math Magic, Show-Stopping Science and Magician's Survival Guide where a kid can prepare a stellar show . The tricks are really cool, like The Levitating Ice Cubes, Flower Power, I've Got Your Number and The Force is With You. Every time my kids pick up this book they can spend hours doing the tricks. It even inspired my daughter to put on a magic show, replete with the magician's kit--hat, magic wand, cape and table. Not only does the book show you how to do the tricks, but it also explains how or why the tricks work. It equips a kid to wow their friends. As I watch my kids having fun doing the tricks, that is, assembling all the supplies they need (yes, my kitchen table can look messy afterwards!) it relieves me that they are learning and discovering new things, and keeping busy rather than watching TV, which I try to keep to a minimum. Interspersed throughout the book are fun facts about the topic that makes up the magic trick. For example, for Flower Power, which is a trick that makes flowers grow, there is a fun fact about bamboos, stating that they grow so quickly you can actually hear it getting taller! Certain species can grow as much as 121 cm in one day. As you can see, kids will learn many new things while having fun doing their tricks. An excellent book for the kid who likes to keep busy doing super fun stuff. Highly recommended!