Potato Radio, Dizzy Dice, and More Wacky, Weird Experiments from the Mad Scientist
#4 in Mad Science Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
A collection of experiments that can be performed using ordinary household objects, such as making an anti-gravity bucket or a potato radio, plus explanations of why each works. The book offers step-by-step instructions and helpful pictures, making it an essential resource for any budding 'Mad Scientist.'
Discussion points
What was the most surprising experiment you read about and why did it stand out to you?
If you could create your own wacky experiment, what would it be and what materials would you use?
How do you think the characters felt when their experiments succeeded or failed? Have you ever felt the same?
What did you learn about science and creativity from this book?
Which experiment would you like to try at home and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the experiments by asking them how they think each experiment works. Discuss the importance of perseverance and creativity, highlighting how the characters in the book often try and fail before succeeding. Offer to recreate one of the experiments together, using it as a practical and engaging way to further explore the scientific concepts in the book. Finally, affirm their curiosity and praise their innovative ideas, fostering a love for learning and discovery.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book engages children with fascinating and unconventional experiments that stimulate curiosity and encourage exploration of scientific concepts.
Real-World Application: Children learn to question how things work and explore science in a practical, hands-on way that can be applied in school projects or home experiments.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: By presenting wacky and weird experiments, the book fosters creative thinking and innovative problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to think creatively in their daily activities and find innovative solutions to problems, whether it's building a model, fixing a toy, or just playing creatively.
Example Lesson: Persistence and problem-solving
Explanation: Experiments don't always work on the first try, illustrating the importance of persistence and continuous problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of persistence in schoolwork, personal projects, and even interpersonal relationships. It teaches them not to give up easily and to keep trying different solutions.
Example Lesson: Scientific method and critical thinking
Explanation: The experiments in the book require following steps methodically, promoting an understanding of the scientific method and development of critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach problems methodically and think critically about outcomes in their everyday learning, helping them in subjects like math, science, and technology.
Example Lesson: Learning from failure
Explanation: The book shows that not all experiments turn out as expected, teaching children that failure is a part of learning and can lead to unexpected discoveries.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to view failures as opportunities for learning, encouraging resilience and adaptability in their day-to-day life with tasks, games, or new challenges.