Energy Lab for Kids

What a great idea this book is! Lots of experiments around the concept of 'energy' (in fact, 40 in total!) which are great for kids to try on a rainy day (or even on a sunny day, given that some experiments are messier than others and can be done in the garden). The foreword explains that most of these experiments should be possible with items from the house, meaning no need to go out and buy lots of extra bits and pieces, which is a definite bonus. The instructions are clear, the photos show exactly how to set up the experiments, and there is space to record your findings and observations. All in all, this book is fantastic for young experimental minds and is a great way of encouraging time away from screens! I particularly like that under each experiment is a few extra details about the level of messiness and time required for each experiment, so parents can be selective over which ones they help set up. Perfect!

I've evaluated a lot of kids' science experiment books and this is one of the better ones. It succeeds on a number of fronts.
1) It has a clear theme. From the title onward, you know exactly what sort of experiments you are getting.
2) The steps for each experiment are clearly explained and supported by photos.
3) Each experiment is accompanied by the scientific explanation for what participants will observe.
I could see using this book to supplement homeschooling curriculum or as a part of a summer education program, not to mention just being fun for science minded kids.

Interesting scientific experiments that help children understand various aspects of energy. These fun activities will be appreciated by any child.

I'm a STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) professional (a bio-engineer in my particular case). A huge part of why I'm the person I am today is because of an early exposure to really engaged and involved teachers (and my parents) who continually reinforced my natural curiosity about physics and chemistry and natural sciences.

I really love seeing science books aimed at younger audiences with fun (safe!) experiments which encourage kids to explore and reason and learn while having fun. I could definitely see these experiments being used in a classroom setting or as part of a homeschooling unit.

At the beginning of the book, before the experiment sections is a general intro with safety information as well as an encouragement to keep notes in a lab notebook (and refer back to them). There is also a link for downloading the lab charts which appear in the book.

The lab experiments are arranged in 5 sections with labs which explain and support each concept. The five sections are: Energy basics, Forms of Energy and Energy Transformations, Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources, Using Energy, and Saving Energy.

Each of the 40 lab experiments begin with ingredients list and safety notes. The labs are very well illustrated with numerous photographs. They support the section concepts very well with items which are easily found or acquired.

The end of the book has a good resource section with a list of websites for additional information and research as well as a short author bio and a little info on the NEED (national energy education development) project.

Four stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.

Energy Lab for Kids by Emily Hawbaker is a thoughtfully photographed nonfiction story for young scientists and their helpers (whether family, older siblings or teachers). The resources for the parent/caregiver are thorough and helpful, especially the introduction and link to the charts included in this book. I carefully read some experiments and skimmed through others. The materials lists seem to be complete, and the "energy explained" sections give parents/caregivers the tools to answer the WHY of the experiment. I think there is a wide range of use for this book, from preschool up to older elementary and any scientist in between!

I believe students in my preschool science classes would enjoy several of the experiments included in the book. Some I would need to modify and others I could show as a demonstration. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview Energy Lab for Kids.

Energy Lab for Kids includes 40 fun and engaging activities to help children learn about energy. Well-organised and clear.

Make on your energy lab projects for your kids.......

A nice collection of at-home science experiments that kids can do (with adult supervision of course), though most of them look like they will end in some sort of mess.

Wonderful! Had so much fun doing all these experiments with my son! Can't wait to get some more of these books to have a good night of fun