The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments

The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments

book

2016, Children's Books, Science, Nature & How It Works

WISE
83%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

101 kitchen-table science experiments that promise explosions, hovercrafts, and only moderate parental cleanup duty.

Amazon4.7
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a solid rainy-day, summer-break, or homeschool science companion that delivers on its promise: simple experiments with household stuff that actually feel like science.

The Quirky Mommas know their audience—parents who want educational activities that don't require a PhD or a trip to a specialty store. The mess meter and supervision notes are genuinely helpful, and the variety keeps kids from getting bored after experiment #12.

That said, don't expect textbook-quality science explanations. This is more 'wow, cool!' than 'here's the molecular structure.' Some experiments will flop, and you'll wonder if you did it wrong or if the instructions were just optimistic. But honestly? That's part of science too.

If you want your kid to fall in love with experimentation and get comfortable with trial and error, this book does the job. If you want rigorous STEM curriculum, look elsewhere. For most families, this hits the sweet spot of fun, mess, and learning.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-12, with younger kids needing more hands-on help and older kids able to work more independently. The experiments are accessible enough for early elementary but engaging enough for middle schoolers who still like making things fizz and fly.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

Explicitly designed for kids to work with parents, teachers, and caregivers. Includes safety notes and supervision levels. Promotes hands-on learning together using household items. Positive, encouraging tone throughout.

Imaginative
82

Offers 101 different experiments from balloon-powered cars to CD hovercrafts, encouraging kids to explore physics, chemistry, and engineering. Uses everyday items in creative ways. However, it's a follow-the-instructions format rather than open-ended exploration, which caps the creativity ceiling.

Safe
92

Book format with clear supervision notes and mess meter ratings. Uses household items with appropriate safety guidance. No concerning content. A few Amazon reviews mention some experiments don't work as described and some scientific explanations are sloppy, but no actual safety issues reported.

Enriching
79

Solid introduction to scientific concepts through hands-on experimentation. Covers chemistry, physics, and engineering basics. The 4.7 Amazon rating is strong, but some reviewers note the science explanations are 'sloppy,' which undermines the educational value. It's fun first, learning second—which isn't bad, but limits enrichment depth.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Mess meter and supervision notes keep parents sane while kids learn
  • Uses stuff you already have—baking soda, vinegar, clothespins—no specialty lab equipment required
  • Covers diverse topics from chemistry to physics to engineering, keeping things fresh across 101 experiments
  • From the Quirky Mommas behind Kids Activities Blog, so it's parent-tested in the trenches
  • Strong 4.7 Amazon rating suggests most families have a good time with it
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What to Watch For

  • Some experiments reportedly don't work as advertised—prepare for trial and error
  • Scientific explanations can be thin or sloppy according to reviewers, so don't expect rigorous STEM education
  • You will make messes. The book warns you, but still: messes will happen
  • Best with adult involvement—this isn't a hand-them-the-book-and-walk-away situation

Conversation Starters

  • "Why do you think the vinegar and baking soda made the bag explode?"
  • "What other things around the house could we turn into a hovercraft?"
  • "Which experiment was the coolest? Which one was the biggest flop?"
  • "Can you explain to your sibling/friend how the electromagnet works?"
  • "What would happen if we changed one ingredient in this experiment?"

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