Science on the Loose: Amazing Activities and Science Facts You'll Never Believe

Science on the Loose: Amazing Activities and Science Facts You'll Never Believe
Co-Authors / Illustrators
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
8+
Release Date
March 11, 2008
ISBN
189734919X
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Infused with Helaine Becker’s trademark wit and irrepressible energy, Science on the Loose encourages young readers to release their inner scientist so that they can think, do, and learn in the most entertaining way possible. Whether it’s to test density in fruit, determine dominant genes, or make slimy goo, each experiment follows accepted scientific procedure, is easy to conduct, can be safely performed using ordinary household materials, and makes for a satisfying, surprising adventure in science. Each experiment features a “What’s Going On?” component that explains the science behind the results in a clear and concise way, so even when an experiment just feels like silly fun, children are learning about chemistry, climate change, genes, the senses, photosynthesis, the scientific method — even Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. From fooling our senses to discovering whether Jell-o can have brain waves to creating ice cream by kicking a can, Science on the Loose feeds into children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. A helpful listing outlines all the scientific principles covered in the book — an indispensable tool for teachers and a mark of a serious science book for parents. Claudia Dávila’s amusing illustrations strike the perfect note.

Infused with Helaine Becker’s trademark wit and irrepressible energy, Science on the Loose encourages young readers to release their inner scientist so that they can think, do, and learn in the most entertaining way possible. Whether it’s to test density in fruit, determine dominant genes, or make slimy goo, each experiment follows accepted scientific procedure, is easy to conduct, can be safely performed using ordinary household materials, and makes for a satisfying, surprising adventure in science. Each experiment features a “What’s Going On?” component that explains the science behind the results in a clear and concise way, so even when an experiment just feels like silly fun, children are learning about chemistry, climate change, genes, the senses, photosynthesis, the scientific method — even Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. From fooling our senses to discovering whether Jell-o can have brain waves to creating ice cream by kicking a can, Science on the Loose feeds into children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. A helpful listing outlines all the scientific principles covered in the book — an indispensable tool for teachers and a mark of a serious science book for parents. Claudia Dávila’s amusing illustrations strike the perfect note.

Editor review

1 review
Science Facts and Do-It-Yourself Experiments
(Updated: June 29, 2026)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
0.0
Learning Value
 
0.0
I've always had the sneaking suspicion that science could be fun and funny--and now I know it's true. This book mixes short fact bites (often very weird things, like the time scientists fooled people into thinking a rubber arm was their own arm) with please-try-this-at-home experiments to reinforce a theory (with the rubber arm fact are several quick experiments that also "fool your brain").

The layout is a lively mix of funny pictures and fascinating sidebars that kept me reading and flipping pages, reading and flipping pages. Can you believe Greek scientists did a scientific study on DIMPLES? Or that Taiwan scientists have bred green pigs that glow in the dark? I also found out why mosquitoes are not attracted to me (and, trust me, it's not a compliment!) and why we get "brain freeze" when we gobble our chocolate-dipped vanilla swirl ice cream cone. I could go on and ON . . .but, instead, I'll just recommend this fantastic blend of knowledge and fun. Then I think I'll go make the "kick the can ice cream" experiment . . .
G
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