Painless Science Projects (Barron's Painless)

This book was written for kids who find science courses--and especially, science projects--daunting. Author Faith Hickman Brynie promises that she will show them "how to carry out a project that's as much fun as a day at the beach." Her opening chapter tells how to ask good science questions and shape them into promising plans for a project. Chapter 2 offers guidance in transforming an idea into a logical design that's safe, practical, and affordable. Succeeding chapters instruct on collecting and organizing data, writing a report or giving an oral presentation, building a display, and improving a project as it evolves. She also provides helpful checklists on topics ranging from safety to seeking expert help. Kids learn to enjoy doing original science projects, rather than merely repeating experiments taken from books. Middle school and high school students who think they hate science will change their minds in a hurry when they use this book.