Janice Vancleave's Rocks and Minerals: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science Fair Projects

What are fossils?
* How do stalactites and stalagmites form?
* Can rock melt?


Janice VanCleave's Rocks and Minerals includes 20 fun and simple experiments that allow you to discover the answers to these and other fascinating questions about rocks and minerals, plus dozens of additional suggestions for developing your own science fair projects.

See how sedimentary rock is formed using two pillows, a yardstick, and some masking tape. Make models of rocks and minerals with gumdrops, toothpicks, and plastic bags. Learn what carbonate minerals are and how to identify them using a glass jar, some vinegar, and an egg. All experiments use inexpensive household materials and involve a minimum of preparation and clean up.

Children ages 8-12

Also available in the Spectacular Science Projects series:

Janice VanCleave's Animals

Janice VanCleave's Earthquakes

Janice VanCleave's Electricity

Janice VanCleave's Gravity

Janice VanCleave's Machines

Janice VanCleave's Magnets

Janice VanCleave's Molecules

Janice VanCleave's Microscopes and Magnifying Lenses

Janice VanCleave's Volcanoes

Janice VanCleave's Weather

JANICE VANCLEAVE, the author of the popular Science for Every Kid series, is a former science teacher and a captivating presenter at museums, schools, and bookstores nationwide.

Gr 6-8 Beginning with directions for differentiating between rocks and minerals, VanCleave presents stunningly clear, direct, and informative projects. They are generally simple enough for self-directed students to do on their own, but a teacher's guidance would be helpful. Black-and-white diagrams and drawings of multiethnic youngsters performing the experiments illustrate the text. A list of suppliers of materials, complete with addresses and telephone numbers, and an excellent glossary are included.æGeorge Gleason, Department of English, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield Copyright 1998 School Library Journal Reviews