I first became familiar with Steve Spangle when he appeared frequently on a local news program. His infectious enthusiasm for Science was demonstrated with the many fun experiments he shared with his audience. It didn’t take long until the Ellen Show gave him national exposure and Steve’s YouTube channel skyrocketed himself and science to immense popularity. It continued with his own show known as DIY SCI.

His latest book follows through with his desire to make science fun while also explaining the WHY and HOW.

The 50 experiments are arranges into four categories:

• BETTER THAN MAGIC
• EXTREME ELEMENTS
• FUNDAMENTAL FORCES
• KITCHEN SCIENCE

The beginning pages are devoted to the 6 principals of science safety and a detailed but never boring look at the Scientific Method. The experiments are presented in full color with easy to obtain materials and a Did you know? piece extends knowledge to a related science concept.

I tried out a few of the experiments before I let my copy of the book drop into middle grade hands. I learned how to make an Ice-Tray Battery, the World’s Simplest Motor, Anti-Gravity Water, and Solar Oven S’mores. The grin on my face showed not only was I having fun but also the hands-on lessons will be ones I won’t forget. That’s what makes this style of teaching popular with young learners.

The experiments in SUPER COOL SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS! first appeared on Steve’s YouTube channel. Here’s a short one to give you an idea of what to expect:

The book though is a much better tool for the classroom and at home learning. Not only do you not need a screen to watch but the explanation of how it works is invaluable. Best for ages 8-12 and will certainly increase interest in science. Highly recommended!

ABOUT STEVE SPANGLER

With more than 1,600 television appearances and multiple Emmy awards to his credit, Steve is also a regular guest on the Ellen DeGeneres Show where she dubbed him America’s Science Teacher. Steve’s catalog of videos featured on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and now TikTok have more than 1 billion views, and his books and online experiments are widely used by parents and educators to increase student engagement and inspire young scientists to learn more about STEM-based careers.

But Steve Spangler feels most at home when he’s on stage sharing insights and creating those amazing experiences audiences remember for a lifetime. Steve brings over 25 years of experience (4,500+ presentations) to the platform every time he speaks. In July 2010, members of the National Speakers Association inducted Steve into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame. He is among an elite group of only 224 professional speakers in the world to receive this honor.

(For more visit Steve’s very popular website)

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.