Exploratopia
by Pat Murphy, Ellen Macaulay and the Exploratorium staff
Published by Little, Brown and Company
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Reviewed by Andrea Sisco
(Wonderful illustrations by Jason Gorski)
The Exploratorium is an interactive museum of over six hundred exhibits that allow children (and adults) to make exciting discoveries and get those creative juices flowing. It's located in San Francisco, California.
If you have a curious child or a budding scientist around your house, Exploratopia is a book that will teach and entertain them for hundreds of hours. It shares experiments and shows how to explore and learn about things you've always wanted to know about and about those everyday things you've taken for granted. The great thing about Exploratopia is that the experiments are a jumping-off point in exploring other things about our world.
Part 1 is Exploring Yourself: As an adult I was enthralled to learn about the tongue and the misconception about taste buds. The section on fingerprints is sure to be a hit. Expect the kids to do their own research with family and friends.
Part 2 is Exploring Interesting Places: The experiment about preserving a body is a 'must do' and will keep the kids occupied while they learn. I've never thought about the shape of rain, but it will be on my mind with every rain shower, now that I know about it. And learn how to measure the speed of the wind just by watching how it affects every day things.
Part 3 is Exploring Interesting Stuff: Language, music, math, paper, optical illusions, light, color, electricity, magnetism, and sound are covered. Kids will want to make a rainbow, make paper, experiment with the moon and the hundreds of other fascinating experiments.
Exploratopia is a book that will teach children that learning is exciting and fun. And it's one that parents and children can do together. Watch the excitement build and the desire to learn grow!
Armchair Interviews says: Great gift book for middle reder (10-14) and young adult readers.