Asia Citro - The Curious Kid’s Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4–8

ENDORSEMENTS

Asias The Curious Kids Science Book is not just another book of experiments to fill a rainy day. This book guides parents through the process of inspiring a sense of curiosity in children, and developing a set of skills to help them problem solve, and be scientific thinkers. Through real-life experience, Citro demonstrates that even very young children can design experiments, document progress, and share their discoveries in a meaningful way. While the book is full of easy, fun, and meaningful science activities, its real value is its approach to helping parents inspire a sense of exploration and discovery that will benefit their children long after they have grown.

Bob Pflugfelder, Founder of ScienceBob.com, seen on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Live with Kelly and Michael, author of the Nick and Tesla series

This is a delightful book that draws on a childs natural curiosity to impart the basics of scientific inquiryfrom question to hypothesis to experiment to the results and conclusions. Children will love it and parents will learn some things, too.

Dr. Henry L. Roediger III, James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Washington University in St. Louis, author of Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

Asia Citro is a welcome new voice in the world of science education. As an educator and mother of two young children, she has a deep understanding that children are naturally curious, ask good questions, and freely investigate the world around them when given the chance. What The Curious Kids Science Book does so well, which so many science books for kids tend to miss, is the celebration of this innate curiosity and penchant for experimentation. With this understanding in hand, this book encourages children not to replicate tried and true science projects, but to ask their own questions and think like real scientists! From building a hypothesis to testing out theories, The Curious Kids Science Book will harness the scientist inside children and their adult counterparts. Bravo!

Rachelle Doorley, Arts Educator at TinkerLab.com, author of Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors

I am a firm believer in the power of childrens questions to open doors to discovery. Asia Citro has unlocked that power in this collection of explorations that even the youngest of scientists will enjoy.

Tom Robinson, National Board Certified Teacher, bestselling author of The Everything Kids Science Experiments Book

Perhaps children are the best scientists and explorers because they arent afraid to ask the question Why? I encourage you to use the easy-to-do hands-on activities in this book to fuel your childrens innate creativity and problem-solving skills. Plus, without knowing it, theyll have fun learning science and math!

Captain Wendy Lawrence, Former NASA astronaut

Based on the premise that young children are curious, observant, and determined problem solvers, The Curious Kids Science Book is a brilliant resource that will get teachers and parents of young children excited about exploring the world of science in the classroom or at home. Asia has photographed a wonderful and broad collection of easy-to-put-into-action scientific investigations and shared them along with simple tips for keeping science fun and engaging. As you and your child get busy exploring the ideas shared throughout Asias book, your young scientist will be developing the confidence and basic skills needed to be a capable and competent problem solver in many areas of life!

Deborah J. Stewart, Founder of TeachPreschool.org, author of Ready for Kindergarten!

As an educator who values creativity, discovery, exploring, and experimenting, Im thrilled to recommend Asia Citros science activity book that encourages kids to ask their own questions. Kids will explore answers and investigate their own outcomes, building on curiosity and creative inspiration. I especially like that easy-to-find materials are used. What a playful, powerful jump into science!

MaryAnn F. Kohl, bestselling author of over 20 childrens art books

Copyright 2015 by Asia Citro.

All rights reserved.

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher.

Published by

The Innovation Press

P.O. Box 2584, Woodinville, WA 98072-2584. U.S.A.

www.theinnovationpress.com

Citro, Asia.

The curious kids science book: 100+ creative hands-on activities for ages 4-8 / Asia Citro, M. Ed.

pages cm

Includes index.

LCCN 2015903881

ISBN 978-1-943147-02-1

1. Science--Experiments. 2. Science--Study and teaching (Primary)--Activity programs. 3. Science projects. I. Title.

Q164.C455 2015 507.8

QBI15-600075

Production Date: 05/2015

Batch Number: 53799-0

Plant Location: Printed by Everbest Printing Co. Ltd., Nansha, China

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and The Innovation Press was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

All of the activities in this book are intended to be performed under adult supervision. Appropriate and reasonable caution is recommended when activities call for any items that could be of risk, such as hot glue, sharp scissors, or small items that could present a choking hazard. If you are unsure of the safety or age appropriateness of an activity, please contact your childs doctor for guidance. The recommendations in the activities in this book cannot replace common sense and sound judgement. Observe safety and caution at all times. The author and publisher disclaim liability for any damage, mishap, or injury that may occur from engaging in the activities in this book.

Photography by Asia Citro.

Lunchbox font by Kimmy Design.

Frente font by Frente.

Cover design by Kerry Ellis.

To Bubba and Goose, always.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to my family for all of your support. I couldnt have written and photographed this book without the help and cooperation of my kids and the child care provided by my husband, mom, and mother-in-law.

A big thank-you to Nicole Nuckley, Melissa Jenkins, Henry Valz, Jenny Shibayama, Anita MacPherson, and Nicole Flynn for double-checking my scientific accuracy. And thank you to my mom, my husband, Jessica Petersen, Rachael Brown, Stephanie Haass, and Kerissa Potter for all of your help writing and refining the introduction and the summary of the book. Thank you to my talented and patient graphic designer, Kerry Ellis, for bringing my vision for the book to life. And thank you to my editor, Cynthia Reeh, for helping me with all the finishing touches.

Thank you to MaryAnn Kohl for everything! You continue to be an inspiration and a huge resource, not to mention a great friend.

Thank you to all of our Fun at Home with Kids blog readers and all of our 150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids book readers for your wonderful comments, messages, and photos. We love hearing from you and your support means the world to us!

Thank you to Discount School Supply and Shady Oak Butterfly Farm for providing some of the materials in this book. And thank you to Tiffany Ard of Nerdy Baby for allowing us to use one of your amazing prints in the book.