Pranklab: Practical science pranks you and your victim can learn from

by Chris Ferrie, Byrne LaGinestra, Wade David Fairclough

Overview

Fun and educational science experiments to teach and excite kids about physics, biology, chemistry, and more—from the #1 science author for kids!

What's even better than a practical joke? A super awesome science experiment that's fun! Your friends and family might be surprised at first ... until they realize they're learning about science too!

Each activity includes:

• Step-by-step instructions
• Colorful illustrations and diagrams
• Additional notes and cool facts to explain the science!

Written by a quantum physicist and two science teachers, Pranklab shows kids how they can use everyday household items to learn the laws of physics, biology, and chemistry through entertaining (and perfectly safe) activities. With epic experiments like Fountain Dew, Hunger Explosion, Cheater's Dice, and Mind Control Elevator, kids will feel like they are playing and might not even notice they are learning about water pressure, chemical reactions, statistics, the power of groupthink, and so much more!

These awesome science experiments for kids will teach budding scientists that it's cool to be curious! There are a lot of science books for kids, but this is the book you need!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728223742
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	04/06/2021
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.70(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	IG900L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Chris Ferrie is an award-winning physicist and Senior Lecturer for Quantum Software and Information at the University of Technology Sydney. He has a Masters in applied mathematics, BMath in mathematical physics and a PhD in applied mathematics. He lives in Australia with his wife and children.

Byrne LaGinestra is a science communicator known for his unique approach to education. He has a diverse body of work from textbooks, children’s books and adult non-fiction to public presentations and podcasts. Based in Australia, his work has received widespread recognition both nationally and internationally. He has helped teachers, students, and enthusiasts alike learn to love science.

Wade David Fairclough is an Australian author and educator. His work has been nominated for multiple awards, such as the Australian Podcast of the Year—Science and Technology and has also charted on iTunes Comedy Podcast in Australia, Europe, and North America. He is the coauthor of Pranklab: 25 Hilarious Scientific Practical Jokes for Kids and 42 Reasons to Hate the Universe (And One Reason Not To).

Table of Contents

Introduction iv

Making a Mess 1

Foundation Dew 2

Upside-Down Glass 10

Hunger Explosion 18

Anti-Coaster 26

Mentos Mayhem 34

Edible Poop? 42

Eazy Squeezy 50

The Wet One 58

Award-Winning Smile 66

Wanna Bet? 75

Cheater's Dice 76

Easy Buck Pickup 84

Mind Reader 92

Your Coin? My Coin! 100

Moon Vision 108

Clean Classics 117

All-Natural Selection 118

Spilled Milk 126

Sudsless Soap 134

Remote Controlled 142

Dr. Freeze 150

Diaper Genius 158

Messing with a Mind 167

AracNOphobia 168

Magic Pebble 176

Time Lord 184

Mind-Control Elevator 192

AsTROLLogy 200

Glossary 209

Editorial Reviews

2021-01-12
A book that includes instructions for pranks and the science behind how and why they work.

An introductory note to readers explains that evidence of pranks goes back hundreds of years and that one must be sure the victim is ready to be pranked before proceeding. Four sections follow. In “Making a Mess,” pranksters are taught the science of preparing exploding ketchup and erupting cola. In “Wanna Bet?” readers learn to use cheater’s dice and play mind games that make them appear clairvoyant. “Clean Classics” are for dedicated jokesters with time to prepare stunts, such as fake spills, ahead of time. “Messing With a Mind,” which involves subjects’ psychological responses, contains the least risky and perhaps most interesting proposals. Each prank is set up with a shopping list; ratings of how funny, messy, dangerous, and scientific it is; warnings to remember; and illustrated instructions. Two-page spreads offer notes on related science topics, ideas for taking the prank to the next level, and reflection questions for readers. While the variety of pranks may offer something for everyone, the collection is heavy on messiness. The (light) science is explained in a user-friendly way, offering some benefit as a fun way to learn. Many of the pranks will annoy and, if warnings are not heeded, may damage possessions; pranksters might learn as much about reading social cues as they do about science.

Proceed with caution. (glossary) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews