cover image Junk Drawer Physics: 50 Awesome Experiments That Don't Cost a Thing

Junk Drawer Physics: 50 Awesome Experiments That Don't Cost a Thing

Bobby Mercer. Chicago Review (IPG, dist.), $14.95 trade paper (208p) ISBN 978-1-61374-920-3

Mercer, a high school physics teacher, offers a wealth of ideas for how readers can household odds and ends like old CDs, empty toilet paper rolls, and plastic spoons to explore concepts in physics. The book's six chapters are devoted to forces and motion, energy, sound and waves, light and magnetism, and fluids and pressure; each experiment unfolds through straightforward numbered instructions and accompanying photos, followed by a brief explanation of the underlying science (for a "trombone" made from drinking straws, Mercer explains, "the vibrating reed causes the air inside the straw to vibrate"). More than enough to keep scientifically curious kids busy on rainy days. Ages 9%E2%80%93up. (June)