Kitchen Science Experiments: How Does Your Mold Garden Grow?

The 18 experiments in this collection, second in the Mad Science series, investigate micro-organisms thriving in kitchens. Using readily available materials (plus extras like powdered agar), readers can learn bacteria basics by taking samples from around the house and examining the growth in agar plates, inflating a balloon using yeast, and mummifying a fish with baking soda. Clear explanations of each experiment's end result make this a good choice for those just starting to tinker around with home chemistry sets. Ages 9–12. (Dec.)