Bright Ideas

May 17, 2010
This interactive book contains four LEDs and two coated wires (readers will have to supply a coin battery), which can be used in many of the hands-on projects within. Experiments include "alien metal detectors" (in which readers can create clay aliens that light up) and making oil-and-water based lava lamps. Other experiments don't require the use of the LEDs, but conceptualize light other ways ("Light speed marshmallows" requires briefly heating marshmallows in a microwave to measure wavelengths). Additional sections attend to various aspects of light, including the visible spectrum, the light formed in an aurora, and fluorescent coral. Young scientists should enjoy trying these experiments over the summer—with some help from Mom or Dad. Ages 8–up.