Junk Drawer Biology

Biology is the study of life, and all the wonderful, squishy, messy parts that living things are made of. And children love messy science, especially hands-on experimentation! Junk Drawer Biology will demonstrate that you don't need high-tech equipment to make learning fun-just what you can find in your recycling bin and around the house. Aspiring doctors can build a model of human lungs with balloons and a soda bottle, and a homemade stethoscope with tubing and plastic lid. Budding gardeners will germinate beans and explore how leaves "breathe" and "sweat." And all ages will enjoy a double helix made of candy.

Science educator Bobby Mercer provides readers with hands-on experiments to explain the building blocks of living matter for children of all ages. The projects can be modified to meet the skill levels of the children doing them, from elementary school kids to teenagers. Though each challenge includes suggested materials and one step-by-step, illustrated solution, children are encouraged to think further come up with more questions to answer. Educators and parents will find this title a handy resource to teach children while having a lot of fun.