From physics to forensics, from the largest clouds to the tiniest ants, from Issac Newton to elephant dung, "Exploratopia" overflows with things readers can explore using the simplest, everyday items, such as eggs, paper clips, soda bottles, vinegar, and plastic cups. Kids will love these innovative activities and will have fun learning all at the same time. Grade 3–6—Practiced young experimenters ready to strike out on their own will find enticing science demonstrations on nearly every page of this inviting collection. Each of the 21 sections contains a half dozen or more entries that feature easily gathered ingredients, clear directions, and color photos or diagrams that are not only informative but often arresting as well. Areas of inquiry range from explorations of one's own ears to bathroom studies of surface tension and bubbles, from creating a mummy (in this case a hot dog, dubbed "King Oscar" in the directions) to making a rocket launched by "100 percent stomp power." Murphy and company also include many experiments specifically designed to sharpen observation, logic, and measurement skills, along with other intangible, but essential, "Tools for Exploration." A closing section of hints and shortcuts, plus a useful directory of links on an associated Web site, rounds out an above-average addition to science-project shelves.— John Peters, New York Public Library Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The Exploratorium, the "museum of science, art and human perception" in San Francisco, presents a lively compendium of science information, activities, and experiments. Divided into three broad sections, this large-format book supports a hands-on approach to learning. "Exploring Yourself" includes sections on the eyes, the ears, the nose and tongue, the hands, and the brain. "Exploring Interesting Places" offers things to learn in kitchens, bathrooms, backyards, playgrounds, amusement parks, and beaches. "Exploring Interesting Stuff" looks into language, music, math, money, paper, optical illusions, light, color, electricity, magnetism, and sound. With many color photos, cartoon-style drawings, and well-labeled diagrams, the book is brightly illustrated and visually appealing, from its eye-catching endpapers right through to the appended (and sure-to-be-consulted) "Hints, Tips, & Answers." Better written and more engaging than most science experiment books, this book encourages children to learn through reading, observations, and experimentation. Carolyn Phelan Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved The Exploratorium, founded by noted physicist and educator Dr. Frank Oppenheimer in 1969, is an internationally renowned, interactive museum that sees more than 600,000 visitors every year. It was the first museum to encourage visitors to experiment for themselves, and it houses more than 650 hands-on exhibits within San Francisco's historic Palace of Fine Arts.