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Electricity and Magnets

We learned about electricity and magnets as part of our Wonders of Science project during January and February, 2002.  Here's more information about these subjects.  The books all came from the Oak Park Public Library < http://www.oppl.org/ >. 

Books About Electricity

Switch On, Switch Off, words by Melvin Berger, color illustrations by Carolyn Croll. New York: Crowell, 1989, 32 p.
Let's-Read-and-Find-Out science book series
J 537/BER
This book provides narrative explanations of how electricity is produced and transmitted, how to create electricity using an electrical wire and a magnet, how generators supply electricity for cities, and how electricity works in homes.  It’s illustrated with drawings of children and simple diagrams.  The author suggests and illustrates a few simple experiments.  The text is written at the Starflight level, and some Starflight members will be able to read it themselves.

The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip, words by Joanna Cole, color illustrations by Bruce Degen. New York: Scholastic Press, 1997, 48 p.
J 621.3/COL
In typical Magic School Bus fashion, this book explains how electric power is generated and transmitted – and why it sometimes blacks out.

Electricity, words by John Farndon, color photos from several sources.  New York: Benchmark Books, 2001.  32 p.
Science Experiments series
J 507.8/FAR
This book mixes pages with explanations of science and engineering concepts with pages giving step-by-step directions for simple experiments and projects.  Sidebars discuss historical notes, explanations, and practical applications.  The text is appropriate for older Adventure level and above.

Experimenting with Batteries, Bulbs and Wires, words by Alan Ward, drawings by Zena Flax.  New York: Chelsea Juniors, 1991.  48 p.
J 507.8/WAR
This book has a bunch of small projects that seem like fun, like making a glowing clown nose and a spinning match box.  It's mostly for older kids (Adventure level and up).

The Science Book of Electricity, words by Neil Ardley, color photos by Dave King.  San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991.  29 p.
(originally created by Dorling Kindersley Limited, London)
J 537/ARD
This book uses text and color photos to give step-by-step directions for simple experiments and projects that demonstrate basic principles of static and current electricity.  Sidebars discuss practical applications of these principles.  The text is appropriate for older Adventure level and above.

Generating Electricity, words by Gregory Vogt, diagrams by Vantage Art, and black-and-white photos from many sources.  New York: Franklin Watts, 1986. 66 p.
J 621.31/VOG
This book describes how many forms of electricity are produced.  It includes instructions for several experiments and a glossary of terms.  The text and ideas are most appropriate for Adventure level and older.
  

Books About Electricity and Magnets

Awesome Experiments in Electricity & Magnetism, words by Michael A. Dispezio, black-and-while illustrations by Catherine Leary, New York: Sterling Pub., 1998. 160 p.
J 507.8/DIS
This book has clear instructions and explanations for over fifty experiments with magnets and static and current electricity.  Most of the experiments are appropriate for Starflight level, although some are more appropriate for home than mini-gym.  (The text will be a challenge for most Starflight kids to read on their own.)

Science Projects About Electricity and Magnets, words by Robert Gardner and black-and-white illustrations and diagrams by Stephen F. Delisle.  Hillside, N.J., U.S.A.: Enslow Publishers, 1994. 128 p.
J 507.8/GAR
This book has detailed instructions and explanations for more than 20 experiments that with magnets and static and current electricity, some of which can be turned into science fair projects.  Because the text is longer and the concepts more complex, this book is most appropriate for the Adventure level of Camp Fire.

Electricity: A Creative, Hands-on Approach to Science, by Wendy Baker & Andrew Haslam, color photos by Jon Barnes, New York: Aladdin Books, 1993. 48 p.
Make it Work! Series
J 507.8/BAK
This book includes step-by-step instructions for experiments and activities that introduce the basic principles of electricity and magnetism.  Many of the activities result in handsome-looking crafts.  Because the text is longer and the activities for detailed, this book is most appropriate for the Adventure level of Camp Fire.
  

Books About Magnets

Janice VanCleave’s Magnets: Mind Boggling Experiments You Can Turn Into Science Fair Projects. Words by Janice VanCleave and black-and-white illustrations by Doris Ettlinger.  New York: Wiley, 1993. 87 p.
J 507.8/VAN
This book is a collection of twenty science projects and experiments using magnets.  Many of them are appropriate for Starflight level, and older Starflight members may be able to read the simple text and step-by-step instructions.

The Magnet Book, words by Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone, color illustrations by Jason Coons, and color photographs by Jeff Connery, New York: Sterling Pub., 1997. 80 p.
J 507.8/LEV
This book provides detailed instructions for about thirty simple experiments exploring magnetism and electro-magnets.  The experiments in this book range from simple ones appropriate for Starflight level through activities, projects, and explanations more appropriate for the Adventure level.  The text is most appropriate for older Adventure through adults.
  

Local Sources for Magnets and Kid-Appropriate Electrical Stuff

Here are the sources we've been using.  Please let us know if you find other local sources.

     Magnets

We found the coolest magnets at Bright Ideas Parent Teacher Store here in Oak Park.  They also have some electrical supplies -- and their own Website:  
   < http://www.brightideasweb.com/ >
          Bright Ideas
          909 S. Oak Park Ave.
          (708) 848 5800

RadioShack on Madison Street has a variety of magnets hidden away in the far northwest corner of the store.
          RadioShack
          914 Madison St.
          (708) 848-0110

Most of our local hardware stores seem to have at least a few small magnets (addresses below).

     Electrical Supplies

We got the following supplies at local hardware stores:

The Ace Hardware on Chicago Avenue had all these supplies, plus some staff with useful advice:
          Dressel's Ace Hardware
          1137 Chicago Ave.
          386-6843

Other local hardware stores probably carry similar supplies.