I am Albert Einstein (Ordinary People Change the World)
By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christoper Eliopoulos
Published by: Dial Books
ISBN-10: 0803740840
Age Range: 5-8 years old
$9.82 on Amazon
The Ordinary People Change the World series is just an amazing way to introduce and inspire kids that each and every famous person out there, started just like them -- as a child full of wonder and curiosity. I Am Albert Einstein by Brad Meltzer brings to life the world of the famous physicist and Nobel Prize Winner, Albert Einstein. We all know that Einstein was one of the greatest minds of the scientific world and it's a daunting subject to bring to kids. Meltzer does an amazing job at bringing Einstein to a relatable and comedic level to kids, helping them understand Einstein as both a boy and man, while also introducing kids to his most famous theories. The comic book style and illustrations of Christopher Eliopoulos really make the story pop and it's easy to read for my 7 year old. My daughter is very curious as are most kids her age. This book starts the seed that being curious can help you in doing your own experiments and the process of scientific inquiry.
Here's a fun science project you can make with your kids, inspired by little Albert Einstein.
How To Make Your Own Compass
When Einstein was five, his father gave him a compass when he was sick. He was always intrigued at how the needle always pointed north. This started his first experience in scientific inquiry and his passion for physics.
This is a DIY great project to teach kids about magnetic forces and is a great introduction into physics.
Supplies:
1 Bowl
1 Metal Sewing Needle or Pin
1 Magnet
1 Water Bottle Cap or Cork
Water
Directions:
1. First, you will need to magnetize the needle so it will be able to point north. Rub the tip/top portion of the needle against the magnet for about 10-20 times. You must rub it in the same direction, not back and forth. If your magnet is stronger, you can rub it for less time.
2. If you are using cork, make sure an adult cuts it to size. It must be thick enough for the needle to run through it.
3. Put the needle in the cork or glue it onto the water bottle cap. Make sure the same amount of length of the needle is pointing out of the cork or the water bottle cap.
4. Fill the bowl with water.
5. Place your compass needle inside the bowl. The needle should start to move and point North.
6. You can double check the direction by using a real compass or use a map or free compass app on a mobile phone or tablet.
7. If the needle doesn't move, re-magnetize the needle. Then repeat steps 4-5 again.
The magnetized needle is now aligning itself with the Earth's natural magnetic field! For me, the compass was pointing towards my window. I had a compass app on my phone, which also pointed toward the window. You can mark an "N" on the cork to designate the north direction.
There's an amazing giveaway happening now with Penguin Kids. Enter the Rafflecopter below to win all 8 books from the Ordinary People Change the World series. Good luck!
Review book provided by Penguin Kids.
