Why Do Ice Cubes Float?: Questions and Answers about the Science of Everyday Materials

This fun book provides simple, clear explanations to some of the daily wonders of the natural and human-made world, from how coal and diamonds form to why popcorn pops. Each spread has a theme, such as “Food for thought,” which addresses cooking, “really just a type of science—except you get to eat the results of your experiments,” and offers four relevant questions and answers. Inclusions range broadly but largely concern familiar objects and experiences. The section on boiling, melting, and freezing, for example, contains the questions “Why do some teakettles whistle?” and “Why can you ‘see your breath’ in the winter?” Eye-catching photos and a colorful design add visual appeal. Back matter consists of a glossary, further reading suggestions, a list of Web sites, and an index.