This is a great book (and series) for taking children 'inside" how things happen and why. Much to Arnold's ususal objections to class field trips, the class gets on the bus and enter the world of kitchen chemistry in celebration of Mrs. Frizzle's birthday. Things usually go awry and the children are left to get out of the "sticky situation" by using their apptitude skills and knowledge. This one just happens to highlight the chemistry in the kitchen, and the reward of knowledge comes in the form of a chocolate cake!

I really like watching the animated series for this cartoon, and having a print version is just as much fun. The simple explanations given in the story line are helpful and easy to understand. They also help adults give the information in simple terms for younger readers.

This is a great classroom helper to introduce chemistry to students. It gives concrete examples of it and highlights how this type of science is not just found in a laboratory with goggles and white lab jackets. Class activities could use the experiment at the end of the book for a hands on experience. Students can cut out a cake-shaped flip flap and decorate the front. Inside the flap chemistry facts can be written down. This type of unit must have hands on experiences, and cake taste-testing should be one of them! ( )

http://athomescience.blogspot.com/200... ( )

Mrs. Frizzles' class got everything ready for a birthday party- except a cake! They come up with a plan to make one for her during their trip to the bakery They learn a little bit about chemistry (primarily that when baking soda and vinegar are put together, they make a gas), and we see what sorts of things happen chemistry-wise when a cake is made. In the end Mrs. Frizzle does indeed get her cake. ( )