Junior Physics resources - x-posted from learning at home

[Greenmama2]

In case anyone here can help

DD 4.5 has repeatedly requested us to "tell me all about physics". She is especially interested in electricity. We have Usborne Starting Point Science which she loves but the electricity section is too simple. The descriptions of the various types of power station simply describe how they get the turbines to spin the generator to which she replies "yes, but how is the electricity made?"
I've found a few animations online and a lot of websites aimed at 10-13 year olds with lots of reading involved. She loves to learn from being read aloud to - from books, not from a webpage. None of the animations seem like they would apeal to her either.
I'd love resource suggestions of any kind (books, webpages etc) both specifically about electricity and more general physics. Any other tiny physicists out there?

[serenbat]

Did you contact your power company? Most are more then willing to educate and may even do a tour. They should have lots of resources material to better understand what is in your local area. I would use them for all you can and continue to look for additional info. Even old Popular Mechanics magazines and the like (ebay, etc) were filled with info even for younger children. There is some reddy kilowatt stuff videos out there that might be of interest.

[kgianforti]

Magic School Bus books. I know there are some about electricity and such. I just can't remember if it's the chapter books, picture books or readers. Sonlight Science K is moving into Physics stuff and a book used is called Isaac Newton and the Laws of Motion. It's a comic book type book...my big girl thumbed through it and thought it was cool, so we'll see!

We also have a book called How Do You Lift A Lion? by Robert E. Wells and that's about simple machines.

[joensally]

Do you have a local science centre? So much fun!

Ditto MSB - DS loved, loved, loved them at that age.

DS enjoys the Basher books:
http://www.amazon.com/Physics-Matter...8716631&sr=1-1

Brainpop has lots of great videos on science topics. If you're in the US, you could also look at Cosmeo through Discovery.

[Greenmama2]

Thanks.I've seen cosmeo but we are not in the US. I had a quick look at brain pop but expected to run into the same problem. I'll have another look at it as I think she'd like it.
She doesn't like Magic Schoolbus unfortunately. I've seen Robert E. Wells in the past and thought she might like them but promptly forgot again. Thanks for reminding me
Contacting the power company is a great idea A mother in our homeschool group mentioned organising a tour last year`must resurect that idea.

[serenbat]

just so you know, in our area-almost everyone will do a tour! from grocery stores to sewer/water treatment and even landfills- lots have nice booklets made up as well

[straighthaircurly]

I highly recommend a set of Snap Circuits http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008BFZH/...l_4063j5fuy3_b

We started DS with the Snap Circuits Jr set when he was 4. Very easy for him to use, I just helped with directions. It will give her a chance to explore what makes a circuit, lead to discussion of the electrons being able to flow in a circle, see the things electricity can do, be creative in creating her own variations, and allow for some experiments where she can measure cause and effect, etc.

[domesticidyll]

Would she like the New Way Things Work? I have also been really impressed by our library's collection as a general resource. I was a fiction kid, but DS is all about the non-fiction section, and we have found some terrific books even at our not-so-wealthy library.

[ChristaN]

I was going to recommend the Basher books as well. I don't know if they have a lot of electricity related games, but you might also want to take a look at the games on physicsgames.net.

[cdahlgrd]

We love making contraptions with ropes and pullys and ramps, etc. We also LOVE snap circuits!! I have had a 4 year old figure it out.