The practical activities in How to Dazzle at Being a Scientist will help secondary pupils to learn basic scientific skills, such as: planning an experiment; using a microscope and bunsen burner; heating and evaporating substances; separating techniques; measuring techniques; the properties of acids and alkalis, electricity, food, gases, light and magnetism; how to prepare salts; and chemical and physical changes.

In nontechnical language and with 119 photographs and drawings, the author clearly explains how a microscope works and what kind to use; how to adjust the instrument; and more. At the same time, Stehli shows how to prepare the objects being examined; how to use chloroform; and much more.