Backyard Bioengineering

Backyard Bioengineering

Bioengineering has been around for a long time. People look to nature to design products that fit certain needs. We can also simply observe nature and see how it works. Inspiration can strike and you might be able to think of a way to improve an existing design.
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Magnetic Field Viewer

Magnetic Field Viewer

From Electricity

You can see magnetic fields in action with this easy-to-make viewer.

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Build a Craft Stick Catapult

Build a Craft Stick Catapult

From Engines!

Ancient armies used catapults in battle. But the catapult has been used as recently as World War I. In that war, soldiers used catapults to toss hand grenades at the enemy. Today, catapults are used to launch planes off the decks of huge ships called aircraft carriers. Because the runway is short on an aircraft carrier, the catapult helps get the plane into the air quickly. Try making your own!

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The STEM in Your Closet

The STEM in Your Closet

From The Science of Fashion

Have you ever really thought about what kind of science, engineering, and technology actually go into making your clothes? Now is your chance! The zipper on your jacket was at one time an engineering miracle. The shirt that has built-in protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays is a scientific innovation that helps to keep you healthy. There is a world of science and engineering in your closet. Just open the door.

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Build the Eiffel Tower

Build the Eiffel Tower

From The Science and Technology of Marie Curie

Built in 1889 for the World Exposition, the Eiffel Tower honored the French Revolution. It also showcased national engineering and design expertise to an audience of global visitors. Originally intended as a temporary monument, it remains one of the world’s most visited landmarks. The structure of the tower itself is actually quite simple! To understand how its rivets and beams join, build a model of your own.

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Reviews

Science Books & Films2016 Best Books List
++: Highly Recommended
"
This book is a fantastic resource for getting children or adults excited about science and bioengineering!"

This Kid Reviews BooksBlog
"
This is a really neat nonfiction book. It explains the core concepts of bioengineering in terms that kids can understand. I really enjoyed how it simplified the theories, which I'm sure are actually quite complex, and also included projects to help the reader understand the topics even more. The projects are simple, and use everyday objects that would cost little to nothing to make. There are neat illustrations that help teach the topics and break up the text in an enjoyable way. This is a really nice introduction to bioengineering and its major ideas. The text is not overly complicated which is amazing because of the complex topics it is covering. This is a very well thought out and written book! The binding of the book reminds me of a school workbook, but the colorful illustrations, projects and engaging text makes it so much better than a textbook! Kids and teachers will like reading this book! I give this book five out of five bookworms!"

National Science Teachers Association Recommends
"I was ready to hear yet again how birds inspired wing design but what I found was much more. This bioengineering book goes from the definition of bioengineering to how it has influenced communication, energy production, household products, architecture, healthy living, clothing and food. This book has something for everyone . . ." Click here to read the entire review online.

 


Project Templates

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Rubber Band–Powered Helicopter

Paper Airplanes


 

Detailed Book Description

In Bioengineering: Discover How Nature Inspires Human Designs, readers ages 9-12 explore the engineering and innovation that come from the natural world around us and use their own interactions with nature to inspire new designs.

  • Introduces bioengineering, which combines life sciences and engineering to inspire scientific discovery and the invention of new technologies.
  • Includes recent relevant topics in the news while providing a historical perspective of previous scientific discoveries.
  • Promotes a sense of responsibility for endangered plant and animal species.
Available In:
Hardcover, $11.45
9781619303669
Paperback, $8.45
9781619303706
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Glossary | Resources | Index | Metric Conversions Chart
Specs: 8 x 10 size | 4-color interior | 128 pages
Subject: Science

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction
What Is Bioengineering?

Chapter 1
Bioengineering in Communication and Sound Waves

Chapter 2
Bioengineering in Energy

Chapter 3
Bioengineered Household

Chapter 4
Transportation

Chapter 5
Construction and Architecture

Chapter 6
Healthy Living

Chapter 7
Bioengineered Clothing

Chapter 8
Farming

Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Essential Questions
Index