Simple Energy Car

Simple Energy Car

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Build the Best Swimmer

Build the Best Swimmer

From Gravity

Discover how the connection between swimming and gravity!

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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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Explore Friction on a Ramp

Explore Friction on a Ramp

From The Physics of Fun

One part of physics that affects everything you do is friction! Friction is a force that occurs when two surfaces rub against each other. Smoother surfaces generate less friction, while rough or bumpy surfaces generate more friction. Check it out!

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Launch!

Launch!

From Fairground Physics

Most older roller coasters are pulled up that first hill. However, some newer coasters have pneumatic launch systems. That means a shot of compressed air launches the coaster up the hill. We’re going to build a simple version of that with a straw that you blow through.

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Reviews

Moonbeam  2009 Silver Award Winner

National Science Teachers Association
“Why we need power and how we get it are the topics addressed by this wonderfully informative book for middle school children; it teaches them about the sources of the energy used in everyday life. In this day and age, our students need to be educated on which resources are renewable and nonrenewable and why it is important that all resources be utilized.”

School Librarian's Workshop
“Energy is a necessary resource that comes in many forms and is used in many different ways. This book defines and explains a dozen kinds of energy from electricity and petroleum to solar power and geothermal energy in a way that middle grade students will understands. It includes illustrations, sidebars and 25 projects to help them comprehend the text plus an interesting chapter on ‘The Future of Energy' and how students can perform a home energy audit.”

Connect Magazine
“A good collection of information and activities that introduce and compare both renewable and nonrenewable resources. Twenty-five projects are included for creating a variety of models, simulations, and experiments to give readers hands-on experiences in energy and power generation. This book has many good ideas for activities that can be completed as a class, in small groups, or individually. Students in second through sixth grade would benefit most from this book, a 2009 Moonbeam Children's Book Award Winner.”

Children's Literature Evaluation and Review (CLEAR)
“Giving kids a hands-on opportunity to see energy in action, these 25 projects are an exciting introduction to the ways this hot topic affects both world politics and everyday lives. The tough topics of energy shortages are covered with enthusiasm in a lively discussion so kids can make educated, positive changes for their future.”

Old Schoolhouse Magazine
“Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power and How We Get It is a wonderful book for a science-loving kid. It's recommended for ages 9-12, but my 7 and 8-year-old sons enjoyed it as much as my 10-year-old son. This is one of those wonderful books that you can leave strategically placed for your child to pick up, and the next thing you know they're coming to you asking for supplies to do the activities. They're learning and don't even know it! ... I learned a lot about energy from reading this book, and so did my sons. I would absolutely recommend Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power and How We Get It.”

Detailed Book Description

Energy is a vital part of our lives. It powers our computer, lights our home, and moves our car. It also costs a lot of money and pollutes our environment. In Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power and How We Get It kids ages 9-12 learn about the history and science of the world's energy sources, from nonrenewable fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas to renewable sources such as solar and wind power.

Sidebars and fun trivia break up the text, making it easily accessible and engaging, while hands-on projects encourage active learning. Requiring little adult supervision and using supplies commonly found in most households, activities range from constructing a battery to recreating an oil spill to see how difficult cleanup can be.

By exploring the advantages and disadvantages of each energy source, kids will gain insight into the future of energy and its impact on our planet.

Available In:
Paperback, $15.95
9781934670347
Includes: Table of Contents | Glossary | Resources | Index
Specs: 8 x 10 size | black and white interior | 128 pages
Subject: Science
Content Focus: Physical Science

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
Energy Basics

Chapter 1
What’s the Buzz? What Energy Really Is

Chapter 2
Electricity

Chapter 3
Hydrogen

Chapter 4
Petroleum

Chapter 5
Natural Gas

Chapter 6
Coal

Chapter 7
Nuclear Power

Chapter 8
Wind Power

Chapter 9
Hydropower

Chapter 10
Solar Power

Chapter 11
Geothermal Energy

Chapter 12
Biomass

Chapter 13
The Future of Energy

Glossary
Resources
Index