Build a Craft Stick Catapult

Reviews

School Library Journal
“An anthropomorphic beaver and snail provide a brief history of engines and 25 hands-on activities that demonstrate the concepts presented. A time line at the beginning of the text spotlights key advancements in engine engineering. An introductory chapter quickly explains the use of catapults and siege engines, the earliest steam engines, and modern engines. Subsequent chapters focus on clockwork motors, heat, electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic engines. Sprinkled throughout each chapter are illustrations and photographs, definitions of key terms, QR codes to access video content, additional fact boxes, and jokes and riddles provided by the snail. Each chapter ends with several projects that, as the topics progress, become more challenging. . . A glossary, metric conversions, additional books and websites, and an index can be found in the back ­matter. ­VERDICT An additional purchase where STEM materials are in high ­demand.”

Jaclyn Johnson, Senior Lecturer, Michigan Technological University
“Engines! takes kids on a fascinating journey to understand the workings of engines in various contexts, while providing numerous hands-on activities to allow kids to test and explore their knowledge, fueling their passion and curiosity.”

Norman H. Garrett III, Adjunct Professor, University of North Carolina, Charlotte
“This book is a great overview of engines and motors of all kinds. Young readers will enjoy learning about how we make and use power in all sorts of systems, and be challenged to think about new ways to harness energy for useful work. The hands-on exercises are fun and do-able, and fill a void that most books ignore. Kids will learn how to ‘make’ rather than just how to ‘think’ about engines and power.”