Build a Craft Stick Catapult

Build a Craft Stick Catapult

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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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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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

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.”

Detailed Book Description

How does a car move from one place to another? How do cranes lift such heavy objects? 

From ancient times to now, engines have powered people’s lives. Engines! With 25 Science Projects for Kids invites readers ages 7 to 10 to explore engines and deepen their understanding of the history of engines, what makes them hum, and all the special jobs they do for humans. Engines! also examines some of the ways mechanical innovation has backfired, such as how the cotton gin extended the history of slavery in eighteenth-century America.

Explore the world of engines through 25 hands-on, science-minded projects. Fascinating facts, essential questions, links to online resources, and even jokes help support deeper learning!

Try these hands-on engineering projects!

  • Construct a rubber band heat engine
  • Build a simple electric motor
  • Demonstrate pressurized air
  • Build a balloon rocket engine
Available In:
Paperback, $14.95
9781619309401
Hardcover, $19.95
9781619309371
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Charts | Glossary | Resources | Index | Metric Conversions Chart
Specs: 8x10 size | 96 pages
Subject: Science

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction
Let’s Explore Engines!

Chapter 1
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock: Clockwork Motors

Chapter 2
Hot-Burning Fuel: Heat Engines

Chapter 3
A Magnetic Attraction: Electric Motors

Chapter 4
Powered by Air: Pneumatic Motors

Chapter 5
Fluids Under Pressure: Hydraulic Motors

Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Essential Questions
Index