Launch!

Launch!

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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Demolition by Slingshot

Demolition by Slingshot

From Wacky Contraptions

In this challenge, you can practice following the engineering design process—from brainstorming and drawing a plan to building, testing, evaluating, and possibly redesigning your contraption. Not only will you learn to follow the engineering design process, you will also gain experience with the elastic potential energy of rubber bands and get ideas for future contraptions.

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Build a Wind Instrument

Build a Wind Instrument

From The Science of Sound

Musicians make sound with wind instruments by blowing air into them. You can make your own wind instrument and do some experiments to make different types of sound!

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Waterwheel

Waterwheel

From Wheels Make the World Go Round

Try this hands-on activity to learn more about wheels!

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Cut It Out

Cut It Out

From Wedges Make a Point

Try this hands-on activity and learn more about wedges!

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Reviews

Praise for Climate Change, also in Build It Yourself series

Booklist
“Comparing Earth to a spaceship that relies on fresh water and clean air, this title in the Build It Yourself series focuses on how the planet's systems have become unbalanced, creating a climate change . . . Readers can explore these concepts in more depth through 25 accompanying activities, many of which highlight the scientific method . . . This hands-on approach will get students thinking about their own impact on climate change.”

Detailed Book Description

Where can you experience the laws of motion, the fun of physics, and the chemistry of cotton candy? The fair!

In Fairground Physics: Motion, Momentum, and Magnets with Hands-On Science Activities, readers ages 9 to 12 learn about the forces that rule our world and everything in it by examining the rides, games, and even food you might find at a county fair. Ride the carousel and discover centripetal force. Listen to the music and learn how sound waves travel through the air. Hop on a roller coaster and name the types of energy involved in whizzing you around the track and upside down!

Throughout Fairground Physics, hands-on STEM activities, essential questions, and links to online primary resources help readers learn the fundamentals of the physical world!

Try these hands-on physics projects!

  • Create mini bumper cars
  • Make ice cream
  • Design a roller coaster
  • Build a dunk tank
Available In:
Paperback, $17.95
9781619308916
Hardcover, $22.95
9781619308886
Includes: Table of Contents | Glossary | Resources | Index | Metric Conversions Chart
Specs: 8x10 size | 4-color | 128 pages
Subject: Science
Content Focus: Physical Science | Physics

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Science Can You Find at the Fair?

Introduction
Welcome to the Fair!

Chapter 1
A Little History

Chapter 2
Make Some Motion

Chapter 3
Feel the Force

Chapter 4
Got Energy?

Chapter 5
Have Some Heat

Chapter 6
Ride the Waves

Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Essential Questions
Index