Passive Dynamic Mini-Walker

Passive Dynamic Mini-Walker

A passive dynamic walker doesn't need a motor or actuator of any kind. Its only power source is the force of gravity! Also called a ramp walker, this system of walking works best on a slightly downward-tilted surface. Give it a little push and gravity will pull it downhill the rest of the way. This method of walking doesn't just save energy, it looks more natural too. Here is one way of making a small-scale passive dynamic walker. Experiment with...
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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

Featured title School Library Journal "Focus on Robo Reads"
“Robot types and features from the past, present, and near future are introduced in this wide-ranging overview. Twenty hands-on activities relate directly to the concepts introduced in the narrative. A ‘WobbleBot' project for example, demonstrates robot movements in a simple, doable form. Cartoon illustrations support the narrative and the clear instructions.”

Publisher's Weekly
“Ceceri's cartoon-illustrated activity book, an addition to the Build It Yourself series, introduces readers to robotics, with information on its history, different robot technologies, and the evolution of the field . . . Light in tone but dense with information, this guide should appeal to those who already have a strong interest in the topic and are ready for a hands-on challenge.”

Children's Literature Review
“Ceceri provides a history and current uses of robots, twenty fairly easy hands-on experiments, and technical discussion of how robots are put together. While this sounds like too much, her narration is clear, concise and interesting . . . My favorite parts of these books, though, are the hands-on projects. I applaud Ceceri for going beyond vibrobot, though those look fun, and including a robotic arm with a discussion of degrees of freedom and simple programming.”

5-Minutes for books
“Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future with 20 Projects is a dream book for the young person who likes to tinker around. All they have to do is open the pages and let their imagination go to town! It is filled with information relating to the history of robots, how you define what is and what is not a robot, and what their uses are. Then, of course, there are twenty experiments contained inside these pages for you to create your own robot . . . I highly recommend Robotics, both for the information that it includes and for the creativity it fosters.”

Ed Sobey, Ph.D., Global Evangelist for Creative Learning, Co-founder of Kids Invent!
“Kathy Ceceri has packed this readable book with tons of information to inspire kids to pursue robotics. The activities are creative and will prepare kids to build their own robots. For children too young to program computers and use soldering equipment, this is the book to whet their appetite for robotics.”

James Floyd Kelly, Writer of LEGO Mindstorms books
“I'm not sure what I like best about this book—the excellent hands-on projects or the easy-to-follow technical discussions or the behind-the-scenes stories about robots in the real world. Thankfully they're all wrapped up in one great book for kids.”

Daniel H. Wilson Ph.D., author of Robopocalypse
“These exciting, bite-sized science experiments will catapult young readers into the world of robotics. Just remember to use your newfound powers only for good!”

Detailed Book Description

Once, robots were only found in science fiction books and movies. Today, robots are everywhere! They assemble massive cars and tiny computer chips. They help doctors do delicate surgery. They vacuum our houses and mow our lawns. Robot toys play with us, follow our commands, and respond to our moods. We even send robots to explore the depths of the ocean and the expanse of space. In Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future with 20 Projects, children ages 9 and up learn how robots affect both the future and the present. Hands-on activities make learning both fun and lasting.

Available In:
Hardcover, $21.95
9781936749768
Paperback, $15.95
9781936749751
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Glossary | Resources | Index
Specs: 8 x 10 size | black and white interior | 128 pages
Subject: Science
Content Focus: Engineering & Technology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction
The World of Robotics

Chapter 1
Development of Robotics

Chapter 2
Housing: Robot Bodies

Chapter 3
Actuators: Making Robots Move

Chapter 4
Effectors: How Robots Do Things

Chapter 5
Sensors: How Robots Know What’s Going On

Chapter 6
Controllers: How Robots Think

Chapter 7
AI, Social Robots, and the Future of Robotics

Glossary
Resources
Index