Aeolipile

Aeolipile

In this project, you can recreate the work of the Greek mathematician Hero, using water instead of steam. The basic principle of action and reaction is the same—for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. As the water shoots out of the holes in the carton, it pushes on the carton with an equal force. NOTE: This project is best performed outside.
Download a Printer-Friendly PDF
Magnetic Field Viewer

Magnetic Field Viewer

From Electricity

You can see magnetic fields in action with this easy-to-make viewer.

View
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!

View
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.

View
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.

View

Reviews

Children's Literature Review
“3 . .. 2 . . . 1 . . . blast off! Get ready to learn about rockets and ballistics with hands-on experiments . Overall, this book will be essential to science teachers and children who aspire to work for NASA.”

Booklist Featured in Blast Off! Summer-Learning Challenge
“The Science and History of rocketry are combined with hands-on experiments for a rich exploration of space propulsion. Would be rocket scientists will find a sold launching pad here.”

Booklist
“Both the hands-on portions and the relatively extensive background information will give would-be rocketeers a strong lift-off.”

Vince Huegele, National Association of Rocketry Education Committee Chairman
“It's a comprehensive overview useful for young readers to get them ready to explore the universe.”

Marla Conn, educational consultant
“I love the link to the Space Shuttle Discovery and other primary sources. Great use of questioning to spark curiosity!”

Detailed Book Description

Do you ever wonder how rockets soar into space? Rocketry: Investigate the Science and Technology of Rockets and Ballistics introduces students to the fascinating world of rocketry and ballistics. Readers discover the history of rocket development, from the earliest fire arrows in China to modern-day space shuttles, as well as the main concepts of rocketry, including how rockets are launched, move through the atmosphere, and return to earth safely. Exploring the science behind rocket flight, kids learn how the forces of thrust, gravity, lift, and drag interact to determine a rocket's path, then imagine new uses and technologies in rocketry that are being developed today and for the future.

Combining hands-on activities with physics, chemistry, and mathematics, Rocketry brings fun to learning about the world of rocket science. Entertaining illustrations and fascinating sidebars illuminate the topic and bring it to life, while Words to Know highlighted and defined within the text reinforce new vocabulary.

Projects include building a pneumatic blast rocket and launcher, determining the role of fins in rocket stability, testing a rocket recovery system, and designing a rocket model of the future. Additional materials include a glossary, and a list of current reference works, websites, and Internet resources.

Available In:
Paperback, $17.95
9781619302365
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Glossary | Resources | Index
Specs: 8 x 10 size | 4-color interior | 128 pages
Subject: Science
Content Focus: Engineering & Technology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction
Blast Off!

Chapter 1
The development of Rocketry

Chapter 2
Basic Rocket Science: Newton’s Laws of Motion

Chapter 3
Rocket Design and Construction

Chapter 4
Taking Off: Launch!

Chapter 5
Rockets in Flight

Chapter 6
Coming Back to Earth: Rocket Recovery Systems

Chapter 7
Rockets at Work

Glossary
Resources
Index