Wacky Contraptions: Gadgets That Whiz, Whoosh, Whirl, and Twist with Hands-On Engineering Activities
Related Books
Forces
Physical Science for Kids
In Forces: Physical Science for Kids, readers ages 5 to 8 observe different types of forces, including gravity, magnetism, pulling, pushing, and friction. By combining children's natural curiosity with prompts for keen observations, quick experiments, and beautiful, detailed illustrations, Forces provides a useful and fun introduction to physical science for kids!
$9.95 - $19.95
Explore Flight!
With 25 Great Projects
Who invented the airplane? How do these machines work? And why do planes have wings? Answer these questions by jumping into the cockpit, putting on your goggles, and soaring into Explore Flight! The 25 projects are designed to inspire young readers ages 6-9 to have fun while learning about people's quest to fly. Kids will
$13.95
Fairground Physics
Motion, Momentum, and Magnets with Hands-On Science Activities
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
$17.95 - $22.95
Explore Light and Optics!
With 25 Great Projects
What is light? Why are optics important? In Explore Light and Optics! With 25 Great Projects, readers ages 7–10 discover how light works, how it shapes our world, and why we depend on it for survival.
$14.95 - $19.95Reviews
Bookworm For Kids
“First comes the theory and knowledge, and then comes the fun as this books invites readers to create their own machines.”
Praise for Biodiversity by Laura Perdew
Booklist
Top 10 Books on the Environment & Sustainability for Youth: 2020
“Activities and accessible text bring the importance and complexity of biodiversity to upper-elementary and middle-school students.”
Praise for Extinction by Laura Perdew
National Science Teachers Association Recommends
“This book uses the concept of extinction to teach a little chemistry, a little climatology, paleontology, biology (biodiversity), ecology, and a lot of geology. The science information is historical and current, drawing on three–dimensional learning, incorporating science practices to determine what factors affect extinction in general and specifically. The integration of concepts help bring the science alive and relevant.”
Teacher Resources
Classroom Guides
For educators! Download a packet of essential questions, mentor texts, and Common Core State Standards to use in classrooms and libraries.
Classroom Guide
Collections
Looking for more? Take a look at related books in these collections!
Detailed Book Description
How do we make contraptions that zoom, bounce, tower, and collapse? By using hands-on STEAM engineering!
In Wacky Contraptions: Gadgets That Whiz, Whoosh, Whirl, and Twist with Hands-On Engineering Activities, young engineers brainstorm, design, and build devices using the engineering design process. Kids learn about simple machines, mechanical advantage, forces, energy, motion, electricity, and other physical science concepts while creating fun and fascinating prototypes that do different kinds of work. Plus, this book encourages kids to adopt a growth mindset and understand that when their projects don’t work, that’s a sign that it’s time to revise and try again!
Built around a plethora of hands-on projects—a conveyor belt, magnetic slime, and a water wheel are just a few examples—a fun narrative style engages kids in discussions of the forces that define our world and the work we do in it. Tension, magnetism, electricity, and chemistry affect our daily lives in ways we often overlook—but armed with the power of knowledge, kids can identify and use the science that surrounds them. Graphic novel style illustrations, photographs, fun facts, sidebars, links to online resources, and more make Wacky Contraptions entertaining and educational.
Try these hands-on STEAM activities!
- Apply a bandage
- Turn on a light
- Pop a balloon
- Launch a paper airplane
- Mix up elephant toothpaste
- Make a mug cake
| Paperback, $19.95 9781647411435 |
Hardcover, $24.95 9781647411404 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction Engineering at Play
Chapter 1: Tension Time
Chapter 2: Amazing Magnets
Chapter 3: Get Going with Gears
Chapter 4: What’s Up with Water?
Chapter 5: Mad About Motors, Batteries, & Electricity
Chapter 6: Counting on Chemical Reactions
Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Select Bibliography
Essential Questions
Index