The Book of Massively Epic Engineering Disasters: 33 Thrilling Experiments Based on History's Greatest Blunders (Irresponsible Science) - Hardcover

Connolly, Sean

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0761183949 ISBN 13: 9780761183945

Publisher: Workman Kids, 2017

Synopsis

It’s hands-on science with a capital “E”—for engineering.

Beginning with the toppling of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, to the destructive, laserlike sunbeams bouncing off London’s infamous “Fryscraper” in 2013, here is an illustrated tour of the greatest engineering disasters in history, from the bestselling author of The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science.

Each engineering disaster includes a simple, exciting experiment or two using everyday household items to explain the underlying science and put learning into action. Understand the Titanic’s demise by sinking an ice-cube-tray ocean liner in the bathtub. Stomp on a tube of toothpaste to demonstrate what happens to non-Newtonian fluids under pressure—and how a ruptured tank sent a tsunami of molasses through the streets of Boston in 1919.

From why the Leaning Tower of Pisa leans to the fatal design flaw in the Sherman tank, here’s a book of science at its most riveting.

 

About this title

About the Author

Sean Connolly has written more than 50 books aimed at children and adults, including The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science and The Book of Wildly Spectacular Sports Science. As the father of three he’s ideally suited to explain pitfalls and solutions to these tricky questions.

Reviews

Gr 5 Up—Connolly, author of over 30 other books for children and young adults (most on similar topics), provides the details on a number of historically epic disasters in engineering. From the Titanic and Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Connolly explains the possible errors that led to disastrous results. Thirty-three experiments allow readers to examine for themselves what may cause a tower to collapse, a ship to spill enormous amounts of oil into the water, and more. Two-color cartoon images accompany the historical accounts and activities; however, these images tend to skew on the younger side. Each project includes simple steps and explains its relation to the disaster it means to mimic. With ever-advancing technology present in the lives of readers, this text provides the chance for aspiring architects, engineers, and other problem solvers to understand past mistakes before building future wonders. Parents, children, and educators can turn to this book for quick problems to solve. After understanding the flaws that led to disaster, students could then attempt to create their own structures or vehicles with a better understanding of the engineering behind them. VERDICT Public and school libraries should consider this light, STEAM-based collection of projects for purchase.—Sarah Knutson, American Canyon Middle School, CA

Edition details

• Publisher: Workman Kids
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0761183949
• ISBN 13: 9780761183945
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256