Simple Space & Flight Experiments With Everyday Materials - Hardcover

Loeschnig, Louis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0806942460 ISBN 13: 9780806942469

Publisher: Sterling, 1998

Synopsis

Did you know that in the 1400s Leonardo da Vinci drew pictures of flying machines? Long before planes and rockets ever existed, humans dreamed of taking flight. Examine the science of aviation--and try numerous experiments that prove all the theories. Using cardboard, a ruler, and other everyday items, learn how air currents work. "Twirly-Whirlies," made out of pencils, cardboard, scissors, and thumbtacks, demonstrate how helicopter rotors operate. With an empty spool, discover the power of centrifugal force. Create a variety of paper airplanes, gliders, and kites and watch them zoom into the skies. Some of these projects can even involve the whole family! And while you're having fun, you're effortlessly gaining a real understanding of Bernoulli's principle, and Newton's law of gravity. 128 pages, 75 b/w illus., 5 3/8 x 8 1/4. NEW IN PAPERBACK.

About this title

Reviews

Grade 3-6-This collection of demonstrations and flying models is accurately titled but skimpy in illustrations and instructions. The kites, spinners, hot-air balloons, simple instruments, and balloon-powered rockets really are made with "everyday materials"-the most equipment-intensive project requires two thermometers-but there are tradeoffs: a drinking cup "turboprop" spins by blowing on the propeller rather than on the vanes, and even decorated as the author urges, none of the models will resemble actual aircraft. Expected results for the experiments are generally but not always specified, and less-experienced youngsters may also be frustrated by the author's evident assumption that they will have no trouble cutting six equally spaced slits around a circle, finding its exact center, or keeping a cardboard tube from sliding down a drinking straw inserted crosswise through precut holes. Line drawings illustrate most but not all of the projects, more often depicting finished models being admired by a turtle or a seagull rather than works in progress. The index includes topics as well as projects, but there are no lists of books, addresses, or Web sites. Considering the plethora of books on similar projects available elsewhere, this is a supplementary purchase at best.
John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sterling
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0806942460
• ISBN 13: 9780806942469
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Zweifel Frances
• Number of pages: 128