Engineering Projects for Young Scientists

Presents practical problems and science fair projects related to engineering and physics, covering such subjects as force, friction, motion, sound waves, light waves, and mechanics

Grade 9-12 After a brief explanation of the relationship between physics and engineering, Goodwin presents a wide range of projects and experiments in force, friction, motion, mechanics, sound, and light waves. Most of these are quite complex and will require some understanding of basic physics princi ples and scientific methods to be com pleted. Many also require considerable time and energy, and access to materi als normally found in high-school phys ics laboratories. The practicality of a few projects, such as trying different brands of skis and waxes to test surface friction, are limitedin this case by ge ography, athletic ability, and financial resources. Some projects may be more accessible or beneficial as topics for classroom discussion and hypothesiz ing. Diagrams are clear and instructive, but photographs are of uneven quality and contribute little. These are definite ly projects for ``young scientists,'' not all young students. Physics projects for younger or less-informed students are found in books such as Zubrowski's Raceways (Morrow, 1985) and Cher rier's Fascinating Experiments in Phys ics (Sterling, 1978; o.p.). Although the audience for Goodwin's book is limit ed, it is an excellent supplement to high-school physics curricula, and a stimulating challenge to young physi cists. Allen Meyer, Vernon Area Pub lic Library District, Prairie View, Ill.
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