Using the concept of "learning by doing," this classroom activity book contains an impressive collection of instructions and guidelines for building physics models that fly through the air, drive on the ground, or paddle through water. Students will use experimentation and analysis in these intriguing physics projects to inspire new and improve upon old designs. Each model is presented in a specific educational context, so teachers can instruct with hands-on experimentation. Students will explore science concepts such as gravity, air pressure, kinetic energy, Newton's laws, electrical circuitry, buoyancy, and inertia. Detailed materials lists and step-by-step directions for building models are structured so that the teacher becomes the director of research and development in a classroom of young engineers. The models discussed in the book include gravity-powered cars, balloon racers, hovercrafts, gravity ball launchers, flying saucers, catapults, chemical mini-rockets, swamp boats, and submarines. Kids are encouraged to test, modify, and redesign based on observation of their models in action, while working cooperatively and learning from one anothers' successes and failures. The engaging material in these activities promote the understanding of science not as a collection of facts to be studied for a test, but as a learning process to be actively experienced.


About the Author
Ed Sobey is president of the Northwest Invention Center, where learning programs about invention are developed and presented, and is treasurer and director of Kids Invent! He lives in Redmond, Washington.


Book Information
ISBN 9781569761939
Author Ed Sobey
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Zephyr Press
Publisher Zephyr Press
Weight(grams) 435g
Dimensions(mm) 279mm * 216mm * 13mm