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.